Chief Engineer Building Maintenance

About the job

The Chief Engineer oversees all maintenance operations for a high-rise condominium, ensuring the building is safe, well-maintained, and operating efficiently. This role supervises the maintenance team, coordinates vendors, manages preventative maintenance programs, and works closely with Property Management and the Board to support capital projects, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Staff Supervision & Operations
  • Schedule, train, and evaluate maintenance personnel.
  • Assign and prioritize work orders, preventative maintenance tasks, and emergency responses.
  • Ensure adequate staffing coverage, including after-hours and on-call responsibilities.
  • Enforce safety procedures and professional conduct standards.
  • Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance when necessary.
• Maintenance, Repairs & Building Systems Oversight
  • Oversee maintenance and operation of major building systems, including but not limited to: Electrical and lighting systems, plumbing and domestic water systems, HVAC and ventilation systems, elevators and vertical transportation, fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and life-safety systems, emergency generators and backup systems, pool and spa facilities, and other critical building infrastructure.
  • Perform regular inspections of the property to identify areas needing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Coordinate vendors, contractors, engineers, and inspectors.
  • Assist with proposal reviews, scope coordination, and project logistics.
  • Monitor contractor work for general compliance with approved scope and site safety.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Coverage of fire inspections and life-safety testing, elevator certifications, pool and health department requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with the municipal regulations, including safety codes, fire codes, and environmental laws.
  • Maintain and update OSHA requires safety protocols, ensuring that all maintenance staff are trained in proper safety procedures.
• Emergency Response & Risk Management
  • Lead maintenance response during emergencies and after-hours incidents.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as power outages, floods, or fire alarms, ensuring the safety and security of residents.
  • Coordinate staff actions during alarms, outages, flooding, or safety events.
  • Ensure staff readiness and familiarity with emergency procedures.
• Vendor & Project Coordination
  • Develop necessary vendor RFPs, obtain quotes, and manage relationships with service providers.
  • Aid in proposal reviews, scope coordination, and project logistics.
  • Monitor contractor work for general compliance with approved scope and site safety.
• Budget, Inventory & Reporting
  • Aid Property Manager with annual maintenance budgeting and cost controls.
  • Manage and maintain maintenance inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
  • Oversee the procurement of materials and supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
  • Recommend repairs, replacements, and upgrades based on condition and lifecycle.
  • Identify maintenance issues that may affect reserve components or capital planning.
  • Provide regular updates to management regarding building conditions and priorities.
• Resident Relations
  • Communicate effectively with the building manager regarding maintenance issues, upcoming repairs, and any disruptions to building services.
  • Address resident complaints related to building systems promptly and professionally.
  • Ensure timely and efficient verbal and written responses to maintenance requests from residents and management.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English
• Bachelor’s degree or Technical/vocational training in engineering or a related field plus 6-10 years of experience in facilities management or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in building maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role, preferably in a high-rise residential or commercial setting.
• Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in using maintenance management software and tools.
• Proficiency with MC Office: Outlook, Excel, Word.
• Familiarity with local building codes and safety regulations.
• Ability to read technical documents, plans, and vendor proposals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with residents, management, and vendors.
• Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours, including weekends & holidays.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex building systems and make decisions under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.