Chief Engineer

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical building systems within a commercial facility environment. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibility, overseeing engineering and maintenance personnel while ensuring building systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and building automation systems, along with a strong background supervising technical teams and coordinating contractors and vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex mechanical and electrical building systems.
• Monitor and maintain HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, boilers, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Review equipment logs, operating data, and system performance to identify issues and improve reliability.
• Develop, implement, and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Coordinate HVAC repairs, equipment servicing, inspections, and system upgrades.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of tools, equipment, parts, and maintenance supplies.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors, vendors, and service providers performing work within the facility.
• Ensure contractor activities meet quality, safety, and operational standards.
• Identify safety hazards and ensure corrective actions are completed promptly.
• Develop and support safety procedures and training programs for engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, building codes, and facility operating standards.
• Communicate building deficiencies, equipment concerns, and operational risks to management.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and develop engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Provide hands-on technical instruction related to equipment operation, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and safety practices.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development of engineering staff.
• Evaluate maintenance and reliability programs and recommend improvements to increase equipment uptime.
• Implement equipment inspection and condition-monitoring programs to support long-term asset reliability.
• Support emergency response, building shutdowns, system failures, and other critical facility events.
• Promote professional standards for work quality, communication, documentation, and facility operations.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in facilities operations, engineering, commercial building maintenance, or a similar environment.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience managing engineers, maintenance technicians, contractors, or other technical personnel.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC systems, refrigeration, boilers, pumps, fluid-handling systems, filtration systems, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, and general building operations.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining commercial building equipment.
• EPA Universal Certification for refrigerants/CFCs, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Operating Engineer license, SMA certification, or equivalent state/local engineering credential.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with facility leadership, employees, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work orders, preventive maintenance, asset management, and documentation.
• Additional certifications related to HVAC, boiler operations, electrical systems, building automation, or facilities management.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Familiarity with predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, or IoT-based building technologies.
• Experience with energy management, sustainability, or facility efficiency initiatives.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, controlling maintenance costs, and coordinating vendor contracts.
• Background supporting emergency response, disaster recovery, or business continuity programs within commercial or critical facilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel for reporting, maintenance tracking, and operational metrics.