Building Engineer

Core Executive Recruiting LLC.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Executive Recruiting LLC. is seeking a Lead Building Engineer for a premium Class A office property in Houston. The role requires hands-on expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS/DDC, and life-safety systems, with a focus on reliability and tenant satisfaction.

You will lead maintenance programs, supervise engineering staff, coordinate vendors, and ensure compliance with building codes. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for daily operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial building engineering or facilities maintenance experience.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and associated equipment.
• Experience operating BAS/DDC and understanding electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair building systems including HVAC, chillers, boilers, and air handling units.
• Monitor BAS/DDC to optimize tenant comfort and energy efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance and coordinate scheduled service activities to minimize downtime.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

BAS/DDC

Preventive maintenance

Vendor coordination

Education

High school diploma

Technical/trade training

EPA Universal Certification

Tools

CMMS

BAS software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Building Engineer to support the daily operations, maintenance, and performance of a Class A commercial office property. This hands-on position requires strong technical expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation, and life safety systems, along with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience maintaining high-quality office environments, coordinating preventive maintenance, and providing technical guidance to other engineering personnel. This role requires a proactive, service-oriented professional committed to operational efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and maintaining exceptional building standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial building systems, including HVAC equipment, chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handling units, VAV systems, electrical distribution, plumbing, and mechanical equipment.
• Monitor and operate Building Automation Systems (BAS/DDC) to maintain tenant comfort, optimize energy efficiency, identify equipment deficiencies, and ensure reliable building performance.
• Perform and coordinate preventive maintenance programs, equipment inspections, corrective repairs, and scheduled service activities to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance to engineering personnel, assist with prioritizing work orders, and coordinate outside vendors and contractors performing maintenance and repairs.
• Respond promptly to tenant service requests, diagnose and resolve mechanical or operational issues, and maintain professional communication with tenants and property management.
• Assist with fire and life safety inspections, emergency response procedures, tenant improvement projects, equipment documentation, and compliance with applicable building codes and safety regulations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of commercial building engineering or facilities maintenance experience, preferably within Class A office buildings or comparable multi-story commercial properties.
• Strong hands-on technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, air handlers, VAV boxes, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting Building Automation Systems (BAS/DDC), along with a solid understanding of commercial electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose equipment failures, perform mechanical repairs, execute preventive maintenance programs, and interpret mechanical drawings and equipment specifications.
• Experience providing technical direction to other engineers, coordinating vendors, and utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to manage work orders and maintenance records.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school training preferred. EPA Universal Certification and relevant HVAC or building engineering certifications are strongly preferred, along with excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.