Chief Building Engineer

Professional Career•Chicago, IL

33d•Onsite

About The Position

Moody Bible Institute is seeking a Chief Building Engineer to provide day-to-day technical leadership for the building systems and infrastructure that support its Chicago campus. This role is an opportunity to bring technical expertise and leadership experience to a mission-driven environment where reliable facilities directly support education, ministry, and student life. The Chief Building Engineer oversees the daily operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical building systems across Moody's urban campus. This position serves as a primary technical resource for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, central plant, building automation, and fire/life safety systems. The Chief Building Engineer also provides day-to-day leadership to engineering and maintenance staff, coordinates preventive maintenance, oversees specialized contractors, and responds to building system issues and emergencies. The ideal candidate is a skilled, hands-on building engineer who combines strong technical knowledge with practical leadership and takes pride in maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient facilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience operating and maintaining commercial, institutional, or similarly complex building systems and mechanical equipment.
At least three (3) years of supervisory or team leadership experience within building operations, engineering, or facilities maintenance.
Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining HVAC, central plant, boiler, chiller, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems.
Working knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and facility controls.
Experience with preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex mechanical and building system issues.
Ability to effectively lead employees, coordinate work assignments, and work collaboratively with contractors and internal stakeholders.
Possession of applicable licenses and certifications, including Universal EPA Refrigeration Certification, and other certifications required by prevailing trade practices or regulatory requirements.
Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Ten (10) or more years of building engineering, commercial facilities, or institutional maintenance experience.
Experience leading engineering, mechanical, or facilities maintenance teams.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical education, certifications, training, and experience.
Additional certifications or licenses relevant to building engineering, HVAC, refrigeration, electrical systems, facilities operations, or maintenance management.
Experience working in a higher education, healthcare, commercial, or other complex multi-building environment.
Experience monitoring building energy usage and identifying opportunities to improve system efficiency and performance.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of critical campus building systems.
Oversee HVAC equipment, central plant systems, chillers, boilers, electrical distribution, plumbing, pumps, compressors, and related mechanical equipment.
Monitor building automation systems (BAS) and respond to alarms, system conditions, and operational issues.
Coordinate response to equipment failures and emergency repairs to minimize disruption to campus operations.
Troubleshoot complex building system issues and provide hands-on technical support when needed.
Help ensure campus facilities operate safely, reliably, and efficiently for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Supervise, train, and provide day-to-day direction to assistant engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, and other assigned staff.
Assign and prioritize work orders based on operational needs and urgency.
Monitor completed work to ensure repairs and maintenance meet established quality and safety standards.
Support staff development by sharing technical knowledge, providing coaching, and reinforcing safe work practices.
Coordinate staff schedules and coverage to maintain appropriate support for campus operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain preventive maintenance programs for critical building systems and equipment.
Utilize the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, equipment history, and repair activity.
Monitor equipment performance and recurring maintenance issues to identify opportunities for improved reliability.
Help maximize equipment life and reduce unplanned downtime through consistent preventive maintenance practices.
Monitor building automation and mechanical systems to support energy-efficient campus operations.
Identify opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption while maintaining appropriate building comfort and operational performance.
Assist with evaluating equipment performance and recommending operational or equipment improvements.
Coordinate and oversee specialized third-party contractors, including elevator, roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other building service providers.
Monitor contractor work for quality, safety, and adherence to project requirements.
Provide technical support for facility improvement and capital projects involving campus building systems.
Work with Facilities leadership, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to coordinate building system shutdowns, repairs, upgrades, and installations.
Help ensure building operations comply with applicable city, state, and federal regulations, building codes, and safety requirements.
Maintain compliance with OSHA requirements, EPA regulations related to refrigerant handling, and applicable fire and life-safety standards.
Maintain required licenses, certifications, inspection records, and equipment documentation.
Promote safe work practices and identify and address potential building or workplace hazards.
Support facilities-related emergency response activities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.