Lead Facilities Engineer, Data Center & Critical Systems

W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead day-to-day maintenance and engineering operations for our Corporate Headquarters and Data Center, ensuring safe and reliable performance of critical systems.

You will guide maintenance technicians, oversee preventive and corrective programs, and manage capital projects with cross-functional partners. The role requires 7+ years in facilities engineering and strong expertise in CMMS, building automation, and infrastructure management.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive experience in commercial or industrial facilities engineering, building operations, or critical infrastructure maintenance.
• 5+ years data center maintenance experience (preferred).
• Experience managing capital construction and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Knowledge of CMMS administration and maintenance planning.
• Knowledge working with Building Automation Systems, HVAC controls, electrical distribution, emergency power, and critical facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily engineering and maintenance operations to ensure safe, reliable performance of building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety, and critical infrastructure systems.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and hands-on training for maintenance technicians on work practices, troubleshooting techniques, engineering standards, and maintenance procedures.
• Prioritize preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance work based on operational risk, business priorities, equipment criticality, and available resources.
• Manage maintenance, renovation, infrastructure, and capital improvement projects, including planning, budgeting, scope development, contractor coordination, execution, quality assurance, commissioning, closeout, and stakeholder communication.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts by setting performance expectations, monitoring service levels, resolving issues, reviewing invoices, and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Develop reliability-centered maintenance strategies that increase equipment availability, extend asset life, reduce downtime, optimize maintenance costs, and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Building operations

CMMS

HVAC controls

Electrical distribution

Leadership

Maintenance planning

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead day-to-day maintenance and engineering operations for our Corporate Headquarters and Data Center, ensuring safe and reliable performance of critical systems.

You will guide maintenance technicians, oversee preventive and corrective programs, and manage capital projects with cross-functional partners. The role requires 7+ years in facilities engineering and strong expertise in CMMS, building automation, and infrastructure management.