Facilities Infrastructure Support Engineer

Department

OPS ITS - Field Support

About the Department

IT Services (ITS) collaborates with campus partners to support the mission of the University of Chicago through the consistent delivery of high-quality solutions and services. We provide secure, stable, and reliable infrastructure and applications that support the mission of the University. ITS supports and enables faculty research and teaching with the effective use of technology, simplifies the technology experience for all users, and identifies, manages, and mitigates technology risks for the University.

Job Summary

This role will design construction and documentation of both campus and Medical Center intra-building/inter-building structured wiring systems composed of copper and fiber optics, both in building and outside. The Engineer will assist the IT manager of facilities infrastructure in enforcing current policies, procedures, and equipment standards for the University and Hospitals regarding communication infrastructure trends, transport architecture, and technology. A key responsibility is submitting proposals for installation work to be performed, assisting in the preparation of bids and review during the award process, and reading blueprints and schematics. The Engineer will also work with project managers to meet predetermined install dates, liaise with project managers, users, and clients affected by the installation process, attend appropriate meetings, and provide guidance and advice on construction and renovation of switching premises.

Responsibilities

• Works with minimal design support to develop bid specifications for contractor bid conferences; conducts the bid conference and mandatory walk-through and responds to questions and clarifications from all attendees.
• Assists in evaluating bid responses and selecting the most qualified response; writes scopes of work and project drawings, updates records, and manages all financial aspects of the project including budgeting and processing invoices.
• Manages and coordinates the installation process from contractor award through final customer acceptance and punch list, including submittals for completion such as test results for voice, data, and video cabling, as-built drawings, documentation, and database updates.
• Stays current on updates pertaining to local and city code compliance for all projects; actively participates in local and national organizations pertaining to infrastructure.
• Works closely with all peers and managers within ITS; participates in strategic planning for new construction and renovation; collaborates with Client Services and Support, University and Medical Center construction project managers, departmental IT staff, and vendors including communications contractors, architects, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Assists in the reconciliation of contractor billing and material supplier billing; returns extra material and equipment for credit or stage for future use.  
• Develops and coordinates right-of-way and street crossings including drawings for submittal to the city; applies for approvals and permits; develops bid specifications and drawings, conducts bid conference and walk-through, and coordinates and project-manages the construction.
• Develops and coordinates material delivery and receiving procedures, inventory record procedures, and secure storage areas.
• Works with the Facilities project manager and Manager of Facilities-Voice Networking Infrastructure to ensure compliance with the University's general, fiscal, budgetary, and personnel policies and procedures.
• Configures, maintains, and installs server applications, local/wireless area networks, and hardware to support the IT infrastructure within the University.
• Tests and analyzes complex networks and coordinates the organization's data communication network. Removes individuals from lists of authorized users, archives files, password protection and other security measures.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 

• Minimum three years of experience in telecommunications and data cabling systems design and engineering.
• Professional experience in a large, complex organization such as a Medical Center or academic environment.
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Background with telecommunications equipment room design, underground and building conduit/raceway systems, and working knowledge of electrical and HVAC systems.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Accreditation from the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).
• Valid driver’s license.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Basic computer skills to implement data in internal applications (MS Office: Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Project management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with vendors and contractors in managing installation of inside and outside cable plant, and voice, data, and video station wiring and equipment.
• Working knowledge and understanding of all BISCI Standard Operating Procedures.
• Working knowledge of EIA/TIA, IEEE, and NEC standards, codes, and regulations as well as basic knowledge of City of Chicago construction industry standards.
• Analyze client needs and develop plans, requests for quotes (RFQs), requests for information (RFIs), and specifications that fulfill contractual requirements and client needs.
   

Preferred Competencies

• Collaborates effectively and communicates clearly across all levels of the organization.
• Manages multiple concurrent tasks and regular interruptions under tight deadlines and changing requirements, while providing leadership to employees.
• Demonstrates strong time management and priority-setting skills to meet organizational goals.
• Adapts effectively to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Working Conditions 

• Works in a standard office environment with extensive computer use, requiring repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements.
• Attends meetings across campus and on construction sites, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and hard hats, with exposure to high dust, dirt, grease, noise, and outdoor weather conditions including extreme temperature changes.
• Operates vehicles, motorized equipment, and tools requiring high dexterity; climbs ladders and scaffolds and maintains balance.
• Sits or stands for short or extended periods; bends, crouches, or stoops as needed; carries and lifts loads up to 49 lbs.
• Requires visual acuity including color, depth, and clarity perception, as well as tactile ability to distinguish size, shape, temperature, and texture.
• Completes extensive safety training.

Application Documents 

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3 required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.