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Building Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Transwestern

Building Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting, caulking, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, electrical and completing maintenance on buildings as needed. The ...

Trans western

Building Engineer

Des Moines, IA

The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting, caulking, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, electrical and completing maintenance on buildings as needed. The ...

HDR

Iowa Site Civil Team Lead

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the ...

JLL

Facilities Capital Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

OVERVIEW - Facilities Capital Engineer JLL is seeking aFacilities Capital Engineerto join our team ... Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and other applicable building codes and standards

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Building Engineer information

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$17

$31

$51

How much do building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for building engineer in Des Moines, IA is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.86 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a building engineer?

A Building Engineer is a professional responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of a building's systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, and structural components. They ensure that all systems function efficiently and safely, often performing regular inspections and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Building Engineers may work in residential, commercial, or industrial properties and coordinate with other contractors or technicians to address complex problems. Their role is essential for maintaining the comfort, safety, and value of a property.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Engineer, you need a solid understanding of building systems, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), maintenance management software, and industry certifications such as EPA or LEED are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and time-management skills help you efficiently address tenant needs and coordinate with contractors or facility managers. These competencies ensure building safety, operational efficiency, and occupant satisfaction in complex property environments.

What are some typical challenges building engineers face in managing multiple facility systems simultaneously?

Building Engineers often oversee several complex systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing within a facility. A common challenge is prioritizing urgent repairs while maintaining routine preventative maintenance schedules. Effective time management and communication with other departments are essential to minimize downtime and ensure building occupants’ comfort and safety. Collaboration with vendors and contractors also plays a key role when resolving specialized system issues.

What is the difference between Building Engineer vs Facility Technician?

AspectBuilding EngineerFacility Technician
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing licensesHVAC, electrical, plumbing certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial buildings, maintenanceBuilding systems, equipment repair, preventive maintenance
Employer & IndustryProperty management, real estate, facilities managementFacilities management, maintenance services

Building Engineers and Facility Technicians often share certifications and work in similar environments, focusing on maintaining building systems. Building Engineers typically have broader responsibilities, including overseeing multiple systems and performing complex repairs, while Facility Technicians focus on specific equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential for building operations and are frequently searched together by employers and job seekers.

How much do building engineers make?

Building engineers in New York typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the facilities managed. Salaries can vary based on the size of the building, responsibilities, and whether the engineer has specialized skills such as HVAC or electrical systems knowledge.
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The top searched job categories for Building Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Building Engineer jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Building Engineer job openings:

Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Engineer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,665 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Building Engineer

Transwestern

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Transwestern is a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm dedicated to serving investors, partners and clients through expertise in investment, development, brokerage and property management. Our experience spans diverse property types, including logistics, multifamily, retail, mixed-use, healthcare, office, data centers, hotel, and life sciences. Across 35 offices nationwide, our team is united by a culture that cultivates agility, mutual trust and high performance.
Transwestern Services turns strategy into reality with consistency and accountability, collaborating to provide dynamic, tailored solutions. Whether representing a tenant, advising an investor or repositioning an asset, we operate with tenacity and own the outcome every time. Our 2,200-strong team works across service lines, ready to activate our full platform to deliver a customized, cohesive experience for clients.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Building Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting, caulking, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, electrical and completing maintenance on buildings as needed. The Building Engineer will perform general preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, equipment and grounds. The Building Engineer will also monitor the building operations and performance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Perform preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, equipment, and grounds.
  • Inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by client.
  • Perform assigned repairs, emergency, and preventive maintenance. Complete maintenance and repair records as required.
  • Take the lead to troubleshoot and repair of buildings and installed systems to include, but not limited to: plumbing systems, kitchen equipment, roofs, drains, and HVAC.
  • May be required to direct mechanics, technicians, and outside contractors on assigned projects.
  • Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning additional assistance as needed.
  • Maintain an energy management program to ensure measures are taken to operate all systems in the most efficient manner to keep operating costs at a minimum.
  • Maintain the building lighting system, including element and ballast repairs or replacements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and a minimum of two years of related experience and/or trade school training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of 3 years building maintenance experience.
  • Thorough knowledge in all building systems operations, maintenance and repair.
  • Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses, such as Refrigeration Certificate of Fitness, High Pressure Boiler License, High Pressure Steam Operator, etc.)
  • Knowledgeable in energy management systems, techniques, and operations.
  • Basic skills with Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Must have a thorough understanding of HVAC, electrical and building automation systems.
  • Ability to understand and give general instructions in standard situations.
  • Operate and use necessary manual and power-driven tools.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • May require shift work, overtime and/or on call duties.
  • Stooping, standing, climbing and frequent lifting of a minimum of 50 lbs. of equipment (pump, tools, ladders) and ability to safely install rigging/lifting device.
  • May be required to work extended periods of time without relief when responding to priority/emergency situations (including overtime type assignments).
  • Climb ladders and stairs.

WORK SHIFT:
First Shift (United States of America)
LOCATION:
Des Moines, IA
This is a dynamic, on-site role that places you at the heart of the action. As a result, an essential function of this position is working on-site. Remote or hybrid options are not available. Being on property allows you to build strong relationships with clients and tenants, respond in real time, and make a visible impact every day.
ABOUT US
Our firm is built on a shared purpose: Empowering good people to do extraordinary things together. We hire smart, passionate, hard-working people who value both collaboration and independence. United by our brand promise, we own the outcome for clients, investors and partners. Learn more at transwestern.com.
All candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include criminal history, education verification, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification. In addition, your employment with Transwestern is subject to successfully passing a drug screen check prior to you starting with the firm.
Transwestern logo

About Transwestern

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The privately held Transwestern companies have been delivering a higher level of personalized service and innovative real estate solutions since 1978. Through an integrated, customized approach that begins with good ideas, the firm drives value for clients across commercial real estate services, development, investment management, and opportunistic endeavors for high-net-worth investors. Operating from 33 U.S. offices, Transwestern extends its platform capabilities globally through strategic alliance partners whose unique geographic, cultural, and business expertise fuels creative solutions. Learn more at transwestern.com and @Transwestern.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1978

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