Chief Engineer

The Building People; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facility management company in Laredo, Texas, is seeking a Chief Engineer to oversee operations, maintenance, and repairs across multiple facilities. The role includes training staff, conducting inspections, and managing HVAC systems. Candidates must have the EPA 608 and A/C Refrigeration Operator Certifications, and should be experienced in troubleshooting and repairing varied building systems. This position offers an opportunity to drive continuous improvement in building comfort and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience troubleshooting and repairing HVAC systems.
• Ability to read and interpret contract specifications.
• Experience training and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and maintenance of building systems.
• Conduct daily inspections and drive continuous improvement.
• Coordination of equipment repairs with subcontractors.

Skills

Verifiable experience operating building systems

Chiller repairs

Boiler repairs

Pump repairs

Motor replacement

BAS troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance planning

Training personnel

Proficiency with CMMS

Fluent in English

Education

EPA 608 Certification

A/C Refrigeration Operator Certification

Job description

Description/Job Summary:

The Chief Engineer is a working supervisor who leads operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems across a multi‑facility portfolio in Laredo, Texas. The Chief Engineer trains and directs journeyman and apprentice personnel, oversees the preventive maintenance program and critical equipment condition assessments, coordinates repairs with subcontractors, and ensures reliable, efficient, and safe operation of HVAC, boilers, chillers, pumps, controls, and related systems. The role conducts daily inspections of common areas and systems, addresses safety issues, and drives continuous improvement in comfort, reliability, and energy performance.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Verifiable experience operating, troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing building systems and equipment.
• Chiller repairs, including seals, refrigerant recovery and recharge, correction of operational malfunctions, and motor, control, sensor, and gauge work.
• Boiler repairs, including seals, leak repair, correction of operational deficiencies, and motor, control, sensor, and gauge work.
• Pump repairs, including leak repairs, seal changes, shaft repair or replacement, motor replacement, and alignments.
• Motor replacement and general rotating equipment work.
• BAS troubleshooting and correction of HVAC, energy, and water waste issues.
• Preventive maintenance planning and execution.
• Ability to prepare budgets, calibrate thermostats, and implement programs to improve tenant comfort and equipment reliability.
• Inspection of HVAC personnel and general maintenance workers, daily corridor and common area inspections, and issue resolution.
• Piping and tubing repairs, including replacement of expansion tanks.
• Ability to read and understand contract specifications and drawings.
• Experience training personnel and delivering continuing education to technicians.
• Proficiency with a CMMS for work orders, assets, and reporting.
• Fully conversant in English (speaking, writing, and reading).

Required Certifications:

• EPA 608 Certification.
• A/C Refrigeration Operator Certification.

One or more of the following, or equivalent experience and credentialing:

• N.A.P.E. Air Conditioning III – Operations and Management.
• Advanced Boiler Operator Certification.
• International Union of Operating Engineers stationary engineer, class 2 minimum (class 1 preferred), or equivalent.