Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer Job Description

Responsible for the operation management and effective daily leadership and administration of the facility maintenance team with the objectives of safety, efficiently, and effectively operating machinery and systems in a cost-effective manner. A Chief Engineer is a senior-level professional who oversees the planning, organizing, and daily operations of an organization’s building maintenance department. Responsible for protecting and improving the value of the client’s assets and ensuring that building engineering systems continue to perform their intended functions. This is a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of all engineering activities within the organization.
Leadership and Management:

• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and objectives for the department in alignment with the organization's overall vision.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and innovation within the facility maintenance department.

Safety:

• Identify safety hazards within the building and incorporate the remediation of such hazards to ensure that the building’s staff and occupants work in a safe environment. Implement, administer, and manage safety training program
• Ensure that compliance of all regulatory laws and guidelines are met as they relate to the operation of the building’s infrastructure. Responsible for alerting management of building discrepancies.
• Maintain all infrastructure and compliance documentation for the building including up-to- date building drawings and single-lines as well as documentation mandated for the purpose of maintaining regulatory compliance with Federal, State or Local law.
• Comply with all company safety rules including but not limited to: Lock Out Tag Out, NEC70e, OSHA 10, etc.
• Familiar with NEC 70e electrical safety requirements.
• Ability to complete company-sponsored Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) Program training, pass a knowledge & skills field evaluation, and attain minimum Level 1 QEW status.

Engineering Operations:

• Oversee the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering systems, processes, and procedures.
• Monitor operation and maintain refrigeration, water cooling and air conditioning equipment; boilers, heating, ventilating and hot water equipment; pumps, valves, piping and filters; other mechanical and electrical equipment; reviewing logs as necessary to assure proper operation of equipment; responsible for reporting any problems/malfunctions on an as need basis. Performs preventive tasks when required. Oversee all repairs and Preventive Maintenance Program of HVAC systems; determines frequency of repair and/or PM for HVAC systems.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Monitor and assess the performance of engineering systems, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Manage and optimize departmental budgets, resources, and projects to meet operational targets and financial objectives.

Technical Expertise:

• Provide technical guidance and expertise to engineering teams, assisting in complex problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making processes.
• Stay updated with industry trends, advancements, and emerging technologies, and recommend appropriate technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Team Development:

• Train and develop engineering staff, promoting continuous learning and professional growth within the department.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and address performance-related issues proactively.
• Foster a safe and inclusive work environment, prioritizing safety, employee well-being and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Liaise with external contractors, consultants, vendors, and regulatory agencies as necessary.
• Communicate engineering initiatives, progress, and challenges to senior management and other relevant parties.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years facility related work experience, including customer service, leadership, and supervisory experience.
• Minimum 6 years of documented work experience in the HVAC or Electrical trade, or minimum 4 years documented work experience in the HVAC or Electrical trade and 2 years of supporting education.
• Managerial experience required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of maintenance processes.
• Understands aspects of construction planning and execution.
• Exposure to HVAC, fluid handling/pumping, fluid filtering, mechanical systems, and electrical systems engineering and operation.
• Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office and CMMS systems
• Demonstrated verbal/written communication skills.
• Proven record of excellent internal and external customer service
• Certification as a Universal Technician for CFC’s (or within 90 days of employment)
• Operating Engineers license (SMA) or equivalent (not required/but preferred)
• 2-year degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent work experience

PHYSICAL WORK ABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires frequent walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, stooping, and working/extending overhead, including:
•  Walking large, campus-like settings.
• Lifting a minimum of 80 lbs. on an infrequent basis
• Climbing stairs and navigating rooftops to access equipment.
• Working from heights using ladders and aerial work platforms.