Chief Building Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:
The Chief Building Engineer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance, upkeep, and repair of building systems within a residential property. Reporting to onsite management, this role ensures that all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety systems function efficiently to support a safe and comfortable environment for occupants. The ideal candidate brings a hands-on approach to maintenance, with strong technical expertise and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

Core Responsibilities:

Systems Operations & Maintenance

• Inspect, monitor, and maintain building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety equipment.
• Respond quickly to equipment issues, service requests, and emergency situations.
• Perform and oversee general maintenance work such as painting, drywall repair, and surface restoration to maintain property standards.
• Conduct routine property walkthroughs to assess work quality and identify maintenance needs.
• Assist in managing maintenance-related expenses by sourcing bids, evaluating vendors, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Preventive Maintenance & Reporting

• Implement and maintain preventive maintenance programs for building equipment and infrastructure.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance activity, inspections, and system performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Provide regular updates on building conditions, maintenance priorities, and upcoming work.
• Document inspections and work progress within internal tracking systems.

Repairs & Technical Support

• Troubleshoot and repair building systems and infrastructure as needed.
• Coordinate with external vendors for specialized services or large-scale projects.
• Oversee contractor performance to ensure work meets quality and compliance standards.
• Maintain records of service activity, repairs, and equipment history.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to applicable safety regulations, building codes, and compliance standards.
• Maintain proper documentation and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
• Coordinate required inspections and testing for key systems such as elevators and backup power equipment.

Resident & Team Support

• Address maintenance-related concerns from residents and staff in a professional manner.
• Communicate clearly regarding timelines, service disruptions, and ongoing work.
• Provide guidance and oversight to maintenance team members, supporting performance and development.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certifications preferred.
• Extensive experience in building maintenance within residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties, including leadership responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., engineering or maintenance credentials) are a plus.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, manuals, and system documentation preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and handling multiple priorities.
• Availability for on-call responsibilities and emergency response as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and hands-on repairs.
• Willingness to work in varied environments such as rooftops, confined spaces, and mechanical rooms.

Key Competencies:

• Technical proficiency and attention to detail
• Commitment to safety and compliance
• Strong customer service mindset
• Reliability and accountability
• Initiative and continuous improvement

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills: