About the Role:
As a CBRE Chief Engineer, you will lead and oversee all building engineering operations to ensure the efficient, safe, and reliable performance of facility systems. This role is responsible for developing, standardizing, and implementing preventive maintenance programs and operational procedures across all assigned Austin-area properties to maximize equipment performance, minimize downtime, and help ensure building systems meet or exceed their expected service life.
The Chief Engineer will provide leadership and technical support for our Global Technology client in a high-level, critical facilities role. This position requires working onsite at our Austin, TX location, Monday through Friday during daytime business hours.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing all building operations, including maintenance, equipment performance, and facility systems. Key responsibilities include providing technical support, performing preventive maintenance, coordinating repairs, and ensuring the reliable operation of all building infrastructure. This individual will also lead facility-related initiatives, manage vendor relationships, ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, and serve as the primary point of contact for all engineering and building systems matters on campus.
What You’ll Do:
Manage operations, assign work orders, and provide technical and procedural training of coworkers and subcontractors.
Ensure local compliance: Maintain a deep understanding of, and ensure full compliance with, local Austin building codes, municipal regulations, and regional sustainability initiatives (such as Austin Energy guidelines).
Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and other downtime to reduce business interruption and inconvenience.
Travel regularly between properties within the portfolio to perform site inspections, audit equipment, and support on-site engineering staff.
Negotiate and manage service contracts with local Austin vendors and subcontractors across multiple properties to ensure cost-efficiency and consistent service delivery.
Developing annual operating budgets for engineering operations, including labor, materials, utilities, and capital expenditures
Managing monthly expense tracking, variance analysis, and financial forecasting
Handling financial controls such as purchase order creation, invoice approval, and expense coding
Capital Planning: Conducting building condition assessments, scoping projects, creating preliminary budgets, and managing the closeout of capital projects (such as obtaining as-built drawings and warranties)
Formulate and implement a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.
Identifying opportunities for energy conservation and operational efficiency, such as optimizing HVAC schedules based on occupancy
Supporting sustainability initiatives like LEED or Energy Star certification processes and water conservation strategies
Regularly analyzing utility bills to identify anomalies and control operating expenses
Monitor building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by the client.
Managing the access control system, including setting up access levels, door schedules, and distributing access cards for tenants and vendors
Managing electrical infrastructure, specifically switchgear, transformers, and tenant lighting controls
Maintaining interior finishes of vertical transportation systems (passenger and freight elevators)
Operating Building Automation Systems (BAS)
Respond to emergency situations, summoning additional assistance as needed.
Ensuring compliance with local building codes, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, fire codes, and ADA standards
Coordinating inspections with local authorities and maintaining current permits and certificates
Implementing strict safety programs, including lockout/tagout procedures, confined space protocols, and fall protection measures, as well as conducting incident investigations
Developing formal emergency response procedures (e.g., severe weather, power outages) and conducting regular emergency drills
Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of principles, advanced techniques, and theories to create unprecedented solutions.
Showcase in-depth expertise in cutting-edge theories, techniques, and/or technologies within own function.
Negotiates with senior management, customers, regulators, or vendors to influence decisions of strategic importance.
Developing scopes of work for contracted services, soliciting competitive bids, evaluating proposals, and making award recommendations
Drive the direction and resource allocation for programs, projects, or services.
Significantly impact the design of policies and procedures. Provide moderate impact on the business direction through the development of innovative services or products.
Participating in tenant meetings, building tours, and orientation sessions for new occupants
Thoroughly investigating and resolving tenant complaints while balancing tenant needs with operational constraints
What You’ll Need:
High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 8-10 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a
diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.
Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and a reliable means of transportation to travel between properties in the portfolio
Possess industry-standard certifications (if applicable)
Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and
the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
Multi-dimensional, conceptual, and innovative thinking to develop new solutions.
Ability to identify and solves the most complex problems.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
Expert organizational skills with an unrivaled inquisitive mindset.
Why CBRE?
When you join CBRE, you become part of a global leader in commercial real estate and investment services that help businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact! Our collaborative environment is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service, and excellence — and we value the varied perspectives, backgrounds, and skills of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your full potential!
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
Our Values in Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at
[email protected] or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).
