Senior Chief Engineer

About the Role

The Senior Chief Engineer provides senior‑level leadership and oversight of all engineering and maintenance operations for a designated property, portfolio of buildings, or campus environment. The role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operation of building systems and infrastructure while developing engineering staff to achieve operational excellence. It partners closely with the Director of Facilities to support client satisfaction, mitigate risk, participate in strategic planning, and ensure equipment uptime and long‑term asset performance.

Key Relationships

External relationships: Interacts with the client, client staff, and other client vendors.

Internal relationships: Works with direct reports, internal service lines (SPO, P&P, Lease Admin, Technology, Procurement, Finance, etc.), other Facility Managers, and Facility Coordinators.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, development, and performance management.
• Oversee engineering operations for properties totaling 500,000 sq ft or more.
• Ensure services align with client expectations, C&W policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize CMMS and other platforms to manage work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking; monitor trends via data analysis and BI dashboards.
• Conduct and assist with inspections, surveys, and technical assessments (energy audits, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, environmental compliance, ADA requirements).
• Supervise and review technical operations, energy audits, HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems, environmental and ADA compliance, acquisitions, and third‑party surveys.
• Lead development and execution of preventive maintenance programs, engineering procedures, fire safety and emergency action plans, life‑safety programs, water quality control, and indoor air quality initiatives.
• Assist in developing operating budgets with cost estimates for service contracts, repairs & maintenance, utilities, supplies, life‑safety programs, and EPA/OSHA compliance.
• Contribute to the Capital Budget Program with short‑ and long‑term planning, forecasting, and analytics.
• Coordinate and track career development for engineering staff; conduct mid‑year and annual performance evaluations.
• Oversee all building systems (fire/life safety, HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and stay current on HVAC technology trends and predictive maintenance methodologies.
• Participate in OAC meetings for new tenant fit‑outs and de‑commissionings; ensure asset inventory is up‑to‑date with proper tagging and PM schedules.
• Assist Facility Managers with review of construction documents and lead engineering content in meetings with clients, customers, and key stakeholders.
• Develop specifications and assist with solicitation, negotiation, and administration of maintenance and repair service contracts.
• Support marketing presentations, acquisition/disposition processes, and coordination of building equipment for tenant construction projects.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, government agency requirements, and company directives related to building operations.
• Capital Projects and Rehabilitation Support: Support Facility Managers on major rehabilitation projects (HVAC replacement, roof installations, plumbing repairs, system upgrades); partner with project teams for budgeting, scheduling, contract documents, competitive bidding, construction monitoring, documentation, final inspections, and punch‑list management.

Key Competencies

• Communication proficiency (oral and written)
• Technical and operational expertise
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Leadership and team development
• Financial and budget management
• Vendor and relationship management
• Strategic planning and execution

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience

10+ years of engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property environment, including operation, installation, and maintenance of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, control systems).

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Vocational or technical training certificate (preferred)
• Appropriate trade license or permit as required (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician, city licenses)
• Universal Technician certification for CFCs or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of engineering practices, project controls, and environmental regulations
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), fire alarm systems, and Building Management Systems
• Proficiency in staff scheduling, after‑hours coverage coordination, preventive maintenance planning, and urgent‑need prioritization
• Working knowledge of property management financial reporting (R&M, utility, capital expenses) with ability to explain variances
• Moderate‑level computer skills (Teams, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Extensive experience with a CMMS for work order management and preventive maintenance

Physical Work Requirements

Environment: Professional office or commercial building; routine use of standard office equipment; may encounter extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dust, fumes, smoke, or loud noises. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required. Travel between properties in varying weather conditions.

Physical: Ability to squat, stand, climb, and lift up to 50 lb of equipment; prolonged sitting or standing; extend arms freely; drive for extended periods; clear verbal communication; read, write, and comprehend oral and written information.

Vision: Normal visual range with or without correction; sufficient to read screens, printed documents, drawings, and schematics.

Hearing: Normal audio range with or without correction.

Scheduling

Typical business hours based on assigned location; may require extended periods without relief for priority or emergency situations, including overtime, shift work, on‑call duties, and weekend/after‑hours building‑related activity. Must be able to respond to client callbacks for regular repairs and emergencies.

Compensation

Salary range: $102,000.00 – $120,000.00

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement savings plans
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid and unpaid time off