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

Oak View Group•Evanston, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, operation, and reliability of all facility systems, equipment, and infrastructure. This role ensures that the property operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations while supporting operational needs and enhancing the guest or user experience. The Chief Engineer leads the engineering/maintenance team, oversees preventative maintenance programs, and partners with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless daily operations and event readiness (if applicable).

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

technical degree or certification in engineering, facilities management, or related field preferred.
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.
Exposure to mechanical rooms, rooftops, and various environmental conditions.

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 (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.