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Commercial Building Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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Commercial HVAC systems * Building Automation Systems (BAS) * Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) * Chillers and cooling towers * Boilers and hot water systems * Electrical ...

Experienced Building Engineer wanted! The Building Engineer reports to the Chief Engineer and is ... Certification in electrical (commercial and residential) * Universal certification * Valid driver ...

Building Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$60 - $75/hr

Responsibilities The Building Engineer reports to the Chief Engineer and is responsible for ... Certification in electrical (commercial and residential) * Universal certification * Valid driver ...

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Commercial Building Engineer information

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$20

$36

$59

How much do commercial building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial building engineer in Washington, DC is $36.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $41.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial building engineer?

Commercial building engineers are skilled professionals responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems in commercial properties such as office buildings, shopping centers, and hospitals. Their duties often include monitoring heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure they are functioning efficiently and safely. Building engineers also respond to maintenance requests, conduct routine inspections, and coordinate with contractors for specialized repairs. They play a key role in keeping properties comfortable, compliant with regulations, and cost-effective to operate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial building engineer?

To thrive as a Commercial Building Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant certifications such as HVAC or EPA licenses. Proficiency with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and diagnostic tools is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with tenants, vendors, and team members. These abilities ensure building systems operate efficiently, minimize downtime, and maintain occupant comfort and safety.

What are some typical challenges a commercial building engineer faces when maintaining older facilities?

Commercial Building Engineers working with older facilities often encounter challenges such as outdated HVAC systems, aging electrical infrastructure, and obsolete building controls. These issues may require creative problem-solving to implement modern solutions while adhering to budget constraints and minimizing downtime. Additionally, engineers must ensure compliance with current safety and environmental regulations, which can be more complex in older buildings. Collaboration with vendors, contractors, and property management is essential to coordinate repairs and upgrades efficiently.

What is the difference between Commercial Building Engineer vs Facility Technician?

AspectCommercial Building EngineerFacility Technician
CertificationsHVAC, Electrical, Plumbing licenses, sometimes certifications like CEMHVAC, Electrical, Plumbing certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCommercial buildings, office complexes, retail centersCommercial buildings, maintenance facilities
Job FocusOverseeing building systems, maintenance planning, troubleshootingPerforming repairs, routine maintenance, system inspections

Commercial Building Engineers typically have broader responsibilities, including system management and maintenance planning, while Facility Technicians focus on hands-on repairs and routine upkeep. Both roles require similar certifications and work in commercial environments, but the Engineer's role is more supervisory and strategic.

What are popular job titles related to Commercial Building Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Commercial Building Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Commercial Building Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Commercial Building Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Commercial Building Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,179 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Commercial Building Engineer

Hospitality at Work

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Commercial Building Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, operation, and management of a commercial office building's systems and infrastructure. This includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, and other building systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the building operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all regulations, providing tenants and visitors with a safe and comfortable work environment.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct building tours, logging equipment status, and EMS readings.
  • Performs preventative maintenance tasks as assigned.
  • Uses hand and power tools in making minor equipment repairs.
  • Responds to tenant service requests.
  • Performs repairs to the building's mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Makes repairs to plumbing fixtures such as automatic flush valves, automatic sink faucets, replace commodes and urinals.
  • Participates and must be available for after-hours rotating on-call duties.
  • Familiar with operating centrifugal chillers.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Qualification and Requirements

  • Must be able to think logically to resolve maintenance issues.
  • Ability to work independently and collectively with other members of the building engineering and management team.
  • Communicate effectively with engineering team, tenants, and vendors.
  • Must have strong electrical, plumbing, and mechanical troubleshooting skills.ย 
  • CFC Universal / 608 Certification.

Education and Experience

  • High school or equivalent (Required)
  • Trade classes (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, controls) (Preferred)
  • Building maintenance / HVAC: 7-10 years in commecial office buildings.
  • Energy Management System experience (Siemens Desigo beneficial)
  • Pneumatic controls experience (beneficial but not required)

Compensation: $37.00 - $40.00/hour, plus annual discretionary bonus. We offer a competitive benefits package for full-time, regular team members that includes group medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, critical illness and accident insurance, and participation in a pre-tax flexible benefits plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement along with an employee assistance program. We also offer a generous time off plan and are proud to offer participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match!

#LI-onsite

Employment Type: FULL_TIME