Facilities Engineer/Building Engineer (Food Manufacturing)

Sterling Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Potential

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced Building Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical facility infrastructure supporting production. You will ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted performance of utility and mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.

This hands-on role requires strong technical expertise, leadership within a union setting, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Experience with industrial utility systems (boilers, chillers, HVAC, refrigeration).
• Proven ability to operate in a union manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and hands-on maintenance of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of plant utility systems including steam, chilled water, HVAC, and refrigeration equipment.
• Lead preventative and corrective maintenance; drive reliability improvements.
• Support mechanical repairs, fabrication activities, and facility modifications as needed.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance; coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Industrial utility systems

Union manufacturing

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety & regulatory compliance

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL

Compensation: $130k - $150k

Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus Potential

Must have Skill Set

• Industrial utility systems expertise (boilers, chillers, HVAC, refrigeration)
• Union manufacturing experience
• Mechanical troubleshooting and reliability leadership
• Safety and regulatory compliance knowledge

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Building Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical facility infrastructure within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted performance of utility and mechanical systems supporting production operations.

This is a hands‑on role requiring strong technical expertise, leadership within a union environment, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Job Duties

Facility Operations & Utilities

• Oversee daily operation and performance of plant utility systems including steam generation, chilled water systems, HVAC, and industrial refrigeration equipment
• Monitor operating conditions, system efficiency, and utility usage to support reliable production operations
• Coordinate treatment and maintenance programs for water, boiler, and cooling systems

Maintenance & Reliability

• Lead preventative and corrective maintenance activities across facility infrastructure and mechanical systems
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement long-term reliability improvements
• Maintain maintenance documentation, operating procedures, and equipment records
• Identify opportunities for upgrades, cost reduction, and improved system performance

Mechanical Support & Infrastructure

• Support mechanical repairs, fabrication activities, and facility modifications as needed
• Utilize tools and equipment safely to support ongoing plant maintenance requirements
• Maintain building systems and overall facility readiness for production demands

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Promote and enforce safe work practices including lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work procedures
• Support audits, inspections, and facility compliance initiatives
• Provide technical leadership and coordinate work within a union manufacturing environment
• Manage contractor activity and partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Safety teams
• Support building controls, utility distribution, emergency systems, and facility performance initiatives

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in industrial facilities, utilities, building engineering, or plant infrastructure environments
• Strong experience with steam boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, and industrial refrigeration systems
• Experience working within a union manufacturing setting
• Proven troubleshooting and hands‑on maintenance experience with mechanical systems
• Knowledge of industrial safety and regulatory standards

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.