Building Engineer

CBRE, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a Building Engineer in Portland to monitor, maintain and repair building systems including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. The role involves compliance with codes, safety programs and energy management to optimize facility performance.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and coordination with teams to meet client environmental targets. The position requires physical ability and familiarity with MS Office; Universal CFC preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or trade school with 4–5 years of related experience; combination of education and experience considered.
• Must meet physical requirements including lifting 50 lbs and climbing; able to work in various building environments.
• Universal CFC certification preferred; certifications/licenses as required by local/state jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repairs on mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire/life safety and control systems.
• Ensure building systems comply with codes and safety requirements.
• Manage energy usage and optimize system efficiency across facilities.
• Support preventive maintenance to extend equipment life and perform emergency repairs.
• Follow safety, storage and disposal policies for hazardous materials; maintain a clean workplace.
• Review building system inspections (fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing) for design and environmental targets.
• Apply standard principles to solve complex tasks and share knowledge with the team.
• Lead by example and train colleagues across related disciplines.
• Collaborate with teams to drive CBRE RISE values and consensus-building.
• Impact operations within the team and with client-facing activities; work within broad guidelines.
• Communicate complex information clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Plumbing

Electrical systems

Energy management

Preventive maintenance

Microsoft Office

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Universal CFC certification

Tools

HVAC controls

Safety protocols

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Building Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring, maintaining and repairing building system operations and the performance of various areas including plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, heating, and cooling.

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

What You’ll Do:

• Perform maintenance and repairs to the mechanical, plumbing, structural, furniture, fire, life safety, and control systems. Keep facility and building systems up to applicable standards as assigned.

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

• Maintain an energy management program. Ensure all systems operate in the most efficient manner.

• Assist with the implementation of a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life. Perform emergency repairs as needed.

• Follow departmental policies for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Maintain a clean and safe workplace.

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

• Apply in-depth knowledge of standard principles and techniques/procedures to accomplish complex assignments and provide innovative solutions.

• Coach others and share in-depth knowledge of own job discipline and broad knowledge of several job disciplines within the function.

• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build consensus and convince others to reach an agreement.

• Impact a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams.

• Work within broad guidelines and policies.

• Explain difficult or sensitive information.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 4-5 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Universal CFC certification is preferred. Certifications/licenses as may be required by local or state jurisdictions. Prior shift management 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.

• Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.

• Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.

• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.

• Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.

• Sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate mildly complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.

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.

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).

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