Assistant Chief Engineer

CBRE; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

CBRE is seeking an Assistant Chief Building Engineer in San Jose, CA, to lead preventive maintenance, supervise staff, and coordinate with clients to minimize downtime. The role requires strong multi-trade experience, supervisory background, and a solid knowledge of building systems.

You will plan and execute maintenance programs, oversee HVAC/electrical/plumbing operations, and ensure safety and compliance while delivering exceptional client service.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma; experience and education may be substituted.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Building Engineer or Assistant/Chief Engineer; job-related experience accepted.
• Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.
• Multi-trade experience.
• Additional certification in electrical, mechanical, HVAC/R and refrigeration systems, process controls, mechanical power transmissions, painting, plumbing, carpentry, or engine repair.

Responsibilities

• Follow applicable codes, regulations, and safety directives related to building operations.
• Lead operations, assign work orders, and train coworkers and subcontractors; arrange for subcontractors as needed.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and minimize downtime.
• Plan preventive maintenance to extend equipment life and ensure design limits are met.
• Check and maintain building systems (fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing) to meet environmental specs.
• Oversee engineering staff and ensure work quality and client space readiness.
• Respond to emergencies and source help when needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge to develop new methods for team objectives.
• Demonstrate expertise across the function and related disciplines.
• Coach others to deepen knowledge across areas; lead by example per CBRE values.
• Anticipate objections and influence senior stakeholders as needed.
• Contribute to cross-disciplinary objectives and operational plans.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively.

Skills

Multi-trade experience

Strong organizational skills

Microsoft Office skills

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma/GED/trade school diploma

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a CBRE Assistant Chief Building Engineer, you will perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment, and grounds.

This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function and is responsible for providing support, preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment and systems.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Follow all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives related to building operations and work safety.

• Lead operations, assign work orders, and provide technical and procedural training of coworkers and subcontractors. Arranges for subcontractors as needed.

• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance during downtime to cut business interruption and inconvenience.

• Plan a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.

• Check building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by the client.

• Oversee and inspect the work performed by engineering staff to make sure the work is complete; equipment is functioning properly, and client space is in great working condition.

• Respond to emergency situations and ask for help when 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 persuades 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 DO

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.

Responsible to plan, implement, coordinate, and supervise all of the following:

• Engineers and Maintenance staff

• HVAC, Electrical, and related engineering operations

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma; a combination of experience and education will be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Building Engineer or Assistant/Chief Engineer, or job-related experience.

• Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.

• Multi-trade experience.

CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSES

Additional certification in one or more of the following is a plus: electrical, mechanical, HVAC/R 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.

OTHER SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

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.

Understanding of existing procedures and standards to solve slightly complex problems.

Ability to analyze possible solutions using technical experience to apply appropriate judgment and precedents.

Strong organizational skills with an inquisitive mindset.

In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

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.

• Unbeatable Perks: Enjoy generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Access top-notch Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance, along with Life Insurance, FSA & HSA options, and 401K matching contributions.

• Inspiring Work Environment: Experience an innovative work environment that focuses on the culture of growth, collaboration and communication.

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.

California Residents: CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training and experience. The salary range is $65.00 - $73.00 per hour. The compensation 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 employee 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).

CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action Employer (Women/Minorities/Persons with Disabilities/US Veterans)