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Chief Operating Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Chief Engineer, DCEO

Hobart, IN ยท On-site

$96 - $166/hr

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

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 ...

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

Service Manager

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$100K - $125K/yr

Keep the COO informed of critical disruptions, major breakdowns, or high-risk operational issues. Required Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a ...

Sales Engineer (Presales)

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

... 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

Survey Crew Chief

Lisle, IL ยท 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 ...

Key Requirements * 20+ years as a CEO, President, GM, or senior operating executive with full P&L ... Engineering, Customer Success, Finance, and Operations. * Strong financial leadership with ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Chief Operating Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30

$59

$86

How much do chief operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief operating engineer in Chicago, IL is $59.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.40 and $63.41 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 popular job titles related to Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Operating Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Chief Operating Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,358 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Data Center Chief Engineer, DCEO

Socket.dev

Hobart, IN โ€ข On-site

$96 - $166/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Join our dynamic Data Center Engineering Operations Team and become a critical architect of the infrastructure that powers global cloud computing. You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the heartbeat of Amazon Web Services' physical infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations that support millions of customers worldwide.

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves planned preventative maintenance of equipment, daily corrective work, and emergency response. The CE serves as an expert technical resource interacting with onsite Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT) and any third-party vendors. They are expected to be a singular focal point for all facility operations within a given data center and to support AWS.

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, weโ€™re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain โ€” and weโ€™re looking for talented people who want to help.

Youโ€™ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. Youโ€™ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And youโ€™ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

NOTE: Amazon does not sponsor for immigration, including for H-1B, TN, and other non-immigrant visas, for this role.

NOTE: Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who relocate for this position.

Key job responsibilities
  • Act as the primary escalation point for all facilities-related issues. Oversee operation and management of routine and emergency services on a variety of critical systems such as switchgear, generators, UPS systems, power distribution equipment, chillers, cooling towers, computer room air handlers, building monitoring systems, etc.
  • Perform root cause analysis of equipment failures and troubleshooting of facility within internal Service Level Agreements (SLA).
  • Provide training and guidance to Engineering Operations Technicians and are responsible for working with Facility Manager (FM) to set team culture.
  • Create and deploy new standard practices for Engineering Operations Technicians, Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams
  • May assist in the building out of new facilities and assist in projects to increase current facility efficiency
  • Working outside of normal business hours for routine maintenance as required, including responding to out-of-hours emergency calls.
  • Communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
  • Work with IT managers and other business leaders to coordinate projects, manage capacity, and optimize plant safety, performance, reliability and efficiency
  • Ensure all safety procedures are adhered to by vendor and Amazon staff
  • Establish building performance benchmarks, conduct analyses, and prepare reports on all aspects of the critical facility of operations and maintenance.
  • Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and other basic administrative tools to perform day-to-day tasks
  • Serve as the on-site fire protection subject matter expert (SME) and single point of contact for the local Fire Marshall, building a strong working relationship to support timely Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) issuance and rack handoffs.
  • Establish and maintain the baseline standard for site-wide fire safety, ensuring all fire detection, suppression, and monitoring systems remain fully operational.
  • Plan and lead bi-annual fire drills across all facilities and set the standard for site-wide fire safety training.
  • Serve as the SME and single point of contact for all operations, safety, and compliance matters within the Ancillary Water Building (AWB).
  • Establish operating standards and oversee monitoring, compliance, and training for the Ancillary Water Building (AWB) to ensure safe, reliable operation.
Physical Requirements
  • Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodation:
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds independently
  • Participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds
  • Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder
  • Regularly walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs, twist, bend, work above shoulders, grasp, carry, push and pull objects into position
  • Work in an environment requiring provided ear protection
Essential Requirements
  • Ability to travel to or commute between data center locations as needed
  • Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training periods or until assigned facility is operational
  • Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility

Candidates must be able to travel (over 50 miles) or commute (less than 50 miles) to active data center sites as required by business needs.

Basic Qualifications
  • 3+ years of electrical and mechanical facilities maintenance, or 3+ years of electrical facilities maintenance and 2+ years of mechanical facilities maintenance experience
  • 3+ years of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel experience
  • Experience reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in data center engineering or operations
  • Experience in construction or project management
  • Can work in an environment that involves walking, stooping, bending, and climbing to access equipment
  • Experience leading technical teams through daily operations and maintenance evolutions

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, IN, Hobart - 96,000.00 - 166,300.00 USD annually

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