Building Engineer

Guardian Realty; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Realty is seeking a Building Engineer to oversee daily operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.

You will supervise site staff, ensure preventive maintenance, inspect for deficiencies, communicate with tenants and vendors, and respond to after-hours emergencies as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum four to six years of experience in maintenance or building engineering.
• HVAC certification or equivalent training related to building systems.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection).
• Inspect, repair, and maintain mechanical and electrical equipment; support BAS and controls.
• Supervise and coordinate with on-site staff (Assistant Engineer, Maintenance staff, Day Porter).
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and ensure proper documentation of activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

HVAC certification

Job description

Position Summary

The Building Engineer receives general supervision and direction from the Directors of Property Management, and/or the Assistant Director of Engineering. The Building Engineer is responsible for complying with all established company policies and procedures and shall not act contrary to such guidelines without prior approval from the Directors of Property Management, and/or the Assistant Director of Engineering. In the absence of the above personnel, the Building Engineer will seek guidance from the Vice President of Management Services or the President.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

The Building Engineer is responsible for the overall administrative functions and physical operations of assigned building(s). This role ensures efficient mechanical operations and implements preventive maintenance programs to preserve and maintain building equipment. The Building Engineer also provides daily supervision of the Assistant Engineer, Maintenance Assistant, and/or Day Porter assigned to the building(s).

Specific Responsibilities

• Perform and/or oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all building and site systems for assigned properties, including but not limited to HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, energy management, water treatment, hardware, keying, and fire protection systems.
• Perform, assist with, or oversee the installation, fabrication, construction, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of complex mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Assist with monitoring contractors, inspecting completed work, and generating deficiency lists as needed.
• Follow inspection and service procedures outlined in preventive maintenance and loss control programs.
• Accurately complete tenant service requests, repair work orders, and related documentation for assigned site(s).
• Conduct regular inspections of all areas of the building(s) and site(s), communicate deficiencies to appropriate parties, recommend improvements, and take initiative to correct issues when appropriate.
• Maintain required logs documenting daily activities and events.
• Be available to work various shifts, fill in for other staff, and work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to ensure adequate building coverage.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies, including but not limited to fire, flooding, severe weather (including snow and ice removal), power outages, and related clean-up activities in accordance with on-call procedures or as directed during critical situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including fulfilling the responsibilities of the Day Porter, Maintenance Assistant, or Assistant Engineer in their absence.
• Maintain a professional appearance and a composed, courteous demeanor, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with tenants, employees, visitors, and vendors.

Requirements And Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) to six (6) years of experience as a Maintenance Technician or Building Engineer, or equivalent field experience, with a working knowledge of commercial office building systems.
• Comprehensive training and certification in HVAC and other technologies related to building engineering, or equivalent job-related training and experience.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment while effectively managing multiple, simultaneous deadlines and projects.
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills, particularly related to mechanical controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Intermediate computer skills sufficient for daily operational tasks, recordkeeping, and professional communication.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.