Chief Engineer

Hensel Phelps; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hensel Phelps in Bethesda is seeking a Chief Engineer to oversee building operations, lead technicians and engineers, and ensure compliant, safe facilities management. The role includes reviewing designs, cost analysis, and coordinating with clients and vendors.

Ideal candidates have 8–10 years in a Chief Engineer role, a high school diploma or GED, and strong English communication skills. Hospital O&M and joint commissioning experience are preferred, with a valid driver’s license and safety

Qualifications

• Eight to ten years of Chief Engineer experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with hospital operations and maintenance preferred.
• Joint commissioning experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to read, understand and communicate in English.
• Communication includes both verbal and written skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with clients, vendors and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee building operations and maintenance such as HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, photovoltaic and other facility systems.
• Perform building inspections to ensure technical compliance with building codes.
• Create preventative maintenance schedules for essential building systems per manufacturers recommendations and industry best practices.
• Assist in preparing cost expenditure analysis for clients.
• Compliance reporting with local and state governing agencies.
• Perform and assist technician duties such as repairs, maintenance, and inspections.
• Interpret blueprints and building schematics.
• Determine installation or repair services needed.
• Adhere to applicable safety rules.

Skills

Chief Engineer experience

Driver's license

English proficiency

Verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NFPA 70E Low Voltage certification

Mold/Indoor Air Quality certification

High-rise or Fire Life Safety Director Certificate

Job description

At Hensel Phelps, we don’t just build projects—we build careers, communities, and a culture of excellence. As an employee-owned company, every person here plays a vital role in shaping our success and future. Guided by our core values of Ownership, Integrity, Builder mindset, Diversity, and Community, we combine cutting-edge technology with hands‑on expertise to deliver landmark projects across the nation. When you join Hensel Phelps, you join a team that values your growth, empowers your ideas, and invests in your journey. Together, we create an environment where innovation thrives, safety is paramount, and every individual has the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Job Description

The Chief Engineer will oversee operations and lead technicians, maintenance mechanics, engineers, and others to perform required maintenance in the facility. The Chief Engineer may also assist in reviewing building designs, calculating costs, and ensuring compliance with state and local building regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee building operations and maintenance such as HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, photovoltaic and other facility systems
• Perform building inspections to ensure technical compliance with building codes
• Create preventative maintenance schedules for essential building systems per manufacturers recommendations and industry best practices
• Assist in preparing cost expenditure analysis for clients
• Compliance reporting with local and state governing agencies
• Perform and assist technician duties such as repairs, maintenance, and inspections
• Interpret blueprints and building schematics
• Determine installation or repair services needed
• Adhere to applicable safety rules.

Qualifications

• Eight - ten years of Chief Engineer experience
• Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Prior expereince with hospital operations and maintenance preferred
• Joint commissioning experience preferred
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must have the ability to read, understand and communicate in English
• Communication includes both verbal and written skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, peers and supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High-rise or Fire Life Safety Director Certificate
• Supervisor Chief/Assistant Chief Certificate
• Mold/Indoor Air Quality certification
• NFPA 70 E Low Voltage certification

Physical Requirements

Moderate Work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• The individual in this position will periodically walk, kneel, sit, crouch, reach, stoop, read/see, speak, push, pull, lift, stand, and finger/type. The frequency of each action varies by workflow and office activity.
• Walking - The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, boxes, cabinets, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, phone, computer, and computer printer.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with employees and external stakeholders regarding a variety of topics related to office administration.
• Constantly computes, analyzes, and conceptualizes mathematical calculations and formulas.
• The person in this position regularly sits in a stationary position in front of a computer screen.
• Constantly reads written communications and views mail submissions. Will also need to read blueprints and take/verify field measurements.
• Climbing – Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps at various heights.
• Balancing – Ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling and to walk, stand or crouch.
• Stooping – Bending the body downward and forward by the spine at the waist.
• Visual acuity and ability to operate a vehicle as certified and appropriate.
• Occasionally exposed to high and low temperatures
• Frequently exposed to noisy environments and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Education

Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Hensel Phelps provides generous benefits for our fulltime employees.

• This position is eligible for company paid medical insurance, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, 401(K) retirement plan, and our employee assistance program (EAP).
• Employees are also eligible for employee paid enrollment in vision and dental insurance.
• Employees are also eligible for paid time off beginning upon hire.
• Employees are also eligible for a company cell phone or cell phone allowance in accordance with company policy.
• Based on position location, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) may also be included (subject to periodic review and adjustment).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Hensel Phelps is an equal opportunity employer. Hensel Phelps is committed to engaging in affirmative action to increase employment opportunities for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Hensel Phelps shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

At Hensel Phelps, we bring our clients’ vision to life with a comprehensive approach that begins with innovative planning and extends throughout the life of the property. Our expert development, construction and facility services teams
ensure that every project meets our clients’ goals and objectives.
Over our 84-year history, Hensel Phelps has evolved from a bid-build general contractor to a full-service building provider. Our organization is comprised of three lines of business - development, construction, and facility services.
These groups work as a cohesive team, sharing ideas and knowledge from each discipline to provide our clients with the highest level of service. Our capabilities span from concept through the long-term facilities management of projects,
which means that our focus is on the complete life cycle of each project we build.
Hensel Phelps Facility Services Group is uniquely qualified with decades of facility experience. The Facility Services Group
specializes in facility solutions, building systems integration, specialized construction, and facility management. Our team provides best-in-class operational solutions with technical knowledge and subject matter experts of building systems, envelopes, campus, and client operations.

Hensel Phelps will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation related to completing the online application, please contact [e-mail] or 970.346.7414