Chief Engineer

MalaceHR is a leading provider of facilities management and workforce solutions, partnering with some of the nation's most recognized organizations to deliver exceptional maintenance, engineering, and operational support. We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead building operations, supervise engineering staff, and ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of critical building systems within a manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a technically skilled facilities professional who enjoys leading teams, interacting with clients, and driving operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer serves as the on-site engineering leader responsible for managing the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of facility infrastructure and critical building systems. This individual will supervise a team of 2–3 Operating Engineers, coordinate vendor activities, oversee maintenance budgets, and ensure all preventive and corrective maintenance activities are completed safely and efficiently.

The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership abilities, excellent customer service skills, and extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems within commercial or industrial facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of 2–3 Operating Engineers.
• Assign, prioritize, and oversee completion of preventive maintenance and work orders.
• Provide hands-on support with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs when necessary.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of building infrastructure supporting manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and building system issues.
• Develop and improve preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Monitor maintenance budgets, job costs, and purchasing activities.
• Assist in planning and executing capital improvement projects.
• Coordinate and supervise outside contractors and vendors while ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
• Build strong working relationships with clients through professional communication and exceptional customer service.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations and participate in the on-call rotation.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and client requirements.
• Conduct safety meetings and technical training for engineering staff.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience in commercial or industrial facilities maintenance.
• Previous experience as a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer, or similar leadership role.
• Experience supervising maintenance or engineering personnel.
• Universal EPA Section 608 (CFC) Certification.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • HVAC systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Mechanical equipment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work directly with clients.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

Preferred

• Trade school, technical certification, military training, or college degree.
• Industrial or manufacturing maintenance experience.
• Experience managing maintenance budgets and capital improvement projects.
• Knowledge of water treatment systems and energy management programs.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with CMMS software.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders up to 30 feet.
• Comfortable working at heights while utilizing proper fall protection.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) when necessary.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts.

Work Environment

This position supports an active manufacturing facility and includes exposure to:

• Mechanical and industrial equipment
• HVAC systems and exhaust fans
• Indoor and outdoor work environments
• Elevated work areas
• Standard PPE requirements
• Occasional use of PAPRs based on job tasks