Chief Engineer

Transwestern; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Transwestern Houston seeks a Chief Engineer to lead the operation and maintenance of building systems, oversee a service-oriented engineering team, and ensure efficient and compliant facilities management for client spaces. The role emphasizes preventive maintenance, energy management, and tenant coordination.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in building operations, supervisory experience, and strong HVAC, electrical, and building automation knowledge.

Qualifications

• Trade school trained with 10+ years in building operations.
• Experience supervising engineers and maintenance staff.
• Knowledge of HVAC, electrical and building automation systems.
• Ability to manage energy programs and EMS/BMS.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise engineering and maintenance staff including hiring and training.
• Review daily work orders and assign tasks to staff as needed.
• Ensure compliance with codes and company directives for building ops.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs.
• Coordinate with tenants and vendors to minimize downtime.
• Lead energy management and reduce operating costs.
• Respond to emergencies and maintain service continuity.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Maintenance planning

Supervisory experience

EMS/BMS familiarity

Education

Trade school trained

Tools

EMS programming

Building Management Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Transwestern is a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm dedicated to serving investors, partnersand clients through expertisein investment, development, brokerageand property management. Our experience spans diverse property types, including logistics, multifamily, retail, mixed-use, healthcare, office, data centers, hotel, and life sciences. Across 35 offices nationwide, our team is united by a culture that cultivates agility, mutual trustand high performance.

Transwestern Services turns strategy into reality with consistency and accountability, collaborating to provide dynamic, tailored solutions. Whether representing a tenant, advising an investor or repositioning an asset, we operate with tenacity and own the outcome every time. Our 2,200-strong team works across service lines, ready to activate our full platform to deliver a customized, cohesive experience for clients.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the efficient operation of all building systems (HVAC operations, mechanical, electrical systems, drainage and plumbing, elevators/escalators and security/fire/life safety), general and preventative maintenance, tenant services, utility tracking and vendor oversight. The Chief Engineer is also responsible for the selection, training and supervision of a high-performing, service-oriented engineering team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervise engineers and maintenance staff including hiring, training, performance assessments, personnel development, etc.

• Review the daily work order and assigns tasks, as necessary. Monitor repeat problems and make corrective suggestions.

• Work with Regional Director of Engineering to implement corporate/regional goals for engineering.

• Oversee and inspect the work performed by engineering staff. Determine that work is complete, equipment is fully functional and client space is in prime working condition.

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, requisitions, government agency, and company directives as relates to building operations.

• May assist with new business development and acquisition of new management contracts.

• Formulate and implement a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.

• Perform assigned repairs, emergency, and preventive maintenance. Complete maintenance and repair records as required.

• Inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by client.

• Review assigned work orders. Estimate time and materials needed to complete repair. Maintain inventory of adequate supplies and tools and order necessary materials to complete all tasks.

• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and other downtime to minimize business interruption and inconvenience.

• Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning additional assistance as needed.

• Manage the energy management program to ensure measures are taken to operate all systems in the most efficient manner to keep operating costs at a minimum.

• Proactively communicate with tenants, clients, property management, and vendors.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Trade school trained and a minimum of 10 years of experience in building operations experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A minimum of 7+ years building maintenance experience in a commercial property including supervisory experience.

• Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses, such as Refrigeration Certificate of Fitness, High Pressure Boiler License, High Pressure Steam Operator, etc.)

• Experience in operation, maintenance and basic repair of HVAC, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems, compressors, water systems, etc.

• Familiar with Energy Management System (EMS)/programming, and fire alarm systems, Building Management Systems

• Knowledgeable in energy management systems, techniques, and operations.

• Thorough knowledge in all building systems operations, maintenance and repair.

• Basic skills with Microsoft Office Outlook, Word and Excel.

• Must have a thorough understanding of HVAC, electrical and building automation systems.

• Ability to understand and give general instructions in standard situations.

• Must effectively present information.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• May require shift work, overtime and/or on call duties.

• Stooping, standing, climbing and frequent lifting of a minimum of 50 lbs. of equipment (pump, tools, ladders) and ability to safely install rigging/lifting device.

• Lift and carry objects of up to 50 pounds for distances of up to 30 feet.

• May be required to work extended periods of time without relief when responding to priority/emergency situations (including overtime type assignments).

• Climb ladders and stairs.

WORK SHIFT:

LOCATION:

Houston, TX

ABOUT US

Our firm is built on a shared purpose: Empowering good people to do extraordinary things together. We hire smart, passionate, hard-working people who value both collaboration and independence. United by our brand promise, we own the outcome for clients, investors and partners. Learn more attranswestern.com.

All candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include criminal history, education verification, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification. In addition, your employment with Transwestern is subject to successfully passing a drug screen check prior to you starting with the firm.