Building Engineer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Provides building maintenance and preventative maintenance for services across the Illinois Tech (IIT) Mies Campus to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for students, staff, faculty, and tenants. Monitors, operates, maintains, and repairs building equipment and systems including, but not limited to heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, infrastructure, carpentry, locks & keying, and grounds maintenance, including snow removal.
Works under direct supervision of the area manager (AM)/lead building engineer (LBE); in the absence of or at the direction of the AM/LBE, makes independent decisions concerning maintenance and preventative maintenance issues. Promotes a positive and inclusive work environment with respectful interactions with others. Works collaboratively and creatively with team members in the Facilities Department as well as with campus partners.

Educates and instructs designated maintenance mechanics, trainees, and grounds workers by demonstrating the best method for troubleshooting problems and maintaining systems/controls such as HVAC, to ensure effective day to day operations of buildings. Performs all duties in compliance with established IIT safety requirements; work order procedures; and procurement, vendor, supplier, and purchasing requirements.

This is a union position covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Illinois Tech and the International Union of Operating Engineers .

Current and future Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) determine this position’s wages. The current starting rate, as of March 2025, is $48.02 per hour. Benefits Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: COMMUNICATIONS 1. Participates as required in customer, contractor, and departmental meetings to obtain project requirements, estimate manpower needs, and coordinate schedules to make sure that maintenance projects are completed on a timely basis.
2. Works closely with maintenance mechanics, trainees, and grounds workers to ensure that assignments are timely and meet quality and safety standards.
3. Provides detailed written communication for work order system documentation.
4. Communicates with management, team members, and IIT colleagues to achieve positive results. CUSTOMER SERVICE 1. In understanding the requirements of excellent customer service, collaborates and partners to develop strong relationships with internal IIT departments and customers.
2. Facilitates strong customer relations and partnerships within IIT and with external contractors. Interacts in a cooperative and professional manner with tenants, staff, faculty, managers, foremen, co-workers, and contractors to resolve problems, perform repairs, and keep projects on schedule. Delivers best-in-class customer service. Special Schedule Requirements Shift and workdays are to be determined. Applicants must be available to work on all days/shifts and take on-call responsibilities. This is a union position with IUOE Local 399. Qualifications Education & Experience 1. High school diploma or GED; required.
2. Associates Degree or Stationary Engineer Education Certificate; preferred
3. Completion of an approved stationary engineer training program; or other qualified training program; required.
4. 2 years of experience after receiving the City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License; preferred.
5. Experience within a high-rise building with complex systems; preferred.
6. 2 years of experience as a City of Chicago Stationary Engineer in a high-pressure steam environment; preferred.
7. 4 years of experience HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and electrical; Preferred.
8. 2 years of experience with boiler/pressure vessels; required.
9. Formal training, education, or certification in electrical; preferred.
10. Prior experience as a first responder to building problems; a plus.
11. Experience working in a variety of commercial occupancy building with tenants or in an educational or hospitality environment; preferred.
12. Experience in a building that incorporates LEED operations and maintenance; a plus. Knowledge & Skills 1. Knowledge of City of Chicago building codes.
2. Demonstrates ongoing professional/trade education and training.
3. Possesses the knowledge and ability to work in and produce documents in Excel, Word, and Outlook; a plus.
4. Technical knowledge of computerized control and building automation software and systems; required.
5. Knowledge of general mechanical systems, boilers, electricity, plumbing, soldering, brazing, welding, and HVAC controls; required.
6. Locksmith skills; a plus.
7. Able to read and interpret documents, schematics, and blueprints.
8. Able to perform mathematical functions relevant to the position.
Knowledge & Skills:
1. Has good verbal and written communication skills and demonstrates the ability to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations to achieve desired results. Communicates effectively in English; both verbal and written.
2. Is proficient in problem-solving (troubleshooting) and development of solutions in a complex work environment.
3. Demonstrates experience working independently and on a team.
4. Performs repair issues across a broad spectrum of services, recognizes and effectively troubleshoots problems, and prioritizes work.
5. Demonstrates the ability to complete jobs independently with high-quality workmanship, minimal supervision, and in a timely manner.
6. Demonstrates the ability to take ownership for the overall flow of work and timely completion to meet customer service requirements and to minimize the down time of building repairs, maintenance, and preventative maintenance.
7. Considers safety in all aspects of the execution of the work to contribute to a safe environment for the students, staff, faculty, tenants, and visitors in accordance with Illinois Tech Environmental Health and Safety, and other Federal, State, or City Agencies.
8. Uses a variety of specific hand and power tools, electric meters, equipment, lifts, ladders, and scaffolds to perform duties.
General Skills:
1. Possesses the ability to work in a rapidly changing environment on multiple tasks with frequently changing priorities.
2. Has the ability to work independently and make decisions involving considerable initiative and ingenuity.
3. Is an effective communicator and collaborator with the ability to negotiate and gain buy-in with critical partners and customers.
4. Possesses the ability to maintain compliance with IIT safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment. SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY No supervisory duties and no budget authority. Physical Environment and Requirements Normal office environment
Shared workspace
Laboratory environment
Outdoor environment
Other
Is able to work in mechanical machinery/boiler rooms, on rooftops, lifts, ladders, and scaffolds, and under floor areas; may be exposed to wet or dirty environments, fire, steam, or gas leaks, electrical or mechanical hazards, harsh weather, extreme heat or cold, and long hours in emergency situations.
Must be able to walk extensive distances; lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements; bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time; climb stairs and ladders; work at heights as required; and enter and work in confined spaces.
The work locations and conditions vary from day to day. Certifications and Licenses List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. 1. City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License; required
2. Universal Refrigerant Certification (CFC); required
3. OSHA 10, 30 current in the last 12 months; preferred
4. Lock Out Tag Out Hazardous Energy Control training and Confined Space training current in last 12 months; preferred
5. National Fire Protection Association 73 ARC Flash Training current in last 12 months; preferred
6. Current valid driver’s license; required Key Responsibilities Key Responsibility PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
1. At the direction of the Facilities Operations & Maintenance Department (FOM) staff, contributes to the development and recommendations for the maintenance programs and schedules. Provides oversight and direction to designated maintenance mechanics, trainees, and grounds workers as required for building systems. Self-identifies facilities needs in the field and helps translate them into PM schedules and tasks.
2. Responsible for troubleshooting, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of the building mechanical and associated electrical systems including, but not limited to, boilers; engines; pumps; compressors; condensers; heat exchanges; generators; chillers; cooling towers; air conditioners; swimming pools; HVAC, building automation, refrigeration, and chemical feed systems; ice machines; interior water plumbing; sewage systems; fire suppression systems; and other equipment in assigned buildings and for exterior utility infrastructure.
3. Performs scheduled maintenance and preventive maintenance using hand and power tools. Works from ladders, scaffolds, confined spaces, and roofs to maintain and repair equipment and fixtures. Percentage Of Time 40 Key Responsibility TESTING AND INSPECTION OF MECHANICAL AND CONTROL SYSTEMS:
1. Systematically tests and troubleshoots the total mechanical system to diagnose and identify potential problem areas checking for compatibility and safety of mechanical components to ensure proper function.
2. Identifies and locates equipment problems and checks that repairs and preventative maintenance tasks are on schedule, fully completed, and that equipment and systems are working effectively and efficiently.
3. Follows up with contractors and FOM to report on any mechanical components that have failed testing procedures. Advises FOM management of any hazardous conditions.
4. Systematically tests, troubleshoots, and calibrates direct digital and pneumatic control systems using such devices as Magnehelic gages, voltmeters, and ohmmeters.
5. Systematically tests and troubleshoots HVAC and refrigeration systems using diagnostic instruments and gages. Works cooperatively with building automation technicians to field test and verify equipment and systems. Percentage Of Time 10 Key Responsibility REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION:
1. Prepares, reviews, and studies schematics and drawings for work orders to determine the work requirements and the sequence of maintenance repairs, preventative maintenance, and installation of systems. Works collaboratively with contractors to coordinate installation, repairs, and safety improvements across IIT buildings and grounds.
2. Troubleshoots and analyzes to make the necessary part replacement or system repair, as required. In the absence of or at the direction of the AM/LBE, makes independent decisions concerning maintenance and preventative maintenance problems. Percentage Of Time 20 Key Responsibility WORK ORDER RESPONSE:
1. Responds to service calls from the Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS,; AM/LBE, and/or the facilities customer service desk. Analyzes problems making appropriate repairs, adjustments, and/or recommendations for work order requests. Provides feedback on the repair, and documents completion and outstanding issues in the IWMS and/or reviews with the AM/LBE.
2. Maintains accurate, complete, and timely records in the IWMS for all requests and completion of work.
3. Delivers services within established department customer service, quality, and cycle time standards. At the direction of the AM/LBE, provides oversight and direction for maintenance mechanics, trainees, and grounds workers to install, maintain, or repair equipment and fixtures. Percentage Of Time 10 Key Responsibility SERVICE CALLS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE:
1. Emergency overtime and call-in responsibilities are required. Required to carry a phone and respond to calls and texts daily, and outside of working hours. Available to management to assist in any unexpected or emergency campus-wide situations. Participates in snow removal.
2. In the absence of, or at the direction of the AM/LBE, makes independent decisions on maintenance and preventative maintenance problems. Percentage Of Time 10 Key Responsibility OTHER DUTIES:
1. Completes mechanical and building system inspection rounds, records operating conditions, and checks for problems. Uses appropriate tools and equipment to install, maintain, and verify proper operation of building systems and equipment.
2. Maintains documentation of building systems operations, equipment, and work performed, utilizing approved FOM methods, including log book entry and completion of inspection checklists. Performs scheduled preventative maintenance.
3. Maintains accurate records in the IWMS for all maintenance and preventative maintenance requests and completion of work.
4. Complies with all IIT policies and procedures for requisition of materials, contractors, and supplies.
5. Provides oversight to maintenance mechanics, trainees, and grounds workers in the field and in the performance of duties as designated.
6. Performs other duties as assigned. Percentage Of Time 10