Chief Engineer

Transwestern; Mount Washington (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Transwestern is seeking a Chief Engineer for an on-site role in Kentucky to oversee the operation of all building systems, supervise a service-oriented engineering team, and ensure compliance with codes and client expectations. The position emphasizes preventative maintenance, energy efficiency, and client communication.

The ideal candidate has trade school training and 10+ years of building operations experience, including 7+ years in a supervisory capacity, with strong knowledge of HVAC,

Qualifications

• Trade school trained and a minimum of 10 years of experience in building operations or equivalent.
• A minimum of 7+ years building maintenance experience in a commercial property including supervisory experience.
• Experience with HVAC, boilers, pumps, refrigerant systems, and safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise engineers and maintenance staff including hiring, training and performance assessments.
• Review daily work orders and assign tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure building systems operate within design specs.
• Manage energy use and utility tracking to minimize operating costs.
• Coordinate with tenants and clients to schedule downtime with minimal disruption.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Energy management

Building operations supervision

Equipment maintenance planning

MS Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, 

Education

Trade school training

Tools

EMS/Programming

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Job description

Transwestern is a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm dedicated to serving investors, partners and clients through expertise in investment, development, brokerage and 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 trust and 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.

$110,000.00 - $120,000.00 USD Annual

WORK SHIFT: LOCATION

This is a dynamic, on-site role that places you at the heart of the action. As a result, an essential function of this position is working on-site. Remote or hybrid options are not available. Being on property allows you to build strong relationships with clients and tenants, respond in real time, and make a visible impact every day.

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 at transwestern.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.

Transwestern is a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm dedicated to serving investors, partners and clients through expertise in investment, development, brokerage and 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 trust and high performance. Learn more at transwestern.com and @Transwestern.