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Building Systems Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Building Systems Engineer, you will define, document, prototype, and continuously improve that system. Your work is deliberately decoupled from day-to-day project execution: your job is to make ...

Building Systems Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$37.02 - $53.85/hr

Senior Associate, Building Systems Engineer As a critical member of our Facilities Team, the Building Systems Engineer, Senior Associate is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of ...

Blend strategy with hands-on engineering - This role goes beyond design. You'll guide controls, HVA ... The Opportunity Cenergistic is seeking a Building Systems Engineer with deep experience in HVAC ...

Blend strategy with hands-on engineering - This role goes beyond design. You'll guide controls, HVA ... The Opportunity Cenergistic is seeking a Building Systems Engineer with deep experience in HVAC ...

The Building Systems Technician will oversee the major mechanical and electrical building systems that support our engineering labs, manufacturing facilities and warehouse operations. The role ...

The Building Systems Technician will oversee the major mechanical and electrical building systems that support our engineering labs, manufacturing facilities and warehouse operations. The role ...

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Building Systems Engineering information

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$60.5K

$142.1K

$196K

How much do building systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for building systems engineering in the United States is $142,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

In the field of Building Systems Engineering, very few engineers earn $500,000 annually. Typically, such high salaries are associated with executive roles, specialized consultants, or engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities in large organizations or high-demand industries. Most building systems engineers earn significantly less, with top-tier salaries reaching into the high six figures primarily through senior positions or consulting roles.

What does a building systems engineer do?

A building systems engineer designs, analyzes, and maintains the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control systems that ensure a building's safe, efficient, and reliable operation. They often use tools like CAD software and may hold certifications such as LEED or PE. Their work involves coordinating with architects and contractors throughout construction and maintenance phases.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

In building systems engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually. These roles often involve managing complex projects, leading teams, and working in high-demand industries such as commercial construction, infrastructure, or large-scale facilities. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

How much do building systems engineers make?

Building systems engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of projects, industry sector, and level of expertise in areas such as HVAC, electrical, or automation systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Building Systems Engineers when working on retrofit projects in existing structures?

Building Systems Engineers often encounter unique challenges during retrofit projects, such as integrating modern systems with outdated infrastructure and ensuring compliance with current codes. Limited access to existing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems can complicate upgrades, requiring creative problem-solving and collaboration with architects and contractors. Additionally, balancing energy efficiency improvements with budget constraints and minimizing disruptions to occupants are key considerations that demand both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

What is Building Systems Engineering?

Building Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of a building’s essential systems, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, plumbing, and fire protection. Engineers in this field ensure that these systems work together efficiently to provide comfort, safety, sustainability, and functionality within buildings. They collaborate closely with architects and construction professionals to meet regulatory standards and optimize building performance. Building Systems Engineers play a key role in improving energy efficiency and supporting green building initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification (such as PE or EIT). Familiarity with building automation systems, HVAC, AutoCAD, and energy management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable you to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and ensure system reliability. These competencies are crucial for designing, maintaining, and optimizing safe, efficient building environments.

What is the difference between Building Systems Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectBuilding Systems EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and managing building systems like HVAC, plumbing, electricalDesigning mechanical devices, engines, manufacturing systems
Industry UsageConstruction, building design, facilities managementManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy

Building Systems Engineering focuses on designing and maintaining building infrastructure systems, while Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical devices and systems across various industries. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the construction and manufacturing sectors, but their specific applications differ significantly.

More about Building Systems Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Building Systems Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Building Systems Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Building Systems Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Building Systems Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Building Systems Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Building Systems Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Building Systems Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,070 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Building Systems Engineering Project Manager

CPL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Greenville, SC • On-site

$109K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Why this role matters

Joining CPL as a Building Systems Engineering Project Manager, you’ll take ownership of diverse projects, guide multidisciplinary teams, and deliver thoughtful, high-performance building system designs from concept through completion. If you’re an experienced engineering professional who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, leadership, and client partnership, this role offers a platform to do your best work.

What you’ll do

You won’t just manage projects—you’ll drive outcomes.

  • Lead end-to-end project delivery across projects, balancing scope, schedule, budget, and quality across practices
  • Play a critical role in developing talent as well as building and leading high-performing teams
  • Own client relationships, facilitating vision sessions, and serving as a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle
  • Direct multidisciplinary coordination across architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural teams
  • Define project strategy, including scope development, goal setting, timelines, and resource allocation
  • Ensure financial performance, managing billing, invoicing, and resource planning
  • Elevate quality standards, performing QA/QC reviews on designs, calculations, and methodologies
  • Contribute to business growth through proposal development and client engagement


Technical Leadership

You’ll provide oversight across multiple engineering domains:

Mechanical Systems

  • Review heating/cooling load and ventilation calculations
  • Guide hydronic, air system, and process engineering design
  • Oversee mechanical room layouts for efficiency and functionality
  • Evaluate and recommend optimal system solutions

Plumbing & Fire Protection

  • Direct sanitary, domestic water, and gas piping system design
  • Oversee medical gas systems
  • Lead fire protection design including hydraulics and sprinkler layouts

Cross-Discipline Integration

  • Ensure seamless coordination across all building systems
  • Support grant application processes tied to engineering scope

What you bring

  • 12+ years of engineering experience in building systems
  • Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in Engineering or a related field—or equivalent experience
  • Professional licensure
  • Specific depth of expertise in mechanical BSE, with plumbing and fire suppression being highly desirable
  • Strong command of building systems engineering principles across disciplines
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality or deadlines
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • A collaborative mindset with the ability to foster innovation and creative problem-solving at you bring

WHAT WE OFFER:  CPL cares about your future with us! That’s why we offer the following benefits to you and your family: 

To regular full-time and part-time employees who regularly work 30 or more hours per week

  • Internal Mobility & Career Advancement
  • Healthcare for you and your family including spouse coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription insurances. Single Plans with 100% paid premium
  • Flexible Time Off + 8 Holidays a year
  • Retirement Savings Plan - Contribution from CPL to grow your retirement funds.
  • Tuition Assistance: You may be eligible for continuing education assistance.
  • Student Loan Assistance Program: CPL will contribute up to a maximum of $100 a month for 5 years ($6,000 total) towards student loan debt. 
  • Licensure Assistance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance Company/team member premium sharing
  • Flexible Spending Account $5,000 dependent childcare annually paid 100% by team member pre-taxes. 
  • FREE Life Insurance and AD+D Insurance 
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance


WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE WORKING HERE?  We believe that building a strong community is about establishing a prevailing sense of fellowship among our team members, friends, and neighbors.

  • Collaboration – working with others towards the best solution, placing great emphasis on the collective wisdom of our internal teams.
  • Family – celebrating others’ successes, genuinely caring about the happiness and well-being of our team members and recognizing their own families as extensions of the CPL family.
  • Fun – not taking oneself too seriously, fully understanding that fun at work is conducive to productivity.
  • Inspiration – contributing to an uplifting workplace that facilitates growth and success by maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude.
  • Integrity – doing what is ethically right and providing reliable follow-through on commitments.
  • Ingenuity – seeking new opportunities and consistently identifying unexpected and practical ways to solve problems.

CPL does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. CPL will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with CPL. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through our Talent Acquisition Team.