Chief Engineer

About the Role

Supervise and direct maintenance staff on shift, monitor performance, and ensure all maintenance department service requests are performed efficiently with minimal disruption. Oversee corrective actions for malfunctioning equipment, provide training to expand staff capabilities, and implement a preventative maintenance program. Direct contracted maintenance work, maintain building systems, and ensure compliance with safety policies for hazardous materials. Lead the engineering team to achieve 100% uptime, protect client assets, and manage contractor activities within the building.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proper use and care of tools and instruments, and provide hands-on instruction in basic maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Recommend relevant outside engineering courses for staff development and instill professionalism in manner and appearance.
• Supervise and implement the preventative maintenance program, including scheduling, delegating tasks, ordering parts, and maintaining inventory.
• Direct performance of contracted maintenance work, ensuring timely completion, warranty fulfillment, and securing equipment manuals and drawings.
• Maintain, monitor, and perform preventive maintenance on all building systems, including fire/life safety, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, controls), electrical (lighting, UPS, PDU, generators, primary switchgear), emergency backup systems, and hot water systems.
• Analyze system operations, determine causes of malfunctions, and take corrective action as required.
• Comply with policies for safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Maintain a clean and safe workplace and ensure an adequate inventory of tools and supplies.
• Prepare and submit purchase-order requests and develop sources for stock materials.
• Provide operational management and daily leadership to the engineering team to ensure cost-effective and efficient machinery and system operations.
• Protect and improve the value of client assets and ensure building engineering systems perform their intended functions.
• Oversee contractor activities within the building and ensure they are informed about critical building functions and emergency procedures.
• Maintain records of building rounds, engineering logs, and data sheets.
• Ensure strict adherence to Critical System Standards and the Working in Critical Areas Standards.
• Understand and comply with emergency escalation procedures.
• Perform additional job duties as requested.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in a data center/critical facility, including UPS systems, emergency generators, switchgear, and building monitoring systems.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 5+ years of related work experience, including supervisory experience.
• Operating Engineers license (SMA) or equivalent.
• Certification as a Universal Technician for CFCs (a plus).
• Working knowledge of computer applications, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven record of excellent internal and external customer service.
• Membership in International Union of Operating Engineers Local 877 AFL-CIO (required).