Chief Engineer

Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Position: Chief Engineer Location: Downtown New Orleans Schedule: Monday–Friday; on-call and after-hours support as needed Job Summary The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall management, performance, and reliability of all building systems within a commercial office property. Unlike a Stationary Engineer role, this position provides leadership, direction, and oversight of engineering operations, staff, vendors, and long-term maintenance planning. The Chief Engineer ensures systems are not only operational, but optimized, compliant, and aligned with property goals and budgets. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage all engineering and maintenance personnel, including scheduling, training, and performance management Oversee the operation and efficiency of HVAC, chiller systems, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure Develop, implement, and enforce preventive and predictive maintenance programs Serve as the primary decision-maker for complex repairs, system failures, and emergency response Manage and approve work performed by third-party vendors and contractors Prepare and manage operating budgets, including forecasting and capital expenditures Identify and recommend equipment upgrades, replacements, and energy efficiency improvements Ensure full compliance with OSHA, local codes, and safety standards Maintain high-level oversight of logs, reporting, and regulatory documentation Act as the main point of contact for property management regarding all engineering matters Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the engineering team Qualifications Must have Valid Stationary Engineer license 5+ years of commercial building engineering experience, including leadership/supervisory responsibility Advanced knowledge of central plant operations, including large-scale chiller systems Demonstrated ability to manage teams, vendors, and budgets Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to oversee—not just perform—repairs Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and energy management preferred Key Differences from Stationary Engineer Role Leadership vs. Execution: Chief Engineer directs the team; Stationary Engineer performs assigned maintenance and repairs Accountability: Chief Engineer is responsible for overall building performance and compliance, not just individual tasks Decision-Making Authority: Chief Engineer makes final calls on repairs, vendors, and capital improvements Strategic Focus: Chief Engineer handles budgeting, planning, and system optimization; Stationary Engineer focuses on day-to-day operations Supervision: Chief Engineer manages staff; Stationary Engineer typically works independently or under supervision Vendor & Client Interaction: Chief Engineer interfaces regularly with ownership/management and contractors Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience Health insurance Paid time off (PTO) Company-provided phone #J-18808-Ljbffr