Chief Building Engineer/Director

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated individual to lead the outsourced Studio Facilities dual role of Chief Building Engineer and Program/Project Manager for our expansive studio campus. This critical leadership position will work closely with on site Manager, Site & Services, Studio Management but ultimately responsible for the oversight of overall mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) operations, maintenance, and coordinating along with the internal teams responsible for capital improvement planning of all facilities, infrastructure, and construction programs and projects across the site. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical background in building systems engineering, a proven track record in project and program management within a complex operational environment, and exceptional leadership and communication skills. 

Responsibilities 

 

Chief Building Engineer (CBE) 

• Facilities Operations & Maintenance: Oversee all aspects of the daily operation, 
  maintenance, and repair of critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical 
  distribution, emergency power systems, plumbing, fire/life safety, and building 
  automation systems (BAS).
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and coordinate with the local and or 3rd party teams of
  engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff, ensuring high performance, technical 
  proficiency, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Budget Management: Help develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget 
  for facility maintenance, utilities, and minor capital repairs. Implement cost-saving 
  initiatives related to energy consumption and operational efficiency. 
  Compliance & Safety: Ensure all building systems and operations comply with local, 
  state, and federal codes, regulations, and studio environmental, health, and safety 
  (EHS) standards. Oversee comprehensive fire/life safety programs and emergency 
  preparedness.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Manage relationships, contracts, and performance 
  of third-party vendors and contractors providing specialized maintenance services or 
  system repairs.
• System Optimization: Implement preventative maintenance programs and continuously 
  evaluate building systems for opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and 
  sustainability (e.g., energy retrofits, water conservation). 

Program/Project Manager (PPM)

• Capital Planning & Execution: Help develop and coordinate with the in-house teams 
  (including SMS capital and Program Delivery individuals) responsible for managing the 
  execution of the studio's long-term capital improvement program, focusing on 
  infrastructure upgrades, system replacements, and new facility construction projects.
• Project Management Lifecycle: Coordinate with Teams and/or lead complex 
  construction and infrastructure projects from inception through closeout, including scope 
  definition, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and quality control.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between 
  Facilities/Engineering, studio production teams, executive leadership, finance, and 
  external architects/engineers/contractors. Ensure clear and consistent communication 
  regarding project status, milestones, and impacts.
• Program Governance: Establish and maintain program management standards, 
  documentation, and reporting protocols to ensure all projects align with strategic 
  business goals and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Design Review: Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and 
  construction documents to ensure constructability, adherence to building standards, and 
  long-term operational efficiency.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential project and operational risks and develop 
  mitigation strategies.

Qualifications 

 

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, 
  Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering, building 
  systems maintenance, and/or construction project management, with at least 5 years in 
  a senior leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of large-scale commercial 
  HVAC, electrical, and life safety systems, preferably within a campus or critical 
  operations environment (e.g., studio, hospital, data center).
• Proven experience managing complex construction projects ($5M+ budget) and capital 
  improvement programs.
• Strong understanding of local building codes, energy codes, and OSHA safety 
  standards.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Proficiency with Building Automation Systems (BAS), CMMS (Computerized
• Maintenance Management Systems), and project management software.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Google Suite, Asana, Primavera 
  P6).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, blueprints, and technical 
  specifications. 

 

Preferred 

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications (e.g., CFM, FMP, PMP, 
  LEED AP).
• Experience in the media, entertainment, or production studio environment, 
  understanding the unique demands of filming and production schedules.
• Direct experience with sustainable building practices and energy efficiency initiatives.

 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

 

• Critical System Uptime = >99.9%
• Annual Facilities Operating Budget Variance = <2%
• Capital Project Delivery (On-Time/On-Budget) = 90% 
• Energy Consumption Reduction (Y-o-Y) = 2% minimum 
• Preventative Maintenance (PM) Completion Rate = >95% 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.Privacy PolicyTerms of UseCalifornia Privacy RightsEmployee Privacy Notice EnglishEmployee Privacy Notice Spanish