Building Engineer - Life Science - Cambridge

CBRE Group, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site dining

Public transportation access

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Building Engineer to support operations at a two-building Life Science campus in Cambridge Crossing, MA.

The role covers HVAC, plumbing and life-safety systems in office and lab spaces, with a day shift and flexible start times based on operations. You will maintain complex building systems, implement preventive maintenance, and ensure reliable, efficient operation while delivering an exceptional occupant experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 4–5 years of job-related experience or equivalent.
• EPA Universal 608 certification required.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repairs on mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Ensure building systems comply with applicable codes and safety directives.
• Maintain an energy management program and optimize system efficiency.
• Assist preventive maintenance activities and emergency repairs as needed.
• Follow safety policies for storage and handling of hazardous materials.
• Review building systems to ensure operation within design parameters.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Math skills

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

EPA Universal 608 Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

HVAC knowledge

Plumbing systems knowledge

Life safety systems awareness

Job description

CBRE is seeking a well-rounded Building Engineer to support operations at a two-building Life Science campus in Cambridge Crossing, featuring a mix of office and laboratory environments. This is a day shift position with a generally consistent schedule, requiring some flexibility in start times based on operational needs.

This best-in-class facility offers a dynamic, high-performance workplace environment, including on-site dining amenities and convenient access to public transportation.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on professional with strong experience maintaining complex building systems in a tenant‑focused setting. As a key member of the engineering team, you will help ensure the reliability, efficiency, and continuous operation of critical infrastructure, including HVAC, plumbing, and life safety systems within both office and lab spaces.

Success in this role requires a solid background in mission‑critical or highly technical commercial environments, along with a commitment to proactive maintenance, operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional occupant experience.

Join CBRE and apply your expertise to support a premier Cambridge property while contributing to a best‑in‑class workplace experience.

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 inspection 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.
• EPA Universal 608
• 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.

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 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.

• Benefits start 1st of the month: Medical, dental vision, PTO, 401k, etc.
• Internal advancement available after 6 month mark
• Competitive Pay

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.