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Chief Building Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... Responsible for 100% Compliance at his/her site. • Manage operational accounts for building ...

Gecko Hospitality

Be Seen First

Director of Engineering - Luxury Hotel + Entertainment Destination

Portland, OR · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Chief Engineer Luxury Hospitality & Entertainment Destination About the Opportunity We are seeking ... Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, fire and life-safety regulations, OSHA standards ...

New

Benelynk

Sr. Software Engineer

Portland, OR · Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

This role reports to the Chief Technology Officer, who maintains final authority over architectural ... This role is part of a new and growing service line focused on building a Veteran Directed Care ...

Ashby

Design Engineer - Americas

Portland, OR · Remote

$126K - $250K/yr

First, this role has always had the commitment of both Benji (CEO & Co-Founder) and me: I've held ... We're building a team of kind, collaborative folks. Customer issues and investigations are ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Building Engineer JobsChief Building Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Chief Building Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$34.5K

$98.6K

$192K

How much do chief building engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief building engineer in Portland, OR is $98,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,600.00 and $127,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Chief Building Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Chief Building Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Building Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Building Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Chief Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Building Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,569 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Building Engineer - 1000 Broadway

NAI Elliott

Portland, OR • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB POSITION: Building Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Real Estate Services
REPORTS TO: Chief Building Engineer, Real Estate Manager
SALARY RATE: $25-$35 /per hour DOEJOB STATUS: Full Time; Non-Exempt
HOURS: Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm ( Or As Required )
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Building Engineer is responsible for maintaining an efficient operation of all building systems and to inform the Chief Building Engineer of any condition affecting the building services, facility or client safety and comfort. The Building Engineer ensures that all maintenance needs for the building are completed or scheduled for completion.?
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TASKS:
  1. Develop and maintain a working relationship with all tenants in the building
  2. Inspect and examine HVAC equipment, fire extinguishers, life safety systems, base building systems and domestic water supply systems for required maintenance
  3. Develop work orders and complete as necessary
  4. Complete daily rounds to check all area lighting and look for any scuffed walls or other visible maintenance needs
  5. Identify malfunctioning or burnt out light bulbs and change or notify the Building Technician Engineer?
  6. Identify repairs needed for building/tenants' units and notify the Building Technician Engineer or the Chief Building Engineer
  7. Complete basic plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall and other repairs as assigned. Complete monthly meter reads for water and electrical systems
  8. Perform preventative maintenance on all HVAC equipment and cooling towers
  9. Operate automated energy management software system, symmetry access control systems and create access cards, and key trails system for tracking and issuing keys
  10. Maintain inventory and order supplies when needed and keep a clean and orderly work shop
  11. Participate in after hours / emergency called-in relay response?
  12. Perform any other duties as needed or requested

MISCELLANEOUS:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related tasks requested by their supervisor.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.?
We are an equal opportunity organization, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for independent contract or employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.???
Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING/SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
  • LME or LBME license preferred
  • Experience with commercial building operating systems
  • High school or GED diploma
  • Minimum of four (4) years of general building maintenance procedures (how-to knowledge)
  • Minimum of one (1) year of maintenance management experience (recurring, scheduled, tracking fire & life safety)
  • Preferred certifications: Universal Technician Certification, CFC, Stationary Engineer Journeyman card
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office/Suite and additional knowledge with any software program or technology identified as standard or requested by the Client
  • Ability to operate power tools, power lifts, scaffolding, ladders and read digital meters and voltage testers.
  • Advanced training on major building systems such as: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and General Building Operations, Strong communication skills, Solid problem solving and reasoning skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Walking and standing for long periods of time are regularly required when performing the duties. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms; climb; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in a confined space. Must have the ability to work at heights up, and sometimes exceeding, 100 feet. The employee must regularly lift up to 25 pounds and frequently move up to 100 pounds, while adhering to safety instructions prescribed in the safety handbook and all other safety courses provided. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus; therefore the applicants must have 20/20 vision or wear glasses/contacts that bring their vision to 20/20.
Salary Description
$25-$35 per hour DOE

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