Chief Building Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Downtown Seattle office

Full-time position

Competitive salary

Job summary

Menashe Properties, Inc. seeks a Chief Engineer for a historic Downtown Seattle building. You will lead technical operations, oversee a preventive maintenance program, and manage vendors to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient building performance.

You will supervise the onsite engineering team, coordinate inspections, and work with Ownership on budgeting for upgrades and capital projects to protect the asset.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial or institutional building operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and equipment manuals.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and electronic work order systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with tenants, vendors, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preventive maintenance program to meet manufacturer recommendations and codes.
• Oversee CMMS scheduling, assignment, and tracking of work orders.
• Perform regular facility inspections and address deficiencies with AHJs.
• Supervise on-site engineering team and coordinate with management and owners.
• Lead vendor management, oversee service calls and projects, and ensure quality of work.
• Assist budgeting and planning for system upgrades, repairs, and capital projects.

Skills

Leadership

Preventive Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Vendor Management

Team Development

Blueprint Reading

Communication

CMMS Knowledge

Tools

CMMS

Job description

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:

• 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 escal
• 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.
• 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.
• 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