ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for college ...

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for ...

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for ...

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for college ...

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Chief Engineer (Operations & Maintenance) Join LB&B Associates Inc. and Shape the Future of Facility Management! Are you ready to lead, inspire, and take on a pivotal role at the heart of operations?

LB&B Associates Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Chief Engineer (Operations & Maintenance) Join LB&B Associates Inc. and Shape the Future of Facility Management! Are you ready to lead, inspire, and take on a pivotal role at the heart of operations?

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC

Overview Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for ...

Campus Apartments

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted! The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$68.41/hr

The Chief Engineer will assist to ensure that all systems are functioning efficiently and safely. They will also ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and licensing bodies.

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality work and customer ...

Alutiiq

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The Chief Engineer will assist to ensure that all systems are functioning efficiently and safely. They will also ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and licensing bodies.

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Fairfax, VA

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Centreville, VA

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Fairfax, VA

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Washington

Chief Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$105.3K

$205K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Washington is $105,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Chief Engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

What does the Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical operations and maintenance of a facility, ship, or industrial plant. They manage engineering staff, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often handle budgeting and project planning. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

How much does a Chief Engineer earn?

A Chief Engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and oversee technical operations, maintenance, and safety protocols in engineering projects or facilities.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

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

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What does a Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
More about Chief Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Washington? For Chief Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in WA? For Chief Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,269 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Campus Apartments

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted!

The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for college students across the country and our team is the reason for our success and for our ability to grow over the long-term. We are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as a Chief Engineer in Washington, DC.

The Chief Building Engineer will be the on-site technical lead responsible for all building systems and day-to-day engineering operations in our DC portfolio which is located at Howard University. This individual will oversee mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), life safety, and building automation systems; manage maintenance staff and vendors; and partner closely with the on-site property management team to deliver a best-in-class resident experience.


Chief Engineer Duties
  • Direct and coordinate maintenance and repair activities for all facility systems.
  • Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to improve system reliability.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building and safety codes.
  • Lead and mentor engineering and other maintenance staff, providing training and performance evaluations.
  • Monitor building automation systems to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings.
  • Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure high-quality and cost-effective services.
  • Address emergency maintenance issues promptly and develop response plans.
  • Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and compliance.
  • Assist in budget planning and forecasting for maintenance and capital projects.

  • Chief Engineer Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred.
    • At least 5 years of experience in building engineering, maintenance, or a related discipline.
    • Expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
    • Experience with building automation systems and energy management strategies.
    • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
    • Certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Stationary Engineer License preferred.
    • Experience managing large commercial, residential, or industrial properties.
    • Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and LEED certification standards.
    • Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
    • Proficiency in Excel and other IT related systems.

Apply