Lead Engineer

About the Role

Distinctive Schools is an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities. The Lead Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing all building systems to ensure a safe, secure, and aesthetically attractive environment for students, staff, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance
  • Perform preventive maintenance on all building systems
  • Respond to and resolve maintenance requests in a timely manner
  • Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
  • Inspect and maintain building infrastructure
  • Comply with all building codes and regulations
  • Prepare reports and documentation
• Vendor Management
  • Act as liaison between vendors, campus, and network staff
  • Manage supply organization and procurement
  • Ensure utility efficiency
  • Partner with Campus Operations Manager regarding larger facility project needs or concerns
  • Organize and coordinate working crews if applicable
  • Apply established safety standards
  • Lead maintenance projects
• Campus Preservation/Cleaning
  • Keep building and premises clean, safe, and neat at all times
  • Clean, dust mop, scrub, and wax resilient floors using appropriate equipment
  • Clean cafeteria spills and debris, and properly dispose of refuse
  • Routinely break down cafeteria tables/benches for thorough cleaning
  • Clean and vacuum carpeted surfaces
  • Spot clean and scrub walls
  • Empty wastebaskets and properly dispose of refuse
  • Clean, scrub, and disinfect bath and shower room areas, including walls, sinks, bowls, and glass mirrors
  • Stock toilet paper and towel dispensers
  • Change light bulbs
  • Clean whiteboards, blackboards, and erasers
  • Clean and disinfect water fountains, chairs, and desktops in classrooms and offices
  • Repair small projects around the building using hand tools

Requirements

• High School Diploma

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience as maintenance or custodial staff
• HVAC License
• Strong understanding of building codes and regulations
• Experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex systems
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with supervisors, staff, families, students, and the public
• Work independently and in teams with limited supervision
• Comfortable with computers and web-based programs

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling
• Fine finger dexterity
• Job requires 30% walking and 70% standing

Benefits

• 25+ paid holidays & 15 days PTO
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match: fully match up to 3%, 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• Additional benefits available

Pay

Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience

Location: 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Reports To: Director of Operations
Start Date: August 2026