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Operations Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Business Operations Associate Location: Chicago, IL Office: 3 days/week in South Loop office ... Chief Business Officer (CBO) About Tavern Research Tavern Research is a political tech startup ...

Operations Manager Location: Columbia IL Employment Type: Full-time Alertus is seeking a highly ... Supervise fieldwork, including installation, startup, and final project delivery. * Assist in ...

Special Operations cyber operators, startup engineers & operators, and formerly frustrated cybersecurity practitioners. We're committed to helping solve our common security problems: ineffective ...

Company Description Five to Nine is an award-winning VC-backed startup looking to hire an Operations Coordinator who wants to help scale a product that is influencing the future of work. We've been ...

Company Description Five to Nine is an award-winning VC-backed startup looking to hire an Operations Coordinator who wants to help scale a product that is influencing the future of work. We've been ...

DevOps Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54.25 - $74.50/hr

Our client, located in River North, is hiring a Systems Engineer to help build their DevOps culture ... Proven success in high-growth startup environments * Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer ...

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Field Operations Manager

Moline, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Field Operations Manager A respected, growth-oriented, dynamic leader in the Chicagoland industrial ... Entrepreneurial aptitude in the startup and/or growth of an organization. * Knowledge of, and ...

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Operations Startup information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$23

$47

How much do operations startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations startup in Illinois is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is operations startup?

Operations startup refers to the process of establishing and launching the operational aspects of a new business, facility, or project. This involves setting up systems, processes, staffing, supply chains, and other essential functions to ensure the smooth and efficient running of day-to-day operations. Professionals in operations startup typically focus on planning, coordination, resource allocation, and process optimization to achieve operational readiness and meet business goals. Successful operations startup is crucial for minimizing risks, controlling costs, and ensuring a strong foundation for future growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Operations Startup, and why are they important?

To excel in Operations Startup roles, you need strong analytical skills, project management experience, and an understanding of business operations, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Excel, project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), and data analytics platforms is typically required. Effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are vital soft skills for leading cross-functional teams and navigating uncertainty. These capabilities ensure efficient launch processes, rapid scaling, and the ability to address challenges unique to startup environments.

What are some common challenges faced during the initial phases of an Operations Startup role, and how can they be effectively managed?

In the early stages of an Operations Startup role, professionals often encounter challenges such as setting up efficient processes from scratch, aligning cross-functional teams, and managing rapid changes as the business scales. Navigating these hurdles requires strong project management skills, clear communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building relationships with key stakeholders early on and implementing regular feedback loops can help address issues quickly and foster a collaborative environment, ultimately supporting the startup's growth and operational success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Startup jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Operations Startup jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Operations Startup job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,683 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
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 13 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 Project Manager role is between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00. 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

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