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Chief Building Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chief Building Engineer Zing Recruiting, in partnership with a valued public sector client in Fairfax, VA, is seeking an experienced Chief Building Engineer to oversee operations, maintenance, and ...

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 ...

Chief Building Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$75K - $125K/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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Lead Building Engineer Pay: $35.00/hour Schedule: Full-Time Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Lead Building Engineer to oversee daily facility maintenance operations while providing ...

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Be Seen First

Lead Building Engineer Pay: $35.00/hour Schedule: Full-Time Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Lead Building Engineer to oversee daily facility maintenance operations while providing ...

New

The position reports directly to the Chief Building Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals ...

As a CBRE Building Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring, maintaining and repairing building system operations and the performance of various areas including plumbing, electrical, painting ...

Senior Building Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

The position reports directly to the Chief Building Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals ...

The Building Engineer supports the designated leadership with the daily operations of all building ... Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer ...

The Building Engineer supports the designated leadership with the daily operations of all building ... Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer ...

The Building Engineer supports the designated leadership with the daily operations of all building ... Participate in regular required communication with Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer ...

This position reports to the Chief Engineer. Essential Job Functions * Supervise and direct ... Able to read complex building drawings and schematics. * Complies with all applicable codes ...

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Chief Building Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do chief building engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief building engineer in Virginia is $92,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $119,000.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Building Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chief Building Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chief Building Engineer job openings:
Cheif Building Engineer

Cheif Building Engineer

TeamSoft

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Chief Building Engineer
Zing Recruiting, in partnership with a valued public sector client in Fairfax, VA, is seeking an experienced Chief Building Engineer to oversee operations, maintenance, and performance of complex building systems across a portfolio of occupied commercial and critical facilities. This role serves as the senior technical authority onsite, responsible for ensuring all facility systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and operational standards. The Chief Engineer will lead maintenance teams, coordinate contractors, and support capital projects and system upgrades across multiple buildings.
Chief Building Engineer Summary
Pay: $75,474.26 - $125,790.50/annually
Location: Onsite in Fairfax, VA
Type: Direct Hire
As a Chief Building Engineer, you will:
  • Lead the daily operations and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
  • Serve as the primary technical expert for all building systems and equipment.
  • Oversee Building Automation Systems (BAS/EMCS/BEMS) and ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
  • Manage and direct maintenance teams, operating engineers, and contractors across multiple facilities.
  • Coordinate and support capital improvement projects, system upgrades, and equipment replacements.
  • Review and provide input on:
    • Engineering plans
    • Submittals and RFIs
    • Scope of work and project execution
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • Building codes
    • Safety regulations (OSHA)
  • Develop and manage:
    • Preventative maintenance programs
    • Work order systems (CMMS)
    • Equipment lifecycle planning
  • Respond to and manage emergency situations and system failures.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 8+ years of experience in commercial building engineering or facilities management
  • 3+ years of experience in a lead or supervisory role
  • Strong hands-on experience with:
    • HVAC systems
    • Electrical and mechanical equipment
    • Building automation systems (BAS/controls)
  • Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing large-scale or multi-building facilities (100,000+ sq ft)
  • Hands-on experience with BAS platforms such as:
    • Siemens
    • Trane Tracer
    • Johnson Controls
    • Honeywell
  • Boiler license or equivalent certifications
  • Experience working in:
    • Government or public sector facilities
    • Hospitals, universities, or mission-critical environments
  • Experience supporting or coordinating capital projects and contractor work.

Technical Skills
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities
  • Understanding of:
    • HVAC systems and controls
    • Electrical distribution systems
    • Mechanical systems and utilities
  • Familiarity with:
    • CMMS systems
    • Energy management systems
    • Preventative and predictive maintenance practices

Leadership Profile
  • Hands-on, working leader who leads by example.
  • Strong communicator across:
    • Facilities staff
    • Engineers
    • Contractors
  • Ability to:
    • Prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
    • Make real-time decisions in operational environments.
    • Maintain accountability across teams.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to access mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces.
  • Ability to climb ladders and stairs and lift up to 25-50 lbs
  • Ability to work in varying indoor/outdoor and environmental conditions.

Why This Role
  • Opportunity to lead operations across critical government facilities.
  • Work within a large, complex, and highly visible portfolio.
  • Long-term stability with potential for permanent placement

Zing Recruiting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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