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Lead Building Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Colliers

Roving Building Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$32.60 - $41/hr

About You As the Mobile Building Engineer (FLEET VEHICLE PROVIDED), you are familiar with ... lead the industry into the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United ...

CBRE

Mobile Building Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build ... Service Technician, Building Engineer, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, cool ...

CBRE

Mobile Building Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$43 - $48/hr

Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build ... Service Technician, Building Engineer, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, cool ...

CBRE

Mobile Building Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$38 - $43/hr

Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build ... Service Technician, Building Engineer, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, cool ...

Colliers

Roving Building Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$32.60 - $41/hr

About You As the Mobile Building Engineer (FLEET VEHICLE PROVIDED), you are familiar with ... lead the industry into the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United ...

Colliers

Roving Building Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$32.60 - $41/hr

About You As the Mobile Building Engineer (FLEET VEHICLE PROVIDED), you are familiar with ... lead the industry into the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United ...

CBRE

Senior Building Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Lead all aspects of and inspect the work performed by outside contractors. Respond to common ... Facilities Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Building Systems Engineer, Senior Maintenance Technician ...

CBRE Group, Inc.

Senior Building Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Lead all aspects of and inspect the work performed by outside contractors. Respond to common ... Facilities Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Building Systems Engineer, Senior Maintenance Technician ...

CBRE

Building Engineer (Tue-Sat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

As a CBRE Building Engineer, you will be involved in maintaining and repairing building systems ... Apply advanced knowledge to tackle sophisticated problems, mentor others across fields, and lead by ...

CBRE

Building Engineer - (14:00-22:30)

Fremont, CA · On-site

$55/hr

As a CBRE Building Engineer , you will be involved in maintaining and repairing building systems ... Apply advanced knowledge to tackle sophisticated problems, mentor others across fields, and lead by ...

CBRE

Senior Building Engineer (Nvidia)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$77/hr

About the Role Join CBRE as a Senior Building Engineer supporting the headquarters of Nvidia in ... Lead all aspects of and inspect the work performed by outside contractors. Respond to common ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsLead Building Engineer JobsLead Building Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Building Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$122.2K

$178.1K

How much do lead building engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead building engineer in California is $122,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead building engineer?

Lead Building Engineers are responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety. They supervise engineering staff, coordinate maintenance schedules, and ensure that building systems operate efficiently and safely. Additionally, they may manage budgets, handle vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Their role is crucial for keeping commercial or industrial facilities running smoothly and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges lead building engineers face when managing multiple facilities?

Lead Building Engineers often oversee several buildings or a large facility, which can present challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules, addressing unexpected equipment failures, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations across all sites. Effective time management and strong communication skills are crucial for prioritizing tasks and coordinating with on-site technicians, vendors, and facility managers. Staying updated with evolving building codes and technology also helps in proactively addressing issues before they escalate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead building engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Building Engineer, you need expertise in building systems maintenance, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, often backed by a technical degree or relevant certifications such as HVAC or EPA Universal. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and safety regulations is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage emergencies effectively. These competencies are critical for ensuring facility reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Lead Building Engineer vs Building Maintenance Supervisor?

AspectLead Building EngineerBuilding Maintenance Supervisor
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing licenses; technical certificationsOften similar certifications, focus on maintenance skills
Work EnvironmentTechnical roles in commercial, industrial, or institutional buildingsSupervisory roles overseeing maintenance teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in facilities management, property management, and engineering firmsCommon in property management and building operations
Job FocusTechnical expertise, troubleshooting, system maintenanceTeam supervision, scheduling, and maintenance coordination

The Lead Building Engineer primarily focuses on technical system maintenance and troubleshooting, requiring specialized certifications. In contrast, the Building Maintenance Supervisor oversees maintenance teams and manages daily operations. Both roles are essential in building management but differ in their scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Building Engineer jobs in California?

For Lead Building Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Building Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Building Engineer jobs in California are:

Lead Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Building Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,163 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Building Engineer I/II

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Gladstone Institutes
Scientific Research and Development Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Gladstone Institutesexternal

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Category:
Administration
Lab/Area:
Facilities
Description:
Who We Are:
The Gladstone Institutes is a leading independent, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to improving human health through groundbreaking biomedical research and education. Our work spans neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, immunology, and stem cell biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding and treating disease. With approximately 600 team members, including world-renowned scientists and biomedical leaders, Gladstone fosters a collaborative and innovative environment. Located at the Mission Bay Campus in a state-of-the-art facility, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the resources to empower individuals to maximize their potential and make a meaningful impact on global health.
About the role:
The Facilities Department at The Gladstone Institutes is seeking a motivated and experienced Building Engineer III to join our team. In this role, you will apply your expertise in HVAC and building automation systems to support the Facilities Engineering team in maintaining and overseeing overall building operations. Responsibilities include performing preventive and corrective maintenance on a variety of building equipment and machinery, navigating and managing the building management system (BMS), and utilizing light carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills as needed. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, implement independent methods and procedures, and take the lead or supervise various projects when required. While work is performed under general supervision, we are looking for someone who takes initiative and introduces innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency. This position also requires availability for occasional after-hours work and emergency on-call situations.
***This is a direct hire in-house role.
What you will do:
The Building Engineer I or II will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems essential to the facility's functionality. Key responsibilities include:
  • Boiler & Heating Systems: Operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, heater pumps, valves, and distribution lines for steam and heated or processed water.
  • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning: Maintenance of refrigerant compressors, condensers, evaporators, transfer pumps, expansion valves, and air conditioning systems to ensure optimal temperature control.
  • Pumping Systems: Operation and servicing of pumps handling brine, refrigerants, and other secondary refrigerating liquids, including water distribution valves and lines.
  • Air Compression Systems: Maintenance of air compressors, distribution lines, air dryers, filtration, and separation systems.
  • Water Distribution & Plumbing: Operation, maintenance, and repair of water filters, softeners, expansion tanks, piping, sinks, toilet bowls, supply lines, drains, and sprinkler systems.
  • Electrical Systems: Servicing electrical motors used to power pumps, compressors, and fans.
  • Work Order Execution: Performing various assigned work orders in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS): Utilizing a computerized system to process work orders, inventory equipment, and maintain preventive maintenance schedules for key building components such as Air Handling Units and exhaust fans.
  • Building Automation System: Navigating and managing the Siemens Building Automation System to monitor and control building systems and operations.
  • Emergency Response: Providing emergency response during regular shifts and after hours, with an on-call commitment of at least one week per month.
  • This role requires a proactive approach to maintenance, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

What you will need:
  • A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience working with boilers, HVAC, electrical systems, building automation systems, and lab utilities, as well as interacting with system end-users.
  • Two or more years of supervisory or lead experience is preferred.
  • Certifications in Boiler Operation, HVAC, Refrigeration, or Building Automation are highly desired.
  • Building Equipment: Air compressors, vacuum systems, refrigeration, HVAC equipment, boilers, chillers, and the interconnectivity of building system operations.
  • Handling High-Pressure Situations effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and utilizing Building Management Systems (Siemens preferred) and Computerized Maintenance Management Programs (CMMS).
  • Ability to effectively use tools, including handling a wrench.
  • Strong ability to work independently while also thriving in a team setting.
  • Experience interacting with vendors and system end-users, maintaining professionalism, and effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Salary Range:
$80k - $130K
Gladstone Perks & Benefits
  • People-work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates within an organization that values each member of its community.
  • A meaningful place to grow and learn-whether it's your professional skills or scientific knowledge, we have the resources and environment to advance either so you can better support Gladstone's mission to drive a new era of discovery in disease-oriented science and to mentor tomorrow's leaders in an inspiring and excellent environment.
  • Healthy work/life balance-you are highly engaged and productive at work because you can have time to recharge and enjoy a vibrant life outside of work.
  • Compensation-competitive salary. Title and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
  • Excellent benefits-generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, access to free shuttle transportation.

Gladstone is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other non-job related characteristic. We make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment.

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