Chief Engineer – 10 & 30 South Wacker, Chicago

Tishman Speyer is a global real estate owner, developer, and operator dedicated to creating vibrant destinations and connected communities. With a portfolio spanning over 33 global markets—including iconic properties like Rockefeller Center and Mission Rock—we lead with innovation, local expertise, and a hospitality-driven approach.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the operational excellence of 10 & 30 South Wacker, a premier Class A commercial property in downtown Chicago. Reporting to the General Manager, the Chief Engineer will be responsible for building systems performance, team leadership, and ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in alignment with budget, compliance, and tenant experience goals.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of engineers and maintenance staff.
• Oversee daily operations of all building systems including HVAC, electrical, life safety, plumbing, elevators, and controls.
• Ensure full compliance with company SOPs and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain 24/7 readiness for emergency response in coordination with the General Manager and Operations Manager.

Maintenance & Project Oversight

• Develop and implement preventive and reliability-based maintenance programs via Angus or similar CMMS.
• Supervise CapEx and R&M projects, including contractor oversight, commissioning, and close-out.
• Maintain infrastructure documentation, drawings, compliance records, and safety manuals.
• Coordinate all vendor activity and tenant-impacting work, ensuring minimal disruption and high service standards.

Financial & Administrative

• Prepare and manage engineering department budgets, forecasting, and capital planning.
• Maintain inventory of parts, tools, and safety gear; ensure chemical water treatment systems are monitored effectively.
• Manage timekeeping, performance evaluations, and training for engineering team.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety protocols and conduct regular training on OSHA, fire/life safety, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure building certifications, licenses, and permits are current and compliant (e.g., refrigeration license, boiler certification, sprinkler/standpipe).

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial property engineering;
• Proven experience leading and developing engineering staff
• High School diploma or GED; advanced technical education a plus.
• Valid Stationary Engineer’s License and Universal CFC Certification.
• Deep knowledge of HVAC, IAQ, mechanical systems, controls, energy management, and project execution.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints and interpreting safety codes and technical documentation.
• Membership in IUOE Local 399 required within 60 days of hire.

The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, building equipment and tools. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock. (Note: Should under no circumstance work on any 480 volt electrical system unless he or she has been properly trained.) The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be knowledgeable in safety aspects of any function before performing any task in that area.

The compensation range for this role is $65.00 to $67.00 per hour. This role is also eligible for access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance and 401(k) plan afforded to members of IUOE Local 399, as well as all other benefits afforded to Tishman Speyer employees per the BOMA - IUOE Local 399 agreement. This base range reflects a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skill sets, and/or licensure required of an individual in this particular role. The base range is also specific to members of Tishman Speyer’s Chicago team, as we’ve considered factors specific to this geography.

Tishman Speyer is deeply committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce which promotes different views and perspectives. We expect our leaders and employees alike to champion diversity and inclusion practices. Tishman Speyer has several employee affinity and interest groups that provide employees opportunities to develop professional relationships across the business and identify opportunities for development and advancement.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and treat all applicants for employment equally based upon job-related qualifications and without regards to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.