Chief Engineer
Pay: $65.00–$72.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous performance of critical building systems within a commercial or government facility. Reporting to the FMD Contract Administrator or Designated Representative, the Chief Engineer will lead a team of engineering staff while ensuring all building systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.
This leadership role combines technical expertise, personnel management, preventive maintenance planning, budgeting, and emergency response to support mission-critical facility operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must possess:
- Current EPA Universal Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) Certification
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience within the last fifteen (15) years operating and maintaining HVAC systems and related equipment in a large commercial, industrial, institutional, or government facility
- Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience overseeing building engineering operations
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience supervising engineering or maintenance personnel
Primary Responsibilities
The Chief Engineer is responsible for directing and supervising engineering staff responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of:
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
- Steam Systems and Boilers
- Fire & Life Safety Systems (FLS)
- Energy Management Systems (EMS)
- Access Control Systems (ACS)
- Electrical, Lighting & Power Systems
- Mechanical Systems
- Plumbing Systems
- Water Distribution and Water Treatment Systems
Additional responsibilities include:
Leadership & Supervision
- Lead, assign, schedule, and supervise engineering staff.
- Ensure preventive maintenance and repair work is completed in accordance with maintenance schedules and industry standards.
- Conduct regular inspections of buildings, equipment rooms, work areas, and tools to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Identify staff training needs and provide ongoing technical guidance and mentoring.
- Participate in maintenance planning, shutdown coordination, deferred maintenance, and system evaluations.
Maintenance Planning & Operations
- Develop and manage weekly preventive maintenance schedules using Maximo.
- Coordinate tenant work requests and maintenance activities.
- Monitor work quality and ensure compliance with DGS, FMD, CAL/OSHA, NFPA, and applicable building codes.
- Respond to emergency situations and coordinate corrective actions.
- Maintain 24/7 on-call availability for critical building emergencies.
Asset & Inventory Management
- Maintain equipment records, warranties, permits, and asset documentation.
- Track preventive maintenance activities and update Maximo daily.
- Conduct weekly inventory reviews and prepare monthly inventory reports.
- Monitor equipment lifecycle and recommend replacement or repair as necessary.
Procurement & Budget Support
- Research equipment, materials, and repair costs.
- Prepare written scopes of work for maintenance and repair projects.
- Submit requisitions for supplies, equipment, and replacement parts.
- Assist with budgeting and procurement recommendations.
- Coordinate annual permit renewals and regulatory compliance documentation.
Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare operational reports, maintenance documentation, and budget recommendations.
- Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, electrical single-line diagrams, and specifications.
- Maintain detailed maintenance records using Maximo and Microsoft Office applications.
Required Knowledge
Candidates should possess strong working knowledge of:
- Commercial HVAC systems
- Boilers and boiler room equipment
- Refrigeration systems
- Electrical distribution systems
- Mechanical equipment
- Plumbing systems
- Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Electric and pneumatic controls
- Fire & Life Safety Systems
- Water treatment and chemical analysis
- Energy Management Systems
- Building operational permits and regulatory compliance
- California Environmental Reporting System (CERS)
- Energy-saving technologies including:
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Economizers
- Occupancy Sensors
- NFPA 70 electrical safety requirements
- CAL/OSHA regulations
- Preventive maintenance best practices
- Scope of Work development
- Technical drawings and mechanical/electrical plans
Leadership & Technical Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
- Lead and supervise multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Plan, prioritize, and delegate maintenance activities.
- Analyze equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
- Prepare maintenance reports, budgets, and operational recommendations.
- Respond effectively during emergency situations.
- Maintain accurate records within Maximo CMMS.
- Communicate effectively with facility management, contractors, tenants, and stakeholders.
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining high operational standards.
Interpersonal Skills
Successful candidates will possess:
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Professional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to build collaborative working relationships with staff, contractors, and building occupants.
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position requires work throughout occupied commercial or government facilities and mechanical spaces. Candidates must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Climb stairs and ladders.
- Bend, kneel, stoop, and reach overhead.
- Work in confined mechanical spaces.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Work around mechanical equipment, electrical systems, and varying environmental conditions.
- Respond to emergency calls outside normal business hours as needed.
Additional Requirements
- Experience using Maximo Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is highly preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
- Must maintain excellent customer service while interacting with tenants, contractors, and facility personnel.
- Must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency call-back and critical building operations.
- Commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient building operations while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards.
Pay: $65.00 - $72.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
