Building Engineer (New York)

Building Engineer

520 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

Property: 520 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY — a mixed-use boutique skyscraper

Reports To: Property Manager

Compensation: $100,000 base salary, plus overtime eligibility (non-exempt) and a 10% annual bonus target

Job Description

The Building Engineer is responsible for the technical operation, maintenance, and overall performance of systems and equipment serving the commercial office space at 520 Fifth Avenue, along with any agreed-upon retail responsibilities. This role requires a highly professional, detail-oriented individual with strong technical expertise and a service-driven mindset. The Building Engineer ensures that office systems operate at the highest standards of safety, functionality, and presentation. This role does not cover the residential portion of the building, elevators, or base-building equipment, which are supported separately.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of commercial office systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety equipment serving the office floors.

• Perform regular inspections of office floors and related equipment, identifying deficiencies and informing management of required corrective actions.

• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs for office-floor systems and equipment.

• Respond promptly and professionally to tenant service requests, including tracking and resolving tickets through the building's work order system, and respond to office-related emergencies including after-hours situations. Overtime for after-hours and emergency response is compensated in accordance with applicable wage and hour law.

• Maintain Class-A standards for office common areas and related back-of-house spaces.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, inspection reports, and equipment inventories.

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable building codes, safety regulations, and ownership standards.

• Coordinate with licensed and specialty vendors for inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs.

• Coordinate scheduled maintenance and shutdowns with office tenants and property management.

• Serve as the on-site technical point of contact for office tenants and property management on engineering and systems-related matters.

• Support any agreed-upon retail tenant responsibilities as directed by property management.

• Enforce building standards related to noise control, odor mitigation, ventilation performance, waste management, and delivery logistics as they pertain to the office and retail spaces.

Vendor Relations

• Manage and oversee contractors and vendor relationships for office-floor systems (HVAC, fire/life safety, and other specialty trades) to ensure work is performed safely, on schedule, and in accordance with building standards.

• Solicit and review vendor bids and proposals, ensuring cost-effective and quality service delivery.

• Maintain up-to-date vendor contracts, certificates of insurance, and service agreements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or trade licenses strongly preferred (e.g., HVAC, electrical, or refrigeration licenses; universal EPA certification a plus).

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as a building engineer or equivalent maintenance/engineering role in a Class A commercial property.

• Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety systems.

• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance programs and vendor management.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with basic AV equipment, computerized work order systems, email, and reporting tools.

• Ability to work independently and maintain discretion and professionalism at all times.

• Availability for on-call and emergency response, including evenings and weekends; overtime is compensated per applicable wage and hour law.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to climb ladders and work in mechanical and confined spaces.

• Capable of standing, walking, and performing manual tasks for extended periods.

Compensation & Classification

• Base salary: $100,000/year

• Annual bonus target: 10% of base salary, based on individual and/or property performance

Non-exempt classification — eligible for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week, in accordance with federal and New York State