Chief Engineer

ABM Industries; Laguna Hills (CA); On-site; USD 79,556 - 113,307; Full time

Job summary

ABM Industries seeks a Facility Manager / Chief Engineer to oversee facility operations and building engineering at the Laguna Hills site. This role combines hands-on technical oversight with staff leadership, vendor coordination, budget management, and client relationship management.

The position reports to the new client account leadership and requires a strong technical background with facility-management experience in commercial environments.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive facility management or chief engineer experience in commercial environments.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Certifications such as EPA Universal, BOMA, CFM/ CPM or state licenses preferred.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• Budget management experience.
• Ability to respond to on-call emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for client on facility operations at Laguna Hills site.
• Develop and manage facility operating budget, including capital planning.
• Oversee vendor and subcontractor relationships, including bidding, scheduling, quality control.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and lifecycle planning.
• Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable codes and standards.
• Manage energy efficiency initiatives and system optimization.
• Respond to and manage emergency facility issues as needed.

Skills

Staff leadership

Vendor coordination

Budget management

Client relationship management

Building systems knowledge

Emergency response

Education

EPA Universal Certification

BOMA Certification

CFM/CPM or state licenses

Job description

ABM Industries is seeking a Facility Manager / Chief Engineer to oversee facility operations and building engineering functions at the TGS site in Laguna Hills. This is a newly established, high-priority position supporting a new client account. The role combines hands‑on technical engineering oversight with facility management responsibilities, including staff leadership, vendor coordination, budget management, and client relationship management. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical engineering background paired with facility management skills.

Pay Rate: $70.00/hour

Shift: 7:00 am 4:00 PM

Location: Laguna Hills, CA

Key Responsibilities

Facility Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client on all facility operations matters at the Laguna Hills site
• Develop and manage the facility operating budget, including capital planning
• Oversee vendor and subcontractor relationships, including bidding, scheduling, and quality control
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and building systems lifecycle planning
• Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff

Chief Engineer / Technical Oversight

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues
• Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable codes and standards
• Manage energy efficiency initiatives and system optimization
• Respond to and manage emergency facility issues as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive facility management and/or chief engineer experience, ideally in commercial or corporate environments
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
• Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., Universal EPA, BOMA, CFM, CPM, or state‑specific engineering licenses)
• Strong client‑facing communication skills
• Budget management experience
• Ability to respond to on‑call emergencies as needed