Lead Engineer

Distinctive Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

PTO 15 days

Family leave 12 weeks

Healthcare

403b match

Tuition reimbursement

Gym and wellness discounts

Job summary

Distinctive Schools in Chicago seeks a Lead Engineer responsible for maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems across campus. You will lead vendor liaison, manage supply orders, and step in for cleaning tasks as needed.

The role emphasizes safety, compliance with building codes, and proactive facility projects. Requires 3–5 years of maintenance experience, HVAC license, and ability to work independently or with teams in a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of building codes and regulations.
• Experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to work independently and in teams to complete duties with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on all building systems.
• Respond to and resolve maintenance requests in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Inspect and maintain building infrastructure.
• Comply with all building codes and regulations.
• Prepare reports and documentation.

Skills

Building codes understanding

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

HVAC License

Job description

Position Title: Lead Engineer

F.T.E: 1.0

Location: CICS Longwood- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Reports To: Director of Operations

Salary: Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience

Start Date: August 2026

The mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

Position Description

The Lead Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection. This position leads activities which assure the exterior and interior environment is safe, secure, and aesthetically attractive. The Lead Engineer will oversee supply orders and act as a liaison between vendors. In addition to performing cleaning duties, as needed and directed.

Maintenance

• Perform preventive maintenance on all building systems
• Respond to and resolve maintenance requests in a timely manner
• Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
• Inspect and maintain building infrastructure
• Comply with all building codes and regulations
• Prepare reports and documentation

Vendor Management

• Act as liaison between vendor, campus and network staff
• Manage supply organization and procurement
• Ensures utility efficiency
• Partner with Campus Operations Manager regarding any larger facility project needs or concerns
• Organize and coordinator working crews if applicable
• Apply established safety standards
• Lead maintenance projects

Campus Preservation/Cleaning

• Keep building and premises clean, safe and neat at all times
• Clean, dust mop, scrub and wax resilient floors with use of appropriate equipment as needed to protect floor finish
• Clean cafeteria of any spills and/or debris, and properly disposes of refuse
• Routinely break-down cafeteria tables/benches for cleaning in between table/bench tops, sides, legs and underside of each
• Clean and vacuum carpeted surfaces
• Spot clean and scrub walls
• Empty wastebaskets and properly disposes of refuse
• Clean, scrub and disinfect bath and shower room areas, including walls, sinks, bowls and glass mirrors. Stock toilet paper and towel dispensers
• Change light bulbs
• Clean whiteboards, blackboards, and erasers
• Clean and disinfect water fountains
• Clean and disinfect chairs and desktops in classrooms and office
• Repair small projects around the building utilizing hand tools

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience as maintenance or custodial staff
• HVAC License
• Must possess physical ability to perform all required work
• Strong understanding of building codes and regulations, as well as experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex systems
• Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, staff, families, students and the public
• Work independently and in teams to complete job duties and assignments in a timely manner with limited supervision
• Technology demands:Comfortable with a computer and web-based programs

Physical demands

Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% walking and 70% standing.

Why Join The Distinctive Schools Team

• ???25+ Paid holidays & 15 days PTO
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
• Fully match up to 3%
• 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or call 773.828.4191