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Chief Building Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Chief Engineer, you'll provide operational leadership for the engineering team, ensuring ... Oversee contractor activities within the building, ensure the Critical Facility Work Authorization ...

As Chief Engineer, you'll provide operational leadership for the engineering team, ensuring ... Oversee contractor activities within the building, ensure the Critical Facility Work Authorization ...

As Chief Engineer, you'll provide operational leadership for the engineering team, ensuring ... Oversee contractor activities within the building, ensure the Critical Facility Work Authorization ...

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 ...

Chief Building Engineer

Pittsfield, MA · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

About the Role CBRE is seeking an experienced Chief Building Engineer to lead facility operations at a unique 250-acre mixed-use industrial and office campus in Pittsfield, MA. This is an excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief building engineer?

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Chief Building Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

CHIEF BUILDING ENGINEER Center City, Philadelphia, PA Elliott-Lewis Corporation is currently seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to be responsible for the coordination and completion of facility projects, preventive maintenance and repairs of mechanical, plumbing and HVAC equipment at a client’s high-rise office building located in Center City Philadelphia.  Our organization welcomes applicants that are both union members and non-union. 

About Company:

Since 1905, Elliott-Lewis and its family of companies have a reputation of being a premier provider of Mechanical Services, Facilities Management, and Crane Rentals.

Responsibiltiies

  • In addition to performing repair and maintenance services, assisting the maintenance mechanics with various duties, the Chief Engineer also has a strong focus on supervisory and coordination responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:
    • Planning, organizing, training, developing and directing of the daily operation of the central plant, building utilities and building maintenance by assuming supervisory and administrative authority for the assigned service area, responsibility and accountability.
    • Oversees and supervises the Maintenance Mechanics.
    • Receives work orders and assigns services to the site staff; closes out work orders and prepares reports on service completed; communicates with requesters on work order requirements and status.
    • Coordinates service and repair and maintenance contractor work.
    • Assists with the solicitation of quotes from contractors for various site repair, maintenance and other services.
    • Coordinate activities with other departments and services to insure a safe and efficient operation.
    • Implement operation and maintenance of all building equipment and systems.
    • Coordinates and supervises routine and preventive maintenance programs and corrective maintenance and repairs.
    • Implements energy conservation programs as determined.
    • Implements, maintains and reports inventory of repair and spare parts.
    • Maintains fire protection systems and fire alarm operation.
    • Provides and coordinate 24/7 emergency and service response as required.
    • Implements and maintains quality assurance programs, personnel training, workshops and meetings.
    • Directs site operations in accordance with guidelines, codes and regulations.
    • Aid in the development and training of skills of those less skilled on the team.
    • Assists in planning, organizing, directing and reporting contractor work.
    • Acts as liaison with subcontractors, inspectors, government agencies and suppliers.
    • Evaluates direct report personnel performance capabilities and training on a regular basis.
    • Travel to both the Corporate Office (in Northeast Phialdlephia) and Client Location

Required Skills  

  • A graduate of a technical or trade school with training in mechanical systems; Bachelor degree preferred
  • Minimum of 7 years field experience in commercial mechanical systems operation, repair and maintenance; experience with boiler, chiller and control systems. Familiarity with plumbing, electric and fire protection systems.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing and supervising building maintenance personnel.
  • Ability to write well and communicate effectively, and the ability to interface well with the client, administration, and maintenance personnel and occupants.
  • Ability to read and apply blueprints, specifications, operations and maintenance manuals, pneumatic and/or electric control drawings.
  • Strong background in troubleshooting, operation, replacement, repair and maintenance of mechanical systems and controls.
  • Computer skills required, experience with computerized maintenance management systems is highly desirable.
  • Strong leadership skills.

Preferred Skills 

  • Class “A” Engineers license (Philadelphia)
  • CFC Certification is desired, but not mandatory for application, but must be obtained within 6 months
  • Driver’s License in good order greatly valued  

Physical Requirements

  • Consistently Required: Walking, standing, bending, or twisting 
  • Frequently Required:  Bending or twisting, kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling. Working with various chemicals 
  • Occasionally Required: Working with arms raised over head.  Max carries 75lbs. Push/pull 40-75lbs.  Exposure to hot and cold temperatures.  Working from or on ladders.  Working at heights.  Exposure to high sound levels.  Operate motorized equipment.

Compensation:

  • Elliott-Lewis offers a robust compensation package including:
    • Competitive pay,
    • Retirement Plan,
    • Vacation Packages,
    • Sick Pay,
    • Medical / Health Insurance Plans,
    • Dental coverage,
    • Additional voluntary benefits including several life insurance options, accident insurance, several disability insurance options, and more.

Our organization is proud to be established and operate in the city of Philadelphia. As such, candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to application may receive priority over other applicants. This application can be used to determine eligibility preference for residents. If an applicant does not indicate city of residence, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residency preference.

We recognize that great talent can come from a variety of backgrounds.  We are an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action and diversity.  Background, MVR checks, and drug tests are performed for all positions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets

Employment Type: FULL_TIME