Assistant Chief Engineer

CBRE; Chester (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE is seeking an Assistant Chief Engineer to support the Chief Engineer in operating a large manufacturing facility. You will oversee engineering operations, direct vendors and subcontractors, and ensure reliable building systems performance.

The role requires hands-on leadership with experience in preventive maintenance, shift management, and rapid problem solving. You will mentor staff, manage schedules, and contribute to CBRE’s operational excellence and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; 5–8 years of related experience preferred.
• Commercial real estate or facility management experience is required.
• Experience maintaining chillers, HVAC systems, boilers, and generators is desirable.
• Previous shift supervisor or lead experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage shift operations, assign work orders, and provide training to coworkers and subcontractors.
• Review monthly service requests to identify and address recurring issues.
• Develop and oversee a preventive maintenance program for machinery and building systems.
• Inspect building systems to ensure operation within normal parameters.
• Maintain inventory of tools and supplies, and order materials as needed.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and downtime to minimize business interruptions.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate additional support as required.
• Lead by example and mentor others to build expertise across disciplines.

Skills

Microsoft Office

HVAC maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Chillers

Boilers

Generators

Job description

As a CBRE Assistant Chief Engineer, you will support the Chief Engineer in managing engineering operations and directing vendors and subcontractors for a large manufacturing facility. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of building systems, providing technical guidance, and leading a team to achieve operational excellence.

All schedules are available including daytime, evening, and night shifts. Some overtime may be required, as well as “on call” for emergencies. Days and shifts offered will be determined based on the needs of the team.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage shift operations, assign work orders, and provide training to coworkers and subcontractors.
• Review monthly tenant service request summaries to pinpoint and correct recurrent operational problems.
• Develop a preventive maintenance program for machinery and systems.
• Inspect systems to ensure operation within normal parameters.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and tools, ordering necessary materials to complete all tasks.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and downtime to cut business interruption and inconvenience.
• Perform repairs, emergency, and preventive maintenance, completing maintenance and repair records as required.
• Respond timely to emergency situations, requesting extra help as needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.
• Showcase expertise in own job discipline and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.
• Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values.
• Anticipate potential objections and persuade others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
• Impact the achievement of customer, operational, project, or service objectives across multi-discipline teams.
• Work is guided by functional policies which impact the design of procedures and policies.
• Contribute to new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans in support of achieving functional goals.
• Communicate difficult and complex ideas with the ability to influence.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 5-8 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Commercial real estate experience is required.
• Maintenance of chillers, HVAC systems, boilers, and generators is desired.
• Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
• The innovative mentality to develop methods that go beyond existing solutions.
• Ability to solve unique problems using standard and innovative solutions having a broad impact on the business.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Expert organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
• Highly sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate somewhat complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Why CBRE?

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

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.