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Chief Building Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitchell

Chief Building Engineer

Houston, TX

Kitchell is seeking a highly skilled Chief Building Engineer to lead building operations for our Houston area based in the Katy / Houston area. This senior-level role is ideal for an expert in ...

Berman

Chief Building Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Chief Building Engineer About Berman Construction Berman is a leader in property management and facility services. If you're the kind of person who cares about growing your career and providing the ...

CBRE

Chief Building Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$53/hr

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you'll oversee building systems, preventive maintenance programs, budgets, and a skilled technical team supporting a mission-critical campus. This role blends hands ...

KITCHELL

Chief Building Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Description Kitchell is seeking a highly skilled Chief Building Engineer to lead building operations for our Houston area based in the Katy / Houston area. This senior-level role is ideal for an ...

The Salvation Army

Chief Building Engineer

Chicago, IL

$84K - $104K/yr

Chief Building Engineer LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light REPORTS TO: Executive Director PEOPLE MANAGER : Yes FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt PAY GRADE: 410 PAY RATE: $84,898 - $104,000 WHO WE ARE At The Salvation ...

CBRE

Chief Building Engineer

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

$125K/yr

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer you will supervise the team responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing ongoing maintenance and repair operations for a facility, a campus, or a portfolio ...

Fairfax County

Chief Building Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$76K - $134K/yr

Job Announcement Chief Building Engineer - Lead Operations for a Multi-Building Organization Are you a hands-on facilities leader who thrives on solving complex building system challenges and leading ...

Fairfax County, VA

Chief Building Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$76K - $134K/yr

We are seeking a Chief Building Engineer to oversee the operations, maintenance, and performance of a large portfolio of critical facilities. In this role, you will lead a team of skilled trades ...

The Salvation Army

Chief Building Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $104K/yr

Chief Building Engineer LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light REPORTS TO: Executive Director PEOPLE MANAGER : Yes FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt PAY GRADE: 410 PAY RATE: $84,898 - $104,000 WHO WE ARE At The Salvation ...

HOA Talent

Chief Building Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Chief Building Engineer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance, upkeep, and repair of building systems within a residential property. Reporting to onsite management, this role ...

HOA Talent

Chief Building Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Chief Building Engineer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance, upkeep, and repair of building systems within a residential property. Reporting to onsite management, this role ...

HOA Talent

Chief Building Engineer

Arlington, VA

The Chief Building Engineer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance, upkeep, and repair of building systems within a residential property. Reporting to onsite management, this role ...

CBRE

Chief Building Engineer Supervisor

Redmond, WA · On-site

$63/hr

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you'll oversee building systems, preventive maintenance programs, budgets, and a skilled technical team supporting a mission-critical campus. This role blends hands ...

CBRE

Chief Building Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$85K/yr

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you will perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment, and grounds. This job is part of the ...

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Chief Building Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief building engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief building engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Chief Building Engineer do?

A Chief Building Engineer is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operation, and repair of a building’s systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment. They supervise engineering and maintenance staff, manage building projects, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and coordinate with vendors and contractors. Their role is essential for ensuring that the building operates efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.

What is the difference between Chief Building Engineer vs Building Maintenance Supervisor?

AspectChief Building EngineerBuilding Maintenance Supervisor
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing licenses; often professional engineering licenseTrade certifications, HVAC or electrical licenses often preferred
Work EnvironmentLarge commercial or institutional buildings, facilities managementBuilding maintenance teams, smaller facilities
ResponsibilitiesOversees all building systems, manages maintenance staff, ensures complianceSupervises maintenance tasks, coordinates repairs, manages technicians

The Chief Building Engineer typically has broader responsibilities, overseeing all building systems and staff, often in larger facilities. The Building Maintenance Supervisor focuses on supervising maintenance activities and technicians. Both roles require technical certifications, but the Chief Building Engineer's scope is more comprehensive and strategic.

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

To thrive as a Chief Building Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), strong problem-solving abilities, and typically a relevant technical degree or trade certification. Familiarity with building automation systems, maintenance management software, and safety regulations is essential, and certifications like EPA Universal or a Stationary Engineer’s License are often required. Leadership, communication, and time management are critical soft skills for coordinating teams and managing multiple priorities. These skills ensure efficient facility operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, comfortable environment for building occupants.

What are some common challenges faced by Chief Building Engineers when managing large facilities?

Chief Building Engineers often face the challenge of balancing preventative maintenance with urgent repairs, especially in large or aging facilities. They must coordinate with multiple departments to minimize downtime and disruptions while ensuring all building systems—such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing—operate efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with evolving building codes and sustainability standards can add complexity, requiring strong organizational and leadership skills. Successful Chief Building Engineers excel at prioritizing tasks, leading maintenance teams, and communicating effectively with property managers and vendors.
More about Chief Building Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Building Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Building Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Building Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Chief Building Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Building Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Building Engineer jobs include:
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Chief Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Building Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Building Engineer

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Houston, TX

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Kitchell is seeking a highly skilled Chief Building Engineer to lead building operations for our Houston area based in the Katy / Houston area. This senior-level role is ideal for an expert in commercial HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building systems who is ready to take ownership of facility performance, lead maintenance personnel, and serve as the primary technical authority for a medical office building portfolio. This position offers the opportunity to build a long-term career with one of the most innovative and growth-oriented building companies in the United States.

Overview

The Chief Building Engineer oversees all technical operations, maintenance programs, and building system performance for a medical office building environment. This role requires mastery of HVAC systems, electrical distribution, plumbing infrastructure, and building automation platforms. The Chief Engineer will lead maintenance staff, coordinate vendors, ensure regulatory compliance, and serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding building operations and technical issues.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

  • Provides technical leadership and daily direction to building engineers, maintenance technicians, and
  • contracted service providers.
  • Develops preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment life and minimize
  • downtime.
  • Oversees all corrective repairs, system upgrades, and major equipment replacements.
  • Ensures all work meets company standards, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Technical Operations

  • Performs and supervises advanced diagnostics, repairs, and component replacements on large-scale
  • commercial HVAC systems including air-cooled chillers, boilers, rooftop units, and VAV systems.
  • Manages and optimizes Building Automation Systems (BAS), with emphasis on Johnson Controls Metasys
  • platforms.
  • Oversees electrical and plumbing system performance, including troubleshooting, repairs, and infrastructure
  • improvements.
  • Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes, contract requirements, and operational
  • standards.

Vendor & Project Management

  • Coordinates specialized contractors for maintenance, repairs, certifications, and capital improvement
  • projects.
  • Reviews and approves vendor work, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to scope.
  • Manages procurement of materials, supplies, and replacement components.
  • Client & Stakeholder Communication
  • Serves as the primary technical liaison for clients, providing clear explanations of maintenance activities,
  • system performance, and recommended improvements.
  • Responds to escalated client concerns and resolves issues promptly and professionally.
  • Prepares operational reports, maintenance summaries, and compliance documentation.
  • Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensures adherence to federal, state, local, and company safety and operational regulations.
  • Maintains accurate records in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Supports internal and external audits, providing required documentation and system data.

Emergency Response

  • Leads after-hours emergency response efforts and coordinates all off-hours maintenance activities.
  • Ensures proper communication with management and clients during critical events.

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