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

Building Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.8K - $11K/mo

Chicago Operations Union: IFT Location: 5301 W. Lexington St. Chicago, IL - Cook County Salary ... with courses in engineering and two years of administrative experience, preferably including ...

Building Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.8K - $11K/mo

Chicago Operations Union: IFT Location: 5301 W. Lexington St. Chicago, IL - Cook County Salary ... with courses in engineering and two years of administrative experience, preferably including ...

MEP design Engineer of record, Environmental, Structural, and Architectural) • Assists in scope ... building operations • Experience managing unionized and non-unionized employees ADDITIONAL ...

Showing results 41-60

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 11, 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:
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.

Director, Building Operations

Chicago Housing Authority

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$115K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Building Operations will manage all activities related to the CHA's operations and maintenance of critical building systems.  This position will focus on establishing best management practices, process and documentation standardization for critical buildings systems across all CHA portfolios. Reporting to the Deputy Chief, Capital Construction Director supervises relevant CHA staff and vendors related to building preventative and routine maintenance, environmental, health and safety operations, health and safety, and energy management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop policies and procedures for implementation by Professional Property Managers and site building engineers, such as work order and fixed asset documentation for reporting within CHA system of records

  • Establish and execute strategic direction for the Building Operations team in alignment with CHA goals.

  • Manage partnerships that provide outside funding for energy efficiency projects in alignment with the CHA's Capital Improvement Program

  • Provide oversight for CHA' s energy consumption and utility management.

  • Direct improvements to CHA's energy consumption monitoring systems.

  • Collaborate with the environmental, health and safety program for compliance with applicable HUD, State and local regulations.

  • Maintain current working knowledge of emerging technology for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems.

  • Participate in reviews of CHA plans for existing and new housing developments to ensure maximum efficiency and ease / ability to maintain new or improved system components is incorporated into design and construction plans.

  • Manage and ensure compliance with new and existing Energy Performance Contracts.

  • Oversee the management of multiple contracts with vendors; inclusive of routine and preventative maintenance and repair service providers, critical building system consultants, as well as material and supply distributors and MEP contractors.

  • Facilitate meetings as part of interdisciplinary capital and maintenance improvement program implementation teams.

  • Foster a collaborative teamwork environment. Promote energy and enthusiasm. Maximize productivity. Motivate employees with recognition and career growth opportunities.

  • Oversee and manage the functions, short and long-term goals, standards and performance of subordinate staff.

  • Respond to emergencies and conduct on-going inspections of CHA buildings.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's degree in Architecture I Design, Engineering, Environmental Policy, or a related field or the equivalent combination of skilled trades and related work experience.  A minimum of six plus years of related experience with emphasis on Facilities Management, Engineering Operations, Vendor Management, Project Management/Construction and Consulting.  Knowledge of LEED standards, HUD regulations (preferred but not required), knowledge of CHA policies, and reporting requirements governing energy efficiency and facilities management. 

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Strong desktop computer skills including Word, Excel, Power Point. Ability to work on multiple assessments. 

Applicant must be able to travel to CHA properties for operational oversight, construction assistance or emergency response. Must be available to respond to crisis twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE
    Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package    
    Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
    Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
    Long-Term Care Insurance
    Pet Insurance
    Parking Transit
    Prepaid Legal Services
    Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
    Identity Theft Protection
    Hospital Indemnity Insurance
    Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
    Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
    Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
    Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA's established policies and procedures.

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received."

Salary: $115,000 - $120,000

Grade: S10

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None