ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Union Building Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Elgin Community College

Building Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$78K/yr

This is a Full-Time Building Engineer position with a starting salary of $78,312. The salary offer ... SSECCA Union Member Information: The initial posting date for this position is 07/29/2029. Elgin ...

DuPage County ROE

Building Engineer (BR)

Wheaton, IL

$20.90/hr

UNION MEMBERSHIP : This position is represented by the Oswego Custodial/Maintenance Association ... The Building Engineer is an important member of the building staff, and, as such, assumes ...

Will County ROE

Building Engineer (BR)

New Lenox, IL

$20.90/hr

UNION MEMBERSHIP : This position is represented by the Oswego Custodial/Maintenance Association ... The Building Engineer is an important member of the building staff, and, as such, assumes ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.54/hr

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

CBRE

Building Engineer 1:30p-10p

Northbrook, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Building Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring, maintaining and repairing ... Please note this is NOT a union role and is located in Northbrook, IL.* What You'll Do: * Perform ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 6am-2pm

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 11a-7p

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 2pm-10pm

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and ... Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building. * Maintain heating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Building Engineer JobsUnion Building Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Union Building Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$33

$54

How much do union building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for union building engineer in Chicago, IL is $33.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union building engineer?

Union Building Engineers are skilled professionals responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems, in commercial or residential properties. They are members of a labor union, which often provides them with benefits like collective bargaining, job security, and specialized training. Their daily tasks include troubleshooting equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring that facilities operate efficiently and safely. Union Building Engineers play a critical role in maintaining the comfort and functionality of buildings, often working closely with property managers and other maintenance staff.

What is the difference between Union Building Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectUnion Building EngineerMaintenance Technician
CertificationsRelevant HVAC, electrical, or plumbing licenses; often union-certifiedBasic HVAC, electrical, or plumbing certifications; may be non-union
Work EnvironmentLarge commercial or institutional buildings, unionized settingsVariety of settings including residential, commercial, or industrial
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in unionized facilities like hospitals, schools, government buildingsWidely used across industries, often non-union

The Union Building Engineer typically has union certifications and works in large, unionized facilities maintaining complex building systems. Maintenance Technicians often have similar certifications but work in a broader range of environments, including non-union settings. The key difference lies in union affiliation and the scope of responsibilities within large institutional buildings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a union building engineer?

To thrive as a Union Building Engineer, you need a strong background in building systems maintenance, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, often backed by a technical diploma and union apprenticeship or journeyman status. Familiarity with building automation systems, preventative maintenance software, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, reliability, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient building operations and rapid response to maintenance issues, which are critical for occupant comfort and regulatory compliance.

What challenges do union building engineers face when managing older facilities?

Union Building Engineers working in older facilities often encounter challenges such as outdated mechanical systems, limited access to replacement parts, and the need to comply with current safety and energy regulations. Troubleshooting legacy HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems requires both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Collaboration with vendors, contractors, and the facilities management team is essential to prioritize upgrades while minimizing downtime for tenants or building occupants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Union Building Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Union Building Engineer job openings:
Union Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Building Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,314 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

BUILDING ENGINEER

Building Services of America

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Building Engineer - Non Union
Arlington Heights, IL
Monday - Friday First Shift
On-Call/OT/Weekends as needed/Holidays as needed
Pay Rate COE: $45.00 PH
Duties of Building Engineer:
  • Meeting and Prioritization
    • Regular meetings with the manager to discuss and prioritize tasks.
  • Common Area Inspections
    • Inspection of landscaping.
    • Detailed inspections of high-visibility common areas, emphasizing elevators, lobby, laundry room, and pool (seasonal).
  • Equipment and Facility Inspections
    • Thorough inspection of boiler room, HVAC systems, and compactor room to check equipment operation and cleanliness.
    • Examination of mechanical rooms, with necessary minor or major repairs undertaken after consultation with the manager.
    • Completion of assigned tasks, including work orders for common areas and service requests for individual units (if any).
  • Team Collaboration
    • Meetings with maintenance staff for task review and inspection.
  • System Adjustments
    • Inspection and adjustment of temperature controls and gauges as necessary.
    • Evaluation of security and fire alarm panels.
    • Checking circulating pumps for domestic hot water and cool water booster pumps for required pressure levels.
  • Attendance and Professional Conduct
    • Strict adherence to attendance requirements.
    • Prohibition of accepting side employment or engaging in fraternization with residents or staff.
    • Immediate dismissal for policy violations.
  • Additional Responsibilities
      • Willingness to undertake additional tasks as assigned when needed.

    REQUIRED SKILLS:
    • HVAC Trade Proficiency
      • Demonstrated trade skills in HVAC.
      • HVAC Certified
    • Technical Manual Interpretation
      • Ability to interpret and understand maintenance manuals.
    • Engineering Experience
      • Proven experience as an assistant building engineer.
      • Valid Stationary Engineer License for State or City of position location (i.e., IL or City of Chicago).
    • Communication Skills
      • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
      • Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred.
  • Benefits:
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • 401(k)
    • Paid time off
    • Referral program

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
EXTERNALLY POSTED POSITION.
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.

Apply