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Senior Building Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the role Join CBRE as a Senior Building Engineer, where your expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems keeps our facilities running smoothly. You'll perform advanced ...

Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Building Performance at HGA as a Senior Building Performance Engineer on the West Coast! HGA, an award-winning architectural, engineering, and planning firm , is ...

Sr Building Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Building Performance at HGA as a Senior Building Performance Engineer on the West Coast! HGA, an award-winning architectural, engineering, and planning firm , is ...

Building Inspector / Sr Building Inspector Location: Altadena, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 ... Provide technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and architects. * Generate inspection reports ...

Building Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Facilities Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Building Systems Engineer, Senior Maintenance Technician, HVAC Engineer, HVAC, commercial, EPA Universal, Electrician, Plumber, Service Technician,

Building Inspector / Sr Building Inspector Location: Altadena, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 ... Provide technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and architects. * Generate inspection reports ...

Building Inspector / Sr Building Inspector Location: Altadena, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 ... Provide technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and architects. * Generate inspection reports ...

Building Inspector

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$55 - $70/hr

Building Inspector / Sr Building Inspector Location: Altadena, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 ... Provide technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and architects. * Generate inspection reports ...

Building Inspector / Sr Building Inspector Location: Altadena, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 ... Provide technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and architects. * Generate inspection reports ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Building Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior building engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior building engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Building EngineerBuilding Maintenance Supervisor
CertificationsLEED, HVAC, Electrical licensesOSHA, HVAC, Electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, institutional buildingsFacilities, maintenance departments
ResponsibilitiesOversees building systems, troubleshooting, project managementSupervises maintenance staff, schedules repairs
Industry UsageDesign, engineering, facilities managementProperty management, building operations

The Senior Building Engineer typically handles complex building systems, project oversight, and technical troubleshooting, often working in engineering or facilities management. In contrast, the Building Maintenance Supervisor focuses on supervising maintenance staff and daily repair tasks. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in maintaining building operations, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are Senior Building Engineers?

Senior Building Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural components. They often supervise other engineers or technicians and ensure that all building systems are functioning efficiently and safely. In addition to troubleshooting complex issues, they may also manage projects, coordinate with contractors, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes. Senior Building Engineers typically work in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings and play a crucial role in facility management.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Building Engineers, and how can they effectively address them?

Senior Building Engineers often face challenges such as managing complex building systems, coordinating maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations. To address these challenges, it's important to stay updated with the latest building codes, leverage building management technologies, and foster strong communication with team members and external vendors. Proactive problem-solving and regular training can also help in maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing unexpected equipment failures.

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

To thrive as a Senior Building Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), strong problem-solving skills, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field, along with relevant licensure or certifications. Familiarity with building automation systems, maintenance management software, and compliance with safety regulations is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to manage teams and vendors set outstanding professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient building operations, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective facility management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Building Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Building Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Building Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Building Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Building Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.
Sr Building Engineer

Sr Building Engineer

CBRE

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


CBRE rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 343 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 451 rated business services


Job description

About the role
Join CBRE as a Senior Building Engineer, where your expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems keeps our facilities running smoothly. You'll perform advanced maintenance and repairs, monitor building operations, and apply specialized knowledge unique to the site-all with the autonomy to make a real impact.
What you'll do
  • Follow all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency and Company directives related to building operations and work safety.
  • Operate, maintain, monitor, and perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on building equipment, which may include: mechanical/HVAC/plumbing systems, electrical/cabling, fire detection and suppression, life safety, lighting, temperature control systems, building management systems, and digital systems.
  • Maintain the professional appearances of the property, equipment, engineering spaces, and common areas.
  • Maintain the building lighting system, including element and ballast repairs or replacements.
  • Prepare estimates detailing the amount of time and materials needed for completing tasks. Maintain adequate supplies and tools and orders necessary materials to complete all tasks.
  • Maintain an energy management program to ensure measures are taken to operate all systems in the most efficient manner to keep operating costs at a minimum.
  • Oversee and inspect the work performed by outside contractors. Contracted work may include landscaping, snow removal, remodeling, HVAC, plumbing, and cleaning.
  • Perform work in compliance with standard operating procedures and/or critical work packages, and maintenance work instructions.
  • Perform specialized and complex tasks such as carpentry, electrical, painting, roofing, HVAC, welding, furniture assembly/relocation and locksmith tasks. Perform inspection of building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
  • Use pc and/or pda for work order system, email, ESS and training. Respond to emergency situations and customer concerns.
  • No formal supervisory responsibilities in this position. Provides informal assistance such as technical guidance, and/or training to coworkers. Coordinates and assigns tasks to co-workers within a work unit and/or project.

What you'll need
  • The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and eight years experience in electrical systems, refrigeration and/or HVAC. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Universal CFC certification required. Additional certification in one or more of the following: electrical, mechanical, HVAC and refrigeration systems, process controls, mechanical power transmissions, painting, plumbing, carpentry or engine repair. Certifications/licenses as may be required by local or state jurisdictions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable and courteous service to customers. Ability to effectively present information.
  • Requires knowledge of financial terms and principles and to understand operating budgets. Ability to calculate intermediate figures such as percentages, discounts, and/or commissions. Conducts basic financial analysis.
  • Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret documents. Ability to solve problems involving several options in situations. Requires intermediate analytical and quantitative skills.
  • Use personal computer and / or PDA for work order system, email, ESS and training. Basic skills with Microsoft Office Outlook. Physical requirements include stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs / ladders and ability to lift / carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
  • Decisions made with thorough knowledge of procedures and company policies to achieve set results. Responsible for setting own project deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to co-workers and supervisor.

WHY CBRE?
We are guided by the needs of the cities we inhabit, the communities we build and the world we thrive in!
Benefits start 1st of the month: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, holiday pay, and more
Company vehicle, gas card, phone, laptop, uniform and tools.
Work/Life balance: 40-45 hours a week
DISCLAIMERS
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
Other common titles: Service Technician, Building Engineer, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, cool, heat, air handlers, VAV, split systems, RTU, roof top unit, refrigerant, walk in coolers, coils, commercial, building, facility, facilities, retail, high rise, building automation system, BAS, BMS
*California Residents: CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate's education, training and experience. The salary range is $40 - $45 per hour. The compensation offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate's skills, qualifications and experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).

What CBRE employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


CBRE logo

About CBRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The real estate industry is undergoing significant and exciting change, increasingly driven by data and technology. At CBRE, the world's premier commercial real estate services company, we empower teams to take ownership over that technology and shape it, offering both nimble, research-driven product design and the resources of a Fortune 500 business. We approach culture with intention, valuing camaraderie, collaboration, inclusivity and a healthy work/life balance. The user experience team is passionate about the quality, usability, and simplicity of the experiences we create. Individuals in these roles gather these key user insights, and then use them to inspire and inform product strategy and design solutions. We partner closely with each other, engineering, and product management to create innovative, usable, great-looking products.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1906

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