Chief Building Engineer

CBRE; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

CBRE is seeking a Chief Building Engineer in Chicago, IL to lead preventive maintenance and repairs of buildings and industrial systems. The role includes supervising staff, coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring safety and efficiency across all building operations.

You will schedule preventive maintenance with clients, monitor fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing, and drive improvements in procedures while aligning with CBRE RISE values.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 5-8 years of job-related experience.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting 50 lbs+.
• Innovative mindset to develop methods that go beyond existing solutions.
• Ability to solve unique problems using standard and innovative solutions with broad impact.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational skills with an inquisitive mindset.
• Highly sophisticated math skills for percentages, fractions, and financial calculations.

Responsibilities

• Follow all applicable codes, regulations, and safety directives for building operations.
• Lead operations, assign work orders, and train coworkers and subcontractors; arrange for subcontractors as needed.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Check fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure proper operation.
• Oversee engineering staff and ensure client spaces are in good condition.
• Respond to emergencies and seek help when needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge to develop better methods for department objectives.
• Coach others to deepen knowledge across related disciplines.
• Lead by example and model CBRE RISE values.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and influence stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

About The Role

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you will perform preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of buildings, industrial systems, equipment, and grounds.

About The Role

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you will perform preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of buildings, industrial systems, 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. Follow the 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. These updates reflect our commitment to clarity, inclusivity, and a consistent candidate experience across all postings. I ask you to encourage your teams to begin incorporating the updated statements into all new job adverts immediately - this will help us maintain alignment with our brand tone and hiring values.

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. CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Chief Building Engineer position is $48.08 per hour and the maximum salary for the Chief Building Engineer position is $56.54 per hour. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

• 401(K)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

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).