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Local Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... startup environment. Reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment efficiency 5. Cross-Cultural & Global Collaboration Serve as the primary liaison between local operations and Gotion ...

... startup environment. Reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment efficiency 5. Cross-Cultural & Global Collaboration Serve as the primary liaison between local operations and Gotion ...

Commissioning or startup experience. * Experience working with U.S. contractors and local permitting authorities. * Background in EPC contractor, construction firm, or owner's engineering team. * PMP ...

People Ops Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

... local employment laws, proactively evolving them as regulations change Qualifications * 6+ years of experience in People Operations, HR, or a related role in a high-growth startup or similarly fast ...

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Local Startup information

What is the difference between Local Startup vs Local Small Business?

AspectLocal StartupLocal Small Business
CredentialsVaries; often entrepreneurial or technical skillsTypically less formal; may require basic business knowledge
Work EnvironmentInnovative, fast-paced, flexibleStable, community-focused, routine
Employer & IndustryNewly formed, tech or service sectorsEstablished, retail, hospitality, or local services
Search & Comparison IntentStartup culture, entrepreneurship, innovationLocal services, community support, small business

In summary, a local startup is typically a new, innovative company focused on growth and disruption, often in tech or emerging industries. A local small business is usually an established, community-oriented enterprise providing essential services or products. Both share a local presence but differ in their stage, environment, and growth mindset.

What are some typical challenges faced when working at a local startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Working at a local startup often means adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. You may encounter challenges like shifting priorities, limited resources, and the need to wear multiple hats within the team. To prepare, it helps to be flexible, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity. Building strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset will enable you to contribute effectively as the team navigates growth and change together.

What is a local startup?

A local startup is a newly established business that operates primarily within a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. These companies are typically founded by entrepreneurs who aim to address local needs or gaps in the market. Local startups often focus on innovation, rapid growth, and building a strong community presence. They may receive support from local investors, incubators, or government programs designed to foster entrepreneurship. The success of a local startup is often tied to its understanding of the local market and its ability to adapt quickly to community needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Startup Founder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Startup Founder, you need a strong entrepreneurial mindset, business acumen, and knowledge of your target market, typically supported by experience in business management or a related field. Familiarity with tools like business plan software, financial modeling platforms, and digital marketing systems is often essential. Leadership, resilience, and effective networking are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities enable founders to navigate challenges, drive growth, and build sustainable businesses within their local communities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Startup jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Startup jobs in Illinois are:
QA/QC Engineer, Mechanical Systems

QA/QC Engineer, Mechanical Systems

ARCO a Family of Construction Companies

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$28K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

ABOUT YOU

Are you passionate about quality and precision in construction projects? Do you thrive on ensuring compliance with rigorous standards while managing timelines and budgets? If the answer is, “Yes!” then we have an opportunity that will impress you. Who are we? We are ARCO, a Family of Construction Companies.

ARCO/Murray is seeking a QA/QC Engineer to support the testing, startup, setup, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems across design/build projects. This role is ideal for someone with 2–5 years of relevant experience who wants to grow their technical expertise in field execution, commissioning support, mechanical operations, and system performance verification. The Jr. Mechanical Systems Specialist will work closely with project teams, vendors, subcontractors, controls contractors, and senior technical staff to help deliver safe, functional, and reliable mechanical systems.


WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We are dedicated to the well-being of our associates and are proud to be consistently recognized as a Best Place to Work. Our compensation and benefits package not only supports our associates and their families but benefits local communities and communities around the world.

  • Industry-leading performance-based bonus program
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Traditional and Roth 401k
  • Company supported relocation
  • Tuition reimbursement for associates
  • Scholarship for associates’ children up to $28,000 per child
  • 1-month paid sabbatical after every five years of employment, plus $5,000 for travel
  • 1-week paid volunteer leave each year
  • 100% charitable match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • Paid parental leave

Typical base compensation for the QA/QC Engineer role is between $75,000.00 and $95,000.00. Candidates with extensive experience may exceed this range. In addition to base salary, the role is eligible to receive discretionary bonus compensation based on individual and company performance.

At ARCO, our first core value is to treat people fairly and do the right thing. We are committed to building and sustaining a culture that supports diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

From recruiting, training, and hiring practices to selecting our subcontractors, we understand that diversity of all those involved in the construction process enhances our ability to deliver the best solutions to our customers. We hire the best and the brightest from across the country – constructing a team of experts in architecture, design, engineering, project management, and business services.


A DAY IN THE LIFE
  • Support startup, setup, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and associated controls
  • Assist with pre-startup readiness reviews to verify equipment installation, piping completion, controls integration, labeling, and general system readiness
  • Participate in vendor startup activities for chillers, pumps, cooling towers, air handling units, CRAHs, CRACs, hydronic systems, and related mechanical equipment
  • Help execute pre-functional checklists, startup forms, and functional test procedures for mechanical systems
  • Verify mechanical equipment and systems are operating in accordance with design intent, project specifications, and sequences of operation
  • Assist in troubleshooting mechanical and controls-related field issues and support resolution with subcontractors, vendors, engineers, and project teams
  • Observe and document system performance including temperatures, pressures, flows, alarms, safeties, and equipment staging during testing
  • Support TAB coordination and help verify systems are properly set up for balancing and performance validation
  • Coordinate with BAS and controls teams to verify point functionality, alarm status, communication, and sequence execution
  • Document deficiencies, testing observations, and corrective actions clearly and accurately
  • Support commissioning meetings, startup planning efforts, and system turnover activities
  • Communicate field findings to project managers, superintendents, engineers, and senior commissioning or QA/QC staff
  • Help maintain organized project documentation related to mechanical startup, testing, issue logs, and closeout
  • Promote safe work practices and support compliance with project safety requirements

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to travel to project sites as needed
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering tech., Construction Engineering, or related technical field preferred; equivalent technical education or relevant field experience will also be considered
  • 2–5 years of experience in mechanical systems operations, startup, commissioning support, service, troubleshooting, construction, or building operations
  • Basic to intermediate knowledge of HVAC and mechanical building systems, including chilled water, condenser water, pumping, air distribution, and heat rejection systems
  • Familiarity with mechanical equipment such as chillers, pumps, cooling towers, AHUs, CRAHs, CRACs, VFDs, valves, and associated instrumentation
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment submittals, and sequences of operation
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with a desire to grow technical troubleshooting capabilities
  • Comfortable spending time on active construction jobsites
  • Familiar with construction practices and principles
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, subcontractors, vendors, and clients
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with construction or commissioning software such as Procore, CxAlloy, Facility Grid, or similar platforms is a plus
  • Experience in mission critical, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, or other complex technical environments is a plus
  • Relevant certifications or training related to commissioning, HVAC systems, controls, or mechanical operations are a plus

MAKE YOUR MOVE

We are proud to be one of the fastest-growing, privately-owned companies in America, celebrating over 30 years of experience as design-build experts. We have completed over 6,550 design-build projects nationwide. We ranked #6 on ENR’s Design-Build Firms list and #29 on ENR's Top 400 Contractors list of 2025.

Most importantly, our clients like us, trust us and want to do business with us. We are looking for people with the same enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the hard work that brought us to where we are today. Are you a person that can make a difference at ARCO? If the answer is, “Yes!” we look forward to meeting you.

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from ARCO’s Human Resource team. Pre-approval is required before any external candidate can be submitted. ARCO will not be responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes and for candidates who are sent directly to our hiring managers. Agencies must have a fully executed vendor agreement in place as well as written approval to submit candidates from an ARCO TA Manager for a specific position before submitting candidates.

#LI-QC1 #LI-Onsite


LEGAL DISCLAIMER

EOE, including disability/vets

Qualifications:
  • Ability to travel to project sites as needed
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering tech., Construction Engineering, or related technical field preferred; equivalent technical education or relevant field experience will also be considered
  • 2–5 years of experience in mechanical systems operations, startup, commissioning support, service, troubleshooting, construction, or building operations
  • Basic to intermediate knowledge of HVAC and mechanical building systems, including chilled water, condenser water, pumping, air distribution, and heat rejection systems
  • Familiarity with mechanical equipment such as chillers, pumps, cooling towers, AHUs, CRAHs, CRACs, VFDs, valves, and associated instrumentation
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment submittals, and sequences of operation
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with a desire to grow technical troubleshooting capabilities
  • Comfortable spending time on active construction jobsites
  • Familiar with construction practices and principles
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, subcontractors, vendors, and clients
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with construction or commissioning software such as Procore, CxAlloy, Facility Grid, or similar platforms is a plus
  • Experience in mission critical, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, or other complex technical environments is a plus
  • Relevant certifications or training related to commissioning, HVAC systems, controls, or mechanical operations are a plus
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

ARCO a Family of Construction logo

About ARCO a Family of Construction

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Established in 1992 as The ARCO Way, this design‑build general contracting firm has grown to 48 regional offices across the U.S., with more than 1,000 associates delivering over $5 billion in construction annually. As one of the nation's top design‑build firms, ARCO specializes in cold‑storage, warehouses, laboratories, multi‑family housing, senior‑care campuses, food & beverage processing, data centers, and controlled‑environment agriculture. Their client base spans coast‑to‑coast repeat relationships in both commercial and specialty sectors.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992