1

Chief Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL

$102K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Engineer FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Facilities Our Mission: Since the 1893 World ... Qualifications * 10 years engineering work experience, including customer service, leadership and ...

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Engineer FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Facilities Our Mission: Since the 1893 World ... Qualifications * 10 years engineering work experience, including customer service, leadership and ...

Staff Chief Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$169 - $254/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

The Chief Engineer acts as both a technical leader for the engineering team as well as an ... Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the ...

[UNION] Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97 - $114/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title [UNION] Assistant Chief Engineer Summary Responsible to assist the Chief Engineer with ... Assists with maintenance/engineering issues (plumbing, HVAC, electrical) as required * Remains ...

The Chief Engineer helps oversee the maintenance staff in a fair and consistent manner and will build and maintain professional relationships with coworkers as well as professional rapport with ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL

$45 - $60.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain, and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

The Chief Engineer helps oversee the maintenance staff in a fair and consistent manner and will build and maintain professional relationships with coworkers as well as professional rapport with ...

The Chief Engineer helps oversee the maintenance staff in a fair and consistent manner and will build and maintain professional relationships with coworkers as well as professional rapport with ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain, and adjust boilers ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain, and adjust boilers ...

Responsible for supervising the Chief Engineers or maintenance techs for properties in an assigned ... engineering services for a hotel. Certification and/or License Requirement: Professional ...

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Effectively manage engineering related capital projects. Responsible for the preventative ... All HEI Chief Engineers are working Chief's. * Hotel experience preferred. * Knowledge of hotel ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$90.1K

$175.4K

How much do chief engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineering in Illinois is $90,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering knowledge, leadership experience, and a relevant engineering degree—often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software, CAD systems, and industry-specific technical tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills help distinguish high-performing Chief Engineers. These competencies are crucial for successfully leading engineering teams, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Chief Engineering vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineeringMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing engineering teams and projectsDesign, analysis, and development of mechanical systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, industrial, and infrastructure projectsCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product design

Chief Engineering roles focus on leadership, project oversight, and strategic planning within engineering teams, often requiring experience and advanced credentials. Mechanical Engineers are involved in designing and analyzing mechanical systems, typically with a focus on technical expertise. Both roles are essential in engineering industries but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineering, often referred to as the Chief Engineer, oversees all engineering operations within an organization. They are responsible for managing engineering teams, developing technical strategies, ensuring that projects meet quality standards, and maintaining compliance with safety and industry regulations. The Chief Engineering also collaborates with other departments to support business objectives and drive innovation. Their leadership ensures the technical excellence and efficiency of engineering projects from conception to completion.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief engineering officer when leading cross-functional teams?

As a Chief Engineering Officer, one common challenge is ensuring effective communication and alignment between engineering and other departments, such as product management, design, and operations. Balancing technical priorities with business objectives often requires negotiation and strategic planning. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines can be demanding. Successful Chief Engineering Officers proactively address these challenges by promoting transparency, encouraging collaboration, and implementing clear processes for decision-making.

What job categories do people searching Chief Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chief Engineering jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chief Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,066 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

$102K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position: Chief Engineer

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Facilities

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the management and daily leadership of the engineering team with a focus on safely, efficiently, and effectively operating building machinery and systems. The Chief Engineer will implement and manage all aspects of the fire/life safety, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, controls), and electrical preventive maintenance programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Supervise and manage engineers including training and personal development
  2. Oversee the maintenance and continuous operation of all building systems including: fire/life safety, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing) electrical (lighting, generators, primary switch gear, and building automation systems)
  3. Identify maintenance objectives and incorporate those objectives into a documented plan that includes all necessary preventive, corrective and/or reliability maintenance procedures
  4. Has in-depth knowledge of all building systems and maintenance processes
  5. Understands aspects of construction planning and execution
  6. Executes equipment inspection and monitoring programs
  7. Implements maintenance best practices to improve overall mechanical equipment uptime
  8. Continuously evaluates current maintenance, operations and reliability methods and implements changes to enhance effectiveness
  9. Identify safety hazards within the building and incorporate the remediation of such hazards to ensure that the building's staff and occupants work in a safe environment.
  10. Responsible for overseeing the activities of contractors working within the building
  11. Responsible for keeping records of buildings rounds, meter readings, logs and data sheets.
  12. Manage contracted maintenance staff and vendors
  13. Responsible for ordering all supplies and materials
  14. Performs additional job duties as requested.

Qualifications

  1. 10 years engineering work experience, including customer service, leadership and supervisory experience
  2. City of Chicago Stationary Engineers license
  3. Demonstrated technical expertise in facility related systems
  4. Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, CMMS, and building automation systems
  5. Demonstrated verbal/written communication skills

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision from the Facilities Operations Manager.

Supervision Exercised:
This position has direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:
40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm

Hybrid Eligibility:
Not Eligible

Location:
1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable

Pay Range: $102,000 - $104,000/Annually

We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where team members from all backgrounds can thrive.

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.