| Location | Chicago, IL |
Location: Greater Chicago / Northern Illinois Area (Multi-Site Portfolio)
Our client seeks an experienced and proactive Building Maintenance Engineer II to oversee preventive and corrective maintenance across a designated commercial property portfolio. Working in close partnership with Property Managers and Tenant Services, this hands-on role is responsible for the daily operational reliability, safety, and physical upkeep of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety systems.
The ideal candidate brings strong diagnostic troubleshooting capabilities, a safety-first mindset, and the customer service skills needed to deliver timely tenant request resolutions.
Mechanical, Electrical & HVAC Maintenance
System Operations: Inspect, service, calibrate, and maintain central mechanical equipment, including hot water and steam heating systems, chillers, air handlers, pumps, valves, and building ventilation.
Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair electrical distribution circuits, light fixtures, ballasts/drivers, switches, receptacles, small appliances, and emergency generator controls.
Plumbing & Piping: Perform routine and emergency repairs on domestic water supply and drainage systems including unblocking drains, repairing pipe leaks, and rebuilding flush valves, faucets, and gaskets.
Diagnostic Fault-Finding: Utilize testing meters and diagnostic tools to locate system faults; install replacement switches, thermostats, gauges, actuators, and pneumatic/digital controls.
Tenant Services & General Operations
Work Order Execution: Fulfill daily tenant work orders and scheduled maintenance requests routed through property management software in a prompt, professional manner.
Architectural & Hardware Upkeep: Maintain interior and exterior door hardware, commercial locksets, panic bars, door closers, and assemble/repair modular furniture.
Logistics & Inventory: Track maintenance consumables and parts stock; notify Property Managers of supply shortages and quantify material specifications needed for purchasing.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, up-to-date equipment logs, PM completion records, and life-safety inspection books.
Safety, Life Safety & Compliance
Life Safety Systems: Regularly inspect and support fire protection, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and building security apparatus in accordance with regional building codes.
Quality & Hazard Control: Identify and report unsafe conditions within tenant spaces or mechanical rooms; follow strict safety precautions when handling treatment chemicals and hazardous materials.
Experience & Education:
5 7 years of hands-on building engineering or commercial facility maintenance experience, preferably within a commercial property management or multi-tenant setting.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Working knowledge of building codes, OSHA regulations, and life-safety standards.
Certifications & Licensing:
EPA Universal (or Type I & Type II) certification required (or ability to test and certify within 6 months of employment).
Trade school training or professional HVAC certification is a strong plus.
Valid state driver's license with an insurable driving history (ability to travel between regional properties via company vehicle).
Technical & Professional Skills:
Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex architectural drawings, wiring schematics, and equipment manuals.
Practical knowledge of steam heat loops, hydronic heating, commercial HVAC refrigeration cycles, and building control systems.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with tenants, property managers, and outside trade contractors.
Regular active physical labor: walking properties, climbing ladders, working at heights, kneeling, stooping, and crawling into mechanical spaces.
Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs on a regular basis, and up to 100 lbs occasionally with assistance.
Comfort operating service vehicles, power machinery, hand tools, and digital testing meters.