Lead Operating Engineer-Licensed

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Lead Operating Engineer at our Hyde Park Center. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all machinery and equipment required to supply the Medical Center complex with electrical power, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, medical/laboratory air, medical/laboratory vacuum, steam and water. In the absence of the Manager, Skilled Trades, assigns tasks within workgroup and sees that tasks are completed.

The incumbent in this position should have the ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical and electrical details of assembly, perform operation and maintenance of HVAC/R systems, hydraulics, automated and pneumatic controls, water chemical treatment, high pressure steam and condensate vessels and equipment, maintain and repair electrical equipment (motors, switches, light fixtures, etc.) 120 VAC or less. Special skills include knowledge of local, state and federal codes.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and keeps in working order building utility systems: heating, cooling and ventilating systems, pneumatic and DDC temperature controls, medical/laboratory air, medical/laboratory vacuum, pumps, cooling towers, air filters, and central refrigeration units. Duties include identifying, diagnosing and repairing system components to ensure continued operation.
• Repairs and maintains existing plumbing systems.
• Adjusts manual and automated controls of building systems (BAS) to ensure safe and efficient operation of buildings. May operate computer Building Automation Systems (Johnson Controls Metasys, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure and Continuum, Siemens Insight) to accomplish specific tasks related to building operations.
• Maintains and keeps in working order the steam distribution system and high pressure vessels (up to 180 psi pressure) within the Medical Center. Duties may include tightening fittings, repacking valves, replacing packing glands, gaskets, valves, recorders and gauges, cleaning and replacing burners and other components.
• Operates and maintains pneumatic tube systems within the Medical Center.
• In the absence of the Manager, Skilled Trades, assigns tasks within workgroup to continue UCM standards of care.
• May replace switches and motors to 120 VAC.
• Repairs and maintains appliances including refrigeration and package A/C equipment.
• Keeps work area neat, clean and safe.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent.
• 5 years of experience minimum in power plant, facility operations, building maintenance or building automation/controls. 
• 3+ years of experience in facilities operations and maintenance in a Medical Center or Academic Research facility.
• Successful completion of recognized trade union apprentice program as an Operating Engineer (IUOE-399), Pipefitter (LU-597 - controls), Sheet Metal Worker (Local 73) or equivalent trade union local bargaining unit or 
• Successful completion of recognized training program such as power plant operator (e.g., U.S. Navy, USCG), technical training school or educational programs (e.g., Certificate or AA in Stationary Engineering or HVAC/R) accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, North Central Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Higher Learning Commission, or similar organizations.
  • Appropriate programs will include, at a minimum 8 of the subjects below:
    • Electricity I (Required)
    • Electricity II (Required)
    • HVAC 1 (Required)
    • HVAC 2 (Required)
    • Steam Heating
    • Gas Heating
    • Hydronic Heating
    • Electric heating
    • Sheet Metal 
    • Pneumatic & Digital Controls
    • Plumbing Repair & Maintenance