Chief Building Engineer

CBRE Group, Inc.; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. seeking a Chief Building Engineer in Berkeley to manage complex preventive maintenance and repairs across buildings and equipment. Lead operations, schedule maintenance, and supervise engineers and subcontractors while ensuring safety and compliance.

You will coordinate with clients to minimize downtime, oversee system performance (HVAC, fire, plumbing), and drive continuous improvement. Strong hands-on governance and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 5-8 years of related experience.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced maintenance/engineering environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong math skills for calculations and budgeting tasks.
• Effective communication and supervisory capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Follow applicable codes, regulations, and safety directives.
• Lead operations, assign work orders, and train coworkers and subcontractors.
• Schedule preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Inspect building systems (fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing) for proper operation.
• Oversee engineering staff and ensure client spaces are in good condition.
• Respond to emergencies and seek assistance when needed.
• Develop and implement improved methods for department goals.
• Demonstrate CBRE RISE values and lead by example.
• Coordinate with teams to meet customer and project objectives.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Math skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE 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. They are 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 Need:

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 5-8 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Prior shift manager 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.
• The innovative mentality to develop methods that go beyond existing solutions.
• Ability to solve unique problems using standard and innovative solutions having a broad impact on the business.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Expert organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
• Highly sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate somewhat complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.