Chief Engineer

Afognak Native Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Afognak Native Corporation is seeking a Chief Operating Engineer to oversee the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and supervision of the facility’s physical plant and building systems, including power plants and large technical spaces. The role requires leadership of engineering staff, adherence to regulatory standards, and maintaining certifications for facility operation.

The candidate will provide technical leadership across building operations and report on compliance and

Qualifications

• Requires supervisory experience in physical plant and building operations.
• Certificates/licensing: CPE, Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer, State Steam Engineer license, DC 3rd Class with 1st Class within 2 years.
• Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise physical plant and building operations, including power plant management for large facilities.
• Lead engineering staff and oversee maintenance and repair activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and facility standards.
• Apply technical expertise to troubleshoot, upgrade, and optimize facility systems.
• Maintain required certifications and ensure license progression requirements are met.
• Oversee documentation and reporting as dictated by contract requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Security clearance

Education

AFE – Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

US Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License

U.S. State Stationary Engineers License

DC 3rd Class Steam Engineer License (must obtain 1st Class within 2 years)

Job description

Description

The Chief Operating Engineer is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and supervision of the facility’s physical plant and building systems—including power plants and large technical spaces. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, manages engineering staff, and maintains certification requirements for facility operation. The Chief Engineer serves as a technical leader, providing expertise in all aspects of building and equipment operations.

• Supervise all aspects of physical plant and building operations, including power plant management for large facilities
• Lead engineering staff and oversee maintenance and repair activities
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and facility standards
• Apply technical expertise to troubleshoot, upgrade, and optimize facility systems
• Maintain required certifications and ensure compliance with license progression requirements
• Oversee documentation and reporting as dictated by contract requirements

Requirements

• Minimum five (5) years supervisory experience in physical plant and building operations, including power plant management
• Must possess a certificate in equipment operations from one (1) of the following:
• Association for Facilities Engineers (AFE) – Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)
• United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels, any horsepower)
• U.S. State Stationary Engineers License
• Must hold a District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam Engineer License (and obtain 1st Class Steam Engineer License within 2 years of hire)
• Secret security clearance required
• Demonstrated technical expertise and strong leadership abilities

Working Conditions

• May require occasional travel to project sites and other company locations.
• Work occurs in both office and field environments.
• May require work outside of regular business hours to address urgent technical issues or project deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions, including outdoor and industrial settings.