Senior Chief Operating Engineer

About the Role

Provide leadership and supervision for engineering and maintenance staff across properties totaling 500,000 square feet or more. Oversee technical operations, compliance, budgeting, and capital planning while supporting property management with preventive maintenance, life-safety programs, and tenant construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, hire, train, and evaluate engineering and maintenance staff.
• Conduct and assist with inspections, energy audits, and surveys of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, environmental, and ADA compliance.
• Supervise technical operations, third-party surveys, and compliance with building systems and standards.
• Support property management in developing and updating preventive maintenance procedures, hazardous materials communication plans, fire safety, emergency action plans, life safety programs, and indoor air quality programs.
• Assist in developing the property operations budget, including cost estimates for service contracts, repairs, utilities, supplies, payroll, and compliance programs.
• Contribute to the Capital Budget Program, short- and long-term planning, and analytics.
• Oversee career development and performance evaluations for engineering staff.
• Maintain current knowledge of HVAC technology trends, preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies, and building systems (fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, electrical).
• Coordinate maintenance with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel, and engineers.
• Review and approve construction documents, ensuring adherence to building standards.
• Develop specifications and assist in soliciting and administering maintenance/repair service contracts.
• Support marketing presentations, building acquisitions, and tenant construction coordination.
• Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and company directives related to building operations.
• Support rehabilitation projects such as HVAC replacements, roof installations, and plumbing repairs.
• Prepare feasibility studies, budget estimates, schedules, and contract documents for projects.
• Manage bidding processes, monitor construction compliance, and coordinate with internal support groups.
• Maintain project files, perform final inspections, and expedite corrective actions.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property setting.
• In-depth technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Vocational/technical training certificate or equivalent.
• Appropriate trade licenses (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician, City Licenses, Universal Technician for CFCs).
• Knowledge of practices, laws, project controls, and environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), fire alarm systems, and Building Management Systems.
• Proficiency in staff scheduling, preventive maintenance, and prioritizing immediate needs.
• General knowledge of property management financial reporting, focusing on R&M, utility, and capital expenses.
• Basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Key Competencies

• Communication Proficiency (oral and written)
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organization Skills
• Technical Proficiency
• Leadership

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment, using standard office equipment. Regular travel between properties in varying weather conditions is required.

Physical Demands

While performing duties, the employee may need to travel between floors, climb stairs, and work outdoors in varying weather. The role requires remaining stationary (sit or stand) for 85% of the time, regular use of hands for office machinery, and frequent walking, talking, and hearing.

Pay

$110,015.50 - $129,430.00 annually.

Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid/unpaid time away from work.