Chief Engineer

ROI Realty Services, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ROI Realty Services, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, seeks a Chief Engineer to oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems on-site.

You will manage HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety while leading engineering staff and coordinating daily tasks and preventive maintenance. You will work with property management to control costs, respond to emergencies, and ensure facilities meet safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety.
• Experience leading maintenance or engineering teams in commercial real estate.
• Proficiency in preventive maintenance planning and work order management.
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, specs, and regulatory documents.
• Understanding of safety standards and building codes for property operations.
• Excellent communication to coordinate with managers, tenants, vendors, and contractors.
• Certification such as EPA refrigerant, boiler license, or related is preferred.
• Previous Chief Engineer or senior building engineer experience is highly beneficial.
• High school diploma required; technical training or associate degree a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems.
• Direct daily tasks, diagnose issues, schedule PMs, and track work orders.
• Coordinate vendor and contractor work and maintain inspection records.
• Support capital improvement projects and manage operating costs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and tenant safety.
• Lead and mentor engineering staff and respond to emergencies.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Life safety systems

Preventive maintenance planning

Team leadership

Reading blueprints/drawings

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in building systems or related field

Tools

CMMS / work order systems

Blueprints & technical drawings

Job description

Company Description

ROI Realty Services, Inc. is a commercial real estate firm that provides customized property solutions for national, regional, and local business owners and investors. The company focuses on maximizing asset value through strategic planning, efficient operations, and tailored management services. ROI Realty Services supports clients across a variety of property types, helping them meet business and investment objectives. Team members collaborate closely with clients and partners to deliver reliable, long-term real estate performance. The organization values professionalism, accountability, and strong operational standards in all aspects of its work.

Role Description

The Chief Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in the Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area, responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems across the assigned property. This role manages HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Chief Engineer leads and mentors engineering and maintenance staff, assigns and completes daily tasks, and monitors workload, service requests, and preventive maintenance schedules. Day-to-day responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving building system issues, completing monthly preventive maintenance, coordinating vendor and contractor work, maintaining detailed records of inspections and repairs, and supporting capital improvement projects. The Chief Engineer collaborates with property management to control operating costs, support tenant satisfaction, respond to emergencies, and ensure facilities remain in excellent working condition.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety equipment, with the ability to diagnose and solve complex mechanical issues.


• Experience leading maintenance or engineering teams, including assigning tasks, training staff, and monitoring performance in a commercial real estate or facilities environment.


• Proficiency in preventive maintenance planning, work order management, and record-keeping using computerized maintenance or building management systems.


• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as blueprints, equipment manuals, specifications, and regulatory requirements.


• Solid understanding of safety standards, building codes, and regulatory compliance related to commercial property operations.


• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with property managers, tenants, vendors, and contractors.


• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects, respond to emergencies, and make sound decisions under time constraints.


• Relevant certifications such as EPA refrigerant certification, boiler license, or trade-related licenses are preferred.


• Previous experience as a Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer, or senior building engineer in commercial or mixed-use properties is highly beneficial.


• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training, trade school, or an associate degree in building systems, engineering technology, or related field is a plus.