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Lead Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Distinctive Schools

Lead Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Lead Engineer F.T.E: 1.0 Location: CICS Longwood- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643 Reports To: Director of Operations Salary: Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience Start Date: August ...

New

Distinctive Schools

Lead Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Lead Engineer F.T.E: 1.0 Location: CICS Longwood- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643 Reports To: Director of Operations Salary: Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience Start Date: August ...

New

OVS Technologies Inc

Java Lead Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Java Lead Engineer Location: Chicago, IL (Local Candidates Preferred) Duration: 12 Months Job Summary Caterpillar is seeking an experienced Java Lead Engineer to contribute to the design, development ...

Cococolima

Lead Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

Whether you're an engineer, project manager, operations expert, or in another field, we offer a ... Get started a career in Industrial company Lead and coordinate projects from start to finish ...

New

Rush Oak Park Hospital

Lead Engineer

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Location: Oak Park, Illinois Business Unit: Rush Oak Park Hospital: Rush Oak Park Hospital Department: Facilities Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule ...

Aprio

Lead Engineer (AWS)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $132K/yr

Aprio Advisory Group, LLC is a progressive, fast-growing firm looking for a Lead Engineer (AWS) to join their dynamic team. Ready to do more with your Microsoft security expertise? Join Aprio and ...

Aprio

Lead Engineer (Azure)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$98K - $132K/yr

Aprio is a progressive, fast-growing firm looking for a Lead Engineer to join their dynamic team. At Aprio, we're not just checking boxes-we're securing the future. As a Microsoft Security Engineer ...

Northern Base

Lead AI Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Roles & Responsibilities Own solution architecture and technical delivery; select technology and engineering patterns; define skills, roles, effort, dependencies; lead engineers through delivery ...

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All JobsLead Engineer JobsLead Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lead Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$127.6K

$186.1K

How much do lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead engineer do?

A Lead Engineer is responsible for overseeing technical projects, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring that design and development processes meet organizational goals. They serve as both a technical expert and a team leader, providing mentorship, setting project timelines, and coordinating with other departments. Lead Engineers often participate in decision-making, problem-solving, and quality assurance to deliver successful engineering outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Lead Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools, version control systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective project delivery, team coordination, and technical excellence in complex engineering environments.

What is a lead engineer?

A lead engineer oversees a team of engineers who work on maintaining and streamlining corporate projects. In this job, your primary duties and focus is on the equipment, technology, and infrastructure that make up the company’s operating system. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering and specialization in the company’s industry. You hone your skills as a junior engineer before gaining enough experience to advance your career to a lead engineer position.

What are some common challenges lead engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Lead Engineers often face the challenge of aligning technical teams with stakeholders from other departments, such as product management or quality assurance. Balancing project deadlines with technical excellence can require strong communication and negotiation skills. It's also common to encounter differences in priorities or technical understanding, so building consensus and fostering collaboration are key. Adapting to shifting project requirements while maintaining team morale is another important aspect of the role.
More about Lead Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lead Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Lead Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 25% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,617 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Lead Engineer

Distinctive Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position Title: Lead Engineer
F.T.E: 1.0
Location: CICS Longwood- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Reports To: Director of Operations
Salary: Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience
Start Date: August 2026
The Mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
Position Description:
The Lead Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection. This position leads activities which assure the exterior and interior environment is safe, secure, and aesthetically attractive. The Lead Engineer will oversee supply orders and act as a liaison between vendors. In addition to performing cleaning duties, as needed and directed.
Maintenance
  • Perform preventive maintenance on all building systems
  • Respond to and resolve maintenance requests in a timely manner
  • Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
  • Inspect and maintain building infrastructure
  • Comply with all building codes and regulations
  • Prepare reports and documentation

Vendor Management
  • Act as liaison between vendor, campus and network staff
  • Manage supply organization and procurement
  • Ensures utility efficiency
  • Partner with Campus Operations Manager regarding any larger facility project needs or concerns
  • Organize and coordinator working crews if applicable
  • Apply established safety standards
  • Lead maintenance projects

Campus Preservation/Cleaning
  • Keep building and premises clean, safe and neat at all times
  • Clean, dust mop, scrub and wax resilient floors with use of appropriate equipment as needed to protect floor finish
  • Clean cafeteria of any spills and/or debris, and properly disposes of refuse
  • Routinely break-down cafeteria tables/benches for cleaning in between table/bench tops, sides, legs and underside of each
  • Clean and vacuum carpeted surfaces
  • Spot clean and scrub walls
  • Empty wastebaskets and properly disposes of refuse
  • Clean, scrub and disinfect bath and shower room areas, including walls, sinks, bowls and glass mirrors. Stock toilet paper and towel dispensers
  • Change light bulbs
  • Clean whiteboards, blackboards, and erasers
  • Clean and disinfect water fountains
  • Clean and disinfect chairs and desktops in classrooms and office
  • Repair small projects around the building utilizing hand tools

Requirements
Education
  • High School Diploma

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of experience as maintenance or custodial staff
  • HVAC License
  • Must possess physical ability to perform all required work
  • Strong understanding of building codes and regulations, as well as experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex systems
  • Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, staff, families, students and the public
  • Work independently and in teams to complete job duties and assignments in a timely manner with limited supervision
  • Technology demands:Comfortable with a computer and web-based programs

Physical demands
Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% walking and 70% standing.
Why Join the Distinctive Schools Team:
  • ???25+ Paid holidays & 15 days PTO
  • 12 weeks family paid leave
  • Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • 403b match
    • Fully match up to 3%
    • 50% match up to 5%
  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement
  • Gym and wellness discounts
  • And more

Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191

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