Chief Engineer | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and mechanical systems.
• Ensure optimal performance and uptime of all equipment and infrastructure.
• Manage building automation systems (BAS/BMS) and energy management programs.
• Conduct routine inspections of facilities to identify and address maintenance needs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
• Ensure all systems are serviced regularly to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, and compliance documentation.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential issues before failures occur.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee renovation, capital improvement, and infrastructure projects.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and service providers, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Support facility upgrades and modernization initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, fire codes, and environmental standards.
• Oversee safety programs and risk mitigation strategies for the facility.
• Conduct safety audits, drills, and compliance inspections.
• Lead emergency response efforts related to facility operations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, including labor, materials, and capital expenditures.
• Monitor expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Prepare forecasts and long-term maintenance planning.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the engineering and maintenance team.
• Establish work schedules, assign tasks, and ensure performance standards are met.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Provide training on systems, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Support day-to-day operations and special events by ensuring facility readiness.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and operational issues.
• Collaborate with operations, security, and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or certification in engineering, facilities management, or related field preferred.
• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance or engineering roles.
• 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; building automation systems (BAS/BMS); and fire and life safety systems.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) preferred.
• Familiarity with energy efficiency programs and sustainability practices is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to work primarily on-site in a facility or venue environment. May require evenings, weekends, and on-call availability for emergencies or event support.
• Exposure to mechanical rooms, rooftops, and various environmental conditions.

Pay

The yearly salary for this position is $95,000 - $105,000.

Schedule

This position is full-time (FT).

Benefits

Benefits for FT roles include: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).