Union Building Engineer

Hourly pay range: $39.00 – $42.00 per hour. Benefits provided in accordance with the location’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

About the role

The Building Engineer is responsible for the operation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of building-related mechanical, electrical, control systems, plumbing, air-handling units, pumps, heat exchangers, expansion joints, and other building mechanical systems. Work involves lifting heavy mechanical equipment and apparatus and may be performed in areas of extreme heat, cold, and/or noise. The role includes receiving and responding to service calls, taking immediate action to resolve emergency situations or system breakdowns, ensuring all preventive maintenance is completed, and maintaining a clean, safe work area.

Responsibilities

• Perform and direct operation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, control systems, plumbing, and life-safety systems (50% of time).
• Execute preventive maintenance work orders, including filter changes, lubrication, control and performance checks, bearing/motor/damper replacements.
• Optimize the Preventative Maintenance Program in collaboration with the Manager.
• Respond to trouble calls, maintain records, logs, and files.
• Perform scheduled rounds and readings on plant systems/assets; ensure maintenance meets established standards.
• Identify deficiencies through regular inspections; diagnose, locate, and repair malfunctions using test equipment.
• Monitor, adjust, and maintain facility equipment and systems; record readings and notify appropriate parties of issues.
• Install, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and subcomponents.
• Repair restroom fixtures, sweat/braze copper pipe, thread black pipe, drain and “safe off” systems for repairs.
• Perform minor carpentry tasks, replace ceiling tiles, repair or replace door hardware, locks, and panic bars.
• Perform minor electrical tasks, including bulb and ballast replacement.
• Clean coils in air-handling units and convectors to maintain heat exchange efficiency.
• Assemble, install, repair, and maintain chilled and hot water systems.
• Inspect and operate emergency generators and associated components.
• Troubleshoot and maintain PLC, Variable Frequency Drives, motor control, BAS/EMS, and lighting control systems.
• Assist other mechanics, electricians, and operators with major repairs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for in-scope technical services.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, floor plans, site maps, and electrical diagrams.
• Operate support equipment, including forklifts, cranes, payloaders, and moving vehicles.
• Maintain tools and order supplies for installations and repairs.
• Comply with safety practices and use protective clothing/equipment as required by OSHA.
• Communicate with ISS and customer operations teams, tenants, and stakeholders (15% of time).
• Operate, monitor, adjust, and maintain facility assets/systems and associated control systems (10% of time).
• Maintain CMMS records, logbooks, and required documentation.
• Oversee work performed by outside contractors; requisition materials for repairs (5% of time).
• Perform administrative duties, including payroll, HR, and training.
• Follow HS&E procedures, demonstrate safe work practices, and report unacceptable conditions immediately.
• Support customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate updates on request status.
• Maintain operation and maintenance manuals; record tests, scans, and inspections.
• Follow good housekeeping standards and perform additional duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of experience in operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and/or control systems.
• Experience with customer line of business and building types.
• Required certifications in applicable disciplines (HVAC, Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulics, Plumbing, or Automation/Controls) via formal OEM/employer training, trade school, apprenticeship, or equivalent.
• Universal EPA Certification (required for HVAC).
• State or recognized AHJ license (required for Electrician).
• Journeyman-level craftsman in HVAC, Electrical, Hydraulics, Plumbing, or Automation/Controls.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, floor plans, site maps, and electrical diagrams.
• Proven ability to repair building electrical, plumbing, and HVAC auxiliary systems.
• Experience safely securing hydronic and electrical systems for maintenance.
• Ability to braze/solder copper pipe and thread black pipe.
• Basic carpentry skills.
• Strong knowledge of building auxiliary systems (fire-life safety, standby emergency generators).
• Familiarity with general building systems (vertical lift equipment, overhead doors).
• Ability to write, execute instructions, and perform arithmetic calculations.
• Strong knowledge of safe work practices and procedures for maintenance operations.
• Ability to safely wear a respirator, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, lift heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

Skills

• Ability to troubleshoot office building emergency and fire systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain central plant systems and supporting equipment.
• Ability to operate, monitor, adjust, and maintain Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Strong communication skills in English (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines without supervision.
• Good attendance record with notification for tardiness or absence.
• Team-oriented with strong collaboration and organizational skills.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to produce quality work in a prompt, safe, and efficient manner.

Physical Demands

• Must be physically able to perform all operations and maintenance on-site.
• Ability to wear required PPE while executing work.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), climb ladders, and work on feet for long periods.
• Ability to work in cold, heat, noisy, and confined-space environments.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed inside central plant spaces, mechanical/electrical rooms, and/or rooftops.
• Periodic exposure to noise, heat, and cold.
• Some confined-space work required.
• Some work in common office areas.