Operating Engineer-Licensed

UChicago Medicine; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee development programs

Job summary

UChicago Medicine in Illinois is seeking an Operating Engineer for their Hyde Park Center. This full-time position requires responsibility for operating, maintaining, and repairing all systems within the Medical Center, including power, heating, and HVAC systems.

Qualified candidates will have a High School Diploma, an EPA Refrigerant License, and at least 5 years of relevant experience. The role operates under night shifts and requires physical capability to perform strenuous duties.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate with a completed trade union apprentice program.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in power plant or facility operations.
• Must have and maintain an EPA Refrigerant License.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain building utility systems.
• Participate in building and system start-up and commissioning.
• Communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and staff.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Building maintenance

Pneumatic tube systems

EPA Refrigerant License

Communication skills

Education

High School Graduate

Completed trade union apprentice program

City of Chicago Stationary Engineers License

Certificate or AA in Stationary Engineering or HVAC/R

Tools

Power equipment

Hand tools

Job description

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as an 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. In this role, you will be 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.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintaining and keeping building utility systems in order: heating, cooling and ventilating systems, pneumand repairing system components to ensure continued operation.
• Adjusting manual and automated controls of building systems to ensure safe and efficient operation of buildings. May operate computer Building Automation Systems (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Andover) to accomplish specific tasks related to building operations.
• Maintaining and keeping the steam distribution system and high pressure vessels (up to 180 psi pressure) within the Medical Center in order. Duties may include tightening fittings, repacking valves, replacing packing glands, gaskets, valves, recorders and gauges, cleaning and replacing burners and other components.
• Participating in building and system start-up and commissioning. Participating in capital projects and working with project managers and contractors to complete projects.
• May operate and maintain pneumatic tube systems within the Medical Center.
• May replace switches and motors to 110 volts.
• Maintaining relative pressures and air quantities in HVAC systems.
• Repairing and maintaining existing plumbing systems.
• Repairing and maintaining appliances including refrigeration and package A/C equipment.
• Working from building blueprints to determine location and layout of circuits, ducts and piping. Performing on the scene repairs or replacing components. Performings repair work in central shop.
• Using hand tools and power equipment such as drill presses, saws, threaders, and grinding wheels.
• Requisitioning materials and supplies as needed.
• Keeping work area neat, clean and safe.
• Completing required departmental paperwork in a timely and legible fashion.
• Communicating with patients, visitors, and other Hospital employees with tact and courtesy.
• Following through on all assigned duties until completion.
• Maintaining personal appearance in accordance with departmental policy on dress and uniform.
• Performing other duties assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Graduate.
• Successful completion of recognized trade union apprentice program such 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 a 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).
• Must have and maintain a current City of Chicago Stationary Engineers License. A Stationary Engineers License from an equivalent jurisdiction is acceptable until a City of Chicago license can be obtained.
• Must have a minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in power plant, facility operations, building maintenance or building automation/controls.
• Must have and maintain an EPA Refrigerant License
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and communicate with others by writing.
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of power and hand equipment used on the job.
• Must be able to work from ladders and scaffolds.
• Must be physically capable of performing the work expected in an efficient manner.
• Must have knowledge of safety rules, practices and equipment.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and work with other people.
• Must be capable of strenuous physical activity.

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full-time (1.0) ; 8-hour shifts
• Shift: Nights
• CBA Code: 73 SEIU
• Union Bid Dates: 6/18/2026 - 6/23/2026
• No Visa Sponsorship Available

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union. Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.