Chief Building Engineer

Menashe Properties, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Menashe Properties, Inc. seeks a Chief Engineer for an historic Downtown Seattle building. The Chief Building Engineer provides leadership and technical expertise for all building systems.

This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the property, with a focus on strong preventive maintenance, vendor oversight, and team development. You will design, implement, and manage PM programs, supervise the onsite engineering team, coordinate with AHJs, vendors, and Ownership on budget and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial or institutional building operations, preferably high-rise or complex facilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems.
• Experience supervising an engineering team and coordinating with vendors.
• Familiarity with CMMS and reading technical drawings; knowledge of codes and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for all building systems, focusing on preventive maintenance and reliability.
• Design, implement, and manage PM programs meeting codes and standards.
• Oversight of vendors and projects; ensure scope, quality, and budgets are met.
• Direct supervision of onsite engineering staff and training.
• Coordinate inspections with authorities and report to management on risks and improvements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

CMMS familiarity

Reading blueprints

Building codes knowledge

Communication skills

Team leadership

Vendor management

Electrical basics

Work in mechanical spaces

Tools

CMMS platforms

Job description

Job Overview:

An established commercial real estate firm is looking for a Chief Engineer for an historic building in Downtown Seattle. The Chief Building Engineer provides leadership and technical expertise for all the building's systems. This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the property, with a focus on strong preventive maintenance, vendor oversight, and team development.

Building systems include:

• HVAC equipment (central plant, AHUs, RTUs, heat pumps, fan coils, exhaust, etc.).
• Steam, condensate, and related plumbing.
• Electrical distribution and lighting systems.
• Life-safety systems (fire alarm, sprinkler interfaces, emergency power as applicable).
• Controls/BAS and building monitoring systems.
• Conduct regular facility inspections to identify and correct issues before they escape.
• Lead and participate in troubleshooting complex or recurring problems, with a focus on root cause identification and long-term solutions.

Preventive Maintenance & Compliance

• Design, implement, and maintain a preventive maintenance (PM) program for the building that meets or exceeds manufacturer recommendations, applicable codes, and company standards.
• Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to:
• Schedule, assign, and track PMs and corrective work orders.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to building operations, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate inspections and testing with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and ensure all deficiencies are addressed in a timely manner.

Vendor & Project Oversight

• Serve as primary onsite contact for key vendors (mechanical, plumbing, controls, elevator, fire/life safety, etc.).
• Review, clarify, and challenge vendor scopes of work as needed to protect the building and Ownership.
• Oversee vendor performance during service calls and projects; verify that work is completed to scope and quality standards.
• Assist Property Management and Ownership with budgeting and planning for system upgrades, repairs, and capital projects.

Team Leadership & Training

• Directly supervise the onsite engineering team.
• Provide daily direction, assign work orders and PMs, and monitor workload distribution.
• Set clear expectations for work quality, communication, documentation, and safety.
• Develop the team through coaching, on-the-job training, and cross-training on building systems.
• Participate in hiring, performance feedback, and ongoing development of engineering staff.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial or institutional building operations, preferably in high-rise, medical/dental, or similarly complex facilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to troubleshoot:
• HVAC and central plant systems
• Plumbing/steam/condensate and drains
• Basic to intermediate electrical systems
• Experience supervising or leading a facilities/engineering team.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and electronic work order systems.
• Strong understanding of building codes, safety regulations, and best practices for building operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with tenants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work in mechanical spaces, on roofs, and in other non-conditioned areas, including occasional lifting, climbing, and use of ladders.

About the Position

• Salary Range: $120k - $150k DOE
• Full-time, Monday–Friday, with on-call assistance as needed.
• Primary work location: Downtown Seattle office Bldg
• Must live in OR/WA for payroll purposes (close enough to report to the building).
• Reports to: Property Management and Director of Engineering

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person