The Hand & The Eye Maintenance Engineer Chicago, IL · Full time Company website

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The Hand and The Eye dedicated to creating immersive, world class magic and performance experiences. Blending artistry, storytelling, and technical skill, The Hand & The Eye creates in-person & interactive engagements designed to captivate diverse audiences & to create astonishment for a truly unforgettable experience.

Position Title: Maintenance Engineer

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive; commensurate with experience, $70,000 - $80,000 annually.

Role Summary:

The Maintenance Engineer at TH&TE is responsible for executing preventive maintenance and responding to daily facility needs to ensure the building operates seamlessly, safely, and invisibly.

The role safeguards the physical environment behind the magic. From HVAC performance and lighting to plumbing, electrical, and minor repairs, the Engineer ensures every system functions properly so the guests and Magic Creators experience comfort, safety, and operational excellence at all times.

The Maintenance Engineer blends technical skill with hospitality awareness - understanding that every repair, adjustment, and preventive measure directly supports the immersive guest experience.

Purpose of the Role:

At TH&TE, engineering is not just maintenance - it is preservation of atmosphere.

The Maintenance Engineer ensures:

• HVAC systems maintain comfort without disruption
• Lighting enhances mood and storytelling
• Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems operate reliably
• Maintenance concerns are resolved quickly and discreetly
• Public and back-of-house areas remain safe and operational

This hands-on role requires proactive thinking, strong troubleshooting ability, and pride in craftsmanship.

Key Responsibilities:

Preventive Maintenance & Building Systems

• Execute daily, weekly, preventive maintenance schedules
• Inspect and maintain HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and low-voltage systems
• Replace lighting fixtures and bulbs throughout the public and back-of-house spaces
• Monitor and record equipment performance to identify early warning signs of failure
• Maintain mechanical spaces in clean, organized condition

Work Orders & Repairs

• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from all departments
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues
• Perform minor carpentry, patching, painting, and fixture repairs as needed
• Ensure repairs are completed efficiently with minimal guest disruption
• Document all work performed accurately in maintenance logs or systems

Safety & Compliance

• Support life-safety systems including fire alarms, suppression system, and emergency lighting
• Participate in safety inspections and emergency response procedures
• Identify and immediately report hazards or life-safety concerns
• Follow OSHA standards and internal safety protocols at all times

Operational Support

• Remain available during live operations and events to support immediate needs
• Assist with set-up or technical adjustments for programming and F&B when required
• Support seasonal or event-related installation needs

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Guest Relations, Security, F&B, and Programming teams
• Communicate maintenance updates clearly and professionally
• Support the Chief Engineer in maintaining operational excellence

Qualifications & Experience

• 3-5+ years of experience in building maintenance, facilities engineering, or hospitality engineering
• Experience working in hotels, private clubs, restaurants, entertainment venues, or mixed-use properties preferred
• Working knowledge of:
• HVAC systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Basic refrigeration systems
• Fire/life-safety systems
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
• Professional demeanor in guest-facing environments

Working Conditions:

• On-call availability for emergency situations as scheduled
• Frequent walking of the property, including mechanical rooms and rooftop areas
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in high-pressure situations

Role Complexity & Scope:

This role operates at the intersection of technical precision and experiential hospitality.

The complexity lies in:

• Balancing reactive repairs with proactive preventive care
• Supporting live operations without disrupting atmosphere
• Anticipating system failures before they impact guests
• Maintaining discretion while working in guest-facing environments