Chief Engineer

Century Towers Residences; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Century Towers Residences in Los Angeles is seeking a seasoned Chief Engineer to lead the property's physical operations across both East and West towers. You will supervise the engineering team, manage preventive maintenance, and guide capital projects to ensure reliability, life safety, and five-star service for residents.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will align with the Board on budgets, regulatory compliance, and long-term resilience, while maintaining city codes and coordinating

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience as a Chief Engineer or senior engineering leader in a high rise residential, hotel, or commercial property
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience leading engineering or maintenance staff
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, and building automation systems
• Proven vendor and contractor negotiation skills with a sharp eye for quality control
• Strong understanding of high rise building codes and life safety compliance requirements
• Working knowledge of governing documents and the distinction between homeowner and Association maintenance responsibility
• Excellent communication skills and a polished, service oriented approach with residents and the Board
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems and building automation software preferred
• Trade licenses or certifications a plus; EPA Section 608 Universal or Certified Pool Operator an asset
• Luxury hospitality or luxury residential experience strongly preferred
• Ability to respond to onsite emergencies and work flexible hours as needed, including occasional weekends

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and develop the onsite engineering and maintenance team, including scheduling, performance reviews, and a culture of accountability and five star service
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevator, fire and life safety, pool, and building automation systems across both towers
• Maintain all mechanical spaces, including boilers, chilled and heated water circulation, air handling units, fan coils, pumps, and motors
• Direct the preventive maintenance program for building systems, common areas, and safety equipment
• Oversee pool and spa water treatment, chemical balance logs, and legionella control
• Monitor and manage the property's energy and water consumption and associated costs
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues promptly, minimizing disruption to residents
• Prepare and manage the annual engineering department budget, with monthly forecasting of expenses
• Develop capital expenditure recommendations and multiyear planning in partnership with the General Manager, reserve study consultants, and the Board
• Assist with RFP preparation, bid evaluations, and contractor negotiations for capital improvement, waterproofing, and renovation projects, and supervise vendors to ensure quality
• Ensure fire alarm systems, emergency generators, and all life safety systems remain fully operational and tested per schedule, including LAFD testing requirements
• Maintain compliance with all City of Los Angeles and State of California building codes, OSHA standards, and Association policies, and support engineering and risk audits
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation for equipment, inspections, and repairs
• Respond promptly to resident requests and emergencies, including after hours calls, with professionalism and composure

Job description

Designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1964, Century Towers Residences is one of the most recognized residential addresses in Los Angeles, comprised of East and West towers totaling more than 300 residences. The Association is known for its architectural pedigree, well maintained resort style amenities, and attentive five star standard of service. We are seeking an accomplished Chief Engineer to lead the physical operations of this exceptional property.

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is the senior technical leader on the property, reporting directly to the General Manager and serving as a principal advisor to the Board of Directors on building systems, capital planning, and life safety.

This role is responsible for the condition, performance, and reliability of all building systems across both towers. The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team, establishes departmental standards, oversees preventive maintenance and capital projects, and plays a key role in shaping the property’s long-term operational resilience and physical direction.

Compensation

Compensation: $115,000 to $120,000 annually

Schedule

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with 24/7 emergency availability

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and develop the onsite engineering and maintenance team, including scheduling, performance reviews, and a culture of accountability and five star service
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevator, fire and life safety, pool, and building automation systems across both towers
• Maintain all mechanical spaces, including boilers, chilled and heated water circulation, air handling units, fan coils, pumps, and motors
• Direct the preventive maintenance program for building systems, common areas, and safety equipment
• Oversee pool and spa water treatment, chemical balance logs, and legionella control
• Monitor and manage the property\'s energy and water consumption and associated costs
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues promptly, minimizing disruption to residents
• Prepare and manage the annual engineering department budget, with monthly forecasting of expenses
• Develop capital expenditure recommendations and multiyear planning in partnership with the General Manager, reserve study consultants, and the Board
• Assist with RFP preparation, bid evaluations, and contractor negotiations for capital improvement, waterproofing, and renovation projects, and supervise vendors to ensure quality
• Ensure fire alarm systems, emergency generators, and all life safety systems remain fully operational and tested per schedule, including LAFD testing requirements
• Maintain compliance with all City of Los Angeles and State of California building codes, OSHA standards, and Association policies, and support engineering and risk audits
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation for equipment, inspections, and repairs
• Respond promptly to resident requests and emergencies, including after hours calls, with professionalism and composure

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience as a Chief Engineer or senior engineering leader in a high rise residential, hotel, or commercial property
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience leading engineering or maintenance staff
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, and building automation systems
• Proven vendor and contractor negotiation skills with a sharp eye for quality control
• Strong understanding of high rise building codes and life safety compliance requirements
• Working knowledge of governing documents and the distinction between homeowner and Association maintenance responsibility
• Excellent communication skills and a polished, service oriented approach with residents and the Board
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems and building automation software preferred
• Trade licenses or certifications a plus; EPA Section 608 Universal or Certified Pool Operator an asset
• Luxury hospitality or luxury residential experience strongly preferred
• Ability to respond to onsite emergencies and work flexible hours as needed, including occasional weekends