Assistant Chief Building Engineer

CBRE; Chevy Chase (MD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE in Chevy Chase, MD seeks an Assistant Chief Building Engineer to lead shift operations and advise vendors. You will perform sophisticated preventive maintenance and corrective repairs across buildings, systems, and grounds.

Under limited supervision, you’ll monitor HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other trades, ensuring client spaces stay in prime condition while mentoring coworkers and maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
• Universal CFC certification required; additional HVAC-related certs encouraged.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of budgets and financial concepts; basic financial analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret documents; strong problem-solving capacity.
• Self-directed with ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Complies with codes, regulations, and company safety directives.
• Leads shift ops, assigns work orders and may train subcontractors.
• Reviews tenant service summaries to identify problems.
• Coordinates and inspects work by engineering staff to ensure completion.
• Implements preventive maintenance to extend equipment life.
• Inspects fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing for proper operation.
• Estim ates time and materials for repairs; maintains supplies.
• Schedules preventive maintenance to minimize downtime for clients.
• Performs repairs, maintenance, and keeps records up to date.
• Provides informal mentorship and coordinates tasks within the unit.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

AA degree or equivalent

Universal CFC certification

HVAC certification

Electrical certification

Job description

About The Role

The Assistant Chief Building Engineer leads shift operations and advises vendors and subcontractors. Applies skills to perform sophisticated preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment and grounds. Working under limited supervision, monitors building system operations and performance. Uses several trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, heating and cooling.

About The Role

The Assistant Chief Building Engineer leads shift operations and advises vendors and subcontractors. Applies skills to perform sophisticated preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment and grounds. Working under limited supervision, monitors building system operations and performance. Uses several trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, heating and cooling.

What You Will Do

• Complies with all codes, regulations, agency and Company directives related to building operations and work safety.
• Leads shift operations, assigns work orders, and/or provides technical and procedural training of coworkers and subcontractors. Arranges for subcontractors as needed.
• Reviews tenant service request summaries to pinpoint and operational problems.
• Coordinates and inspects the work performed by engineering staff. Determines that work is complete, equipment is fully functional and client space is in prime working condition.
• Formulates and implements a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.
• Inspects building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by client.
• Reviews assigned work orders. Estimates time and materials needed to complete repair. Maintains inventory of adequate supplies and tools and orders vital materials to finish the tasks.
• Consults with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and other downtime to minimize business interruption and inconvenience.
• Performs assigned repairs, emergency and preventive maintenance. Completes' maintenance and repair records as the need arises.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities in this position. Provides informal assistance such as technical mentorship, and/or training to coworkers. Coordinates and assigns tasks to co-workers within a work unit and/or project.

What You'll Need

To perform this job successfully, an individual will need to perform each crucial duty satisfactorily. 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 essential functions.

• Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and minimum of four years' experience in complete building operations. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Universal CFC certification required. Additional certification in two or more of the following: HVAC, 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 interpersonal 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.
• Decisions made with thorough knowledge of procedures and company policies to achieve set results and deadlines. Responsible for setting own project deadlines. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to co-workers and supervisor.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Our Values in Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

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.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com. CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Assistant Chief Building Engineer position is $73,500.00 annually [or $35.34 per hour] and the maximum salary for the Assistant Chief Building Engineer position is $100,000.00 annually [or $48.08 Per hour]. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have 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 [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).