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Chief Operating Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Waterton

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Chief Engineer will safeguard the interests of the owners by maintaining the physical condition ... Operating Procedures (SOP's). What our ideal candidate looks like: * You've "been there, done that"

The Salvation Army

Chief Building Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $104K/yr

Chief Building Engineer LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light REPORTS TO: Executive Director PEOPLE MANAGER ... Minimum of 5 years' experience in managing and operating a facility in excess of 100,000 square ...

Bloomington-Normal YMCA

Internship

Bloomington, IL · On-site

... programming needs. Internships are provided for both undergraduate and graduate students, as needed by their degree program. The Chief Operating Officer is the primary supervisor of the internship ...

Bloomington-Normal YMCA

Internship

Bloomington, IL · On-site

... programming needs. Internships are provided for both undergraduate and graduate students, as needed by their degree program. The Chief Operating Officer is the primary supervisor of the internship ...

Insight

Support Specialist

Chicago, IL

$18 - $20/hr

Under general supervision of the Executive Vice President/COO and the Vice President - Nursing ... Engineering when repairs are needed. Takes check to cashier and maintains receipts and calendar

WinsAbove

Sales Engineer (Presales)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Drive thought leadership and be a trusted advisor for key business and technical stakeholders including CIO, CTO, COO, CRO, CDO, Head of Product Engineering, and Head of Payments. * Work to deeply ...

Alexander Chapman

Chief of Staff

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... Chief of Staff seat to sit directly alongside founder leadership. This is a high-velocity, high ... Engineering. * Operating Rhythm & Accountability: Design and run the company's operating system ...

New

Cage Engineering Inc

Survey Crew Chief

Lisle, IL · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

About CAGE CAGE Civil Engineering is a trusted leader in civil engineering, land surveying, and ... You'll be responsible for supervising survey crews, operating Trimble GPS and robotic total ...

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Chief Operating Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$29

$55

$81

How much do chief operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief operating engineer in Illinois is $55.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.19 and $59.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief operating engineer?

A Chief Operating Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of engineering systems within a facility, such as HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems. They lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring that all equipment runs efficiently and safely. Their role often includes managing budgets, coordinating repairs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and implementing preventative maintenance programs. Chief Operating Engineers typically work in large buildings, industrial plants, or commercial complexes. This position requires extensive technical knowledge, leadership skills, and relevant certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief operating engineer?

To thrive as a Chief Operating Engineer, you need deep expertise in building systems operations, mechanical and electrical engineering, and typically a Stationary Engineer license or relevant certifications. Proficiency in HVAC, boiler controls, computerized building management systems, and compliance with safety regulations is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for managing teams and responding swiftly to facility issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of critical infrastructure, minimizing risks and costly downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief operating engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Operating Engineers often face the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with strict safety regulations and budget constraints. They must ensure that all engineering systems run smoothly while coordinating maintenance schedules and responding quickly to unexpected mechanical issues. Effective communication with cross-functional teams and proactive planning are essential to minimize downtime and optimize resource allocation. Staying updated on industry best practices and investing in staff training can help address these challenges and lead to more efficient operations.

What is the difference between Chief Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectChief Operating EngineerMaintenance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC, boiler operator licenses, or engineering certificationsOften requires HVAC or electrical certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentSupervises building systems, mechanical equipment, and facilities managementPerforms maintenance, repairs, and inspections of equipment and systems
Employer & IndustryFound in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilitiesCommon in manufacturing, facilities, and building management

The Chief Operating Engineer oversees the operation and maintenance of building systems, ensuring safety and efficiency, while the Maintenance Engineer focuses on repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but the Chief Operating Engineer has broader supervisory responsibilities.

What does a chief operating engineer do?

A chief operating engineer oversees the operation and maintenance of building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to ensure safety and efficiency. They typically manage staff, perform inspections, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety regulations, often requiring relevant certifications and technical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chief Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chief Operating Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operating Engineer jobs in IL?

For Chief Operating Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chief Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Operating Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,038 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Waterton

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Waterton rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 204 rated real estate companies

Job description

Who is Waterton?
We are passionate about delivering an incredible Resident Experience, which we believe is made possible by offering an extraordinary experience for our talented associates. We value performance that delivers experiences that exceed expectations, coupled with an unwavering commitment to Investor, Guest, and Resident service excellence. With over 30 years of investment and property management experience, we strive to exemplify what we call Resitality®.
We are looking for a talented Chief Engineer to join our team!
The Chief Engineer will safeguard the interests of the owners by maintaining the physical condition of property and equipment according to company guidelines and standards, and protecting the property and equipment from damage, loss and deterioration. This position assesses and directs the service team.
How you will contribute to our team:
  • Service Requests: You will ensure service requests are assigned to appropriate service technician and completed professionally and accurately within twenty-four (24) hours, which may include scheduling an appropriate vendor if necessary. You will ensure that all service requests are signed off and you will report any variance from our 24-hour commitment where appropriate.
  • Preventive Maintenance: You will update, execute and document preventive maintenance schedule on a regular basis and advise Community Manager of outstanding items.
  • Property Inspections and Maintenance: You will perform regular property inspections to ensure compliance with established standards regarding the grounds, risk management, safety, cleanliness and general appearance, including cleanliness and landscaping management.
  • Employee Management: As the manager, you will plan and direct the activities of the service team. You will partner with the Community Manager regarding all aspects of the employment cycle - recruitment, hiring, orientation, training and development, performance management and discipline in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Resident Relations: As a "front line" employee who interacts very regularly with our residents, you will work to establish and maintain good relations with residents, prospective residents, all customers, vendors and co-workers. You will use your communication skills to interact in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
  • Occupancy Management: You and your team will ensure apartments are ready for occupancy by overseeing and scheduling all facets of the make-ready process in accordance with leasing needs and as outlined in the Waterton Residential Standards of Performance. This includes but is not limited to move out/move in inspections, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, carpet cleaning/replacement, painting, equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance and cleaning.
  • Budget Preparation and Management: Assist Community Manager in preparing the property's budget for normal maintenance operations and recommend property upgrades and capital improvements. Monitor the budget and plan purchases and contracted services in accordance with approved budgetary guidelines. You will also help make recommendations for capital improvement projects.
  • Maintain Commitment to Safety: You and your team will maintain life safety equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, sprinklers, emergency generators, fire panels, smoke detectors, CO detectors, etc., including testing equipment as required. You will ensure there is a safe, clean and organized work environment (i.e. shop, pool maintenance room, storage areas). You will utilize all reasonable safety measures and precautions and require Associates to do the same.
  • Overall: You'll be an excellent teammate who helps create and deliver departmental and organizational goals, including sharing best practices on process improvement, refining and introducing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

What our ideal candidate looks like:
  • You've "been there, done that". Our ideal candidate a minimum of five (5) years of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, drywall repairs, carpentry, and/or pool/spa maintenance experience. Minimum of two years' supervisory experience or equivalent is required.
  • You have some credentials. We require a High School Diploma or equivalent. In addition, You must have your EPA-CFC Certification. An EPA-LBP certification is required for any property older than 1978.
  • You're a great communicator. You easily manage relationships and build rapport with others, and you're a pro at motivating others.
  • You know how to hire, retain, and develop others. You can manage human resources concerns at the site level, and you have a sharp eye for hiring, engaging and retaining top maintenance talent.
  • You're very tech-savvy. You'd consider yourself an experienced user of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook, as well as property management software like Yardi.
  • You like change; you really like change. You can easily adapt as the situation warrants, and you are able to focus on multiple deadlines and change as the demands and fast pace requires. You also possess very strong project management skills, juggling big and small tasks alike.
  • You're a taskmaster. Your time and project management skills are very strong, and you have the ability to focus on the smallest details while keeping the larger process running effectively to meet and juggle tight deadlines.
  • You're a fixer. You demonstrate tact and empathy when dealing with Resident and Associate concerns, and you work to resolve them quickly, never losing sight of the criticality of customer service.

How we will recognize and reward you:
This is a Union position. Healthcare, retirement and other related benefits are provided through partnership with the Union.
Why Waterton?
Waterton has grown from very humble beginnings with one phone and two desks to the successful, nationally recognized real estate investment and management firm it is today. As Waterton has evolved and grown, one thing has remained constant, the drive to achieve results by exceeding expectations.
Our Associates embrace and embody The Waterton Way, which serves as our core values: Be Nice, Listen and Talk, Own It, Get It Done, and most importantly Have Fun. We look for exceptional candidates with the passion and expertise that it takes to wow every resident, guest, and investor.
We firmly believe that our superior ability to serve our customers differentiates us. We empower our Associates to think and act like an owner and use the Waterton Way to serve our residents and guests in a way that exceeds their expectations, going above and beyond to create the ultimate service experience or what we call Resitality®!
Does this sound like you? Apply today!
Waterton strongly supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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