Chief Engineer

Complete Building Services; United States; On-site; USD 95,054 - 97,809; Full time

Job summary

Complete Building Services is seeking a Chief Engineer for a large facility in Northwest Washington, DC. This pivotal role involves overseeing the CBS workforce and ensuring compliance with safety and building standards.

The successful candidate must have a valid DC 1st Class Engineer License and at least seven years of experience in building maintenance. Responsibilities include managing daily operations, conducting inspections, and providing hands-on training. This role offers a competitive hourly salary of $69.52.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of experience in building maintenance or facility management.
• Experience with high-voltage electrical systems and HVAC operations.
• Ability to develop maintenance schedules and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily building operations and assign work to personnel.
• Conduct inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Serve as primary contact for after-hours emergencies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Technical expertise in HVAC

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of building codes

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

DC 1st Class Engineer License

Tools

Building management systems (BMS)

Computerized maintenance systems (CMMS)

Job description

About the Role

Complete Building Services (CBS) is seeking a Chief Engineer for a large facility located in Northwest Washington, DC. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, the Chief Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site and must hold a valid DC First Class Engineer License. This position is responsible for overseeing the onsite CBS workforce, ensuring all personnel perform their duties safely, effectively, and in full compliance with contract requirements.

Hours: 6am - 2pm (Monday - Friday)

Salary: $69.52 per hour

Responsibilities to include:

• Oversee daily building operations, assigning and inspecting work to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality
• Perform diagnostics and repairs on building systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
• Ensure proper functionality of high and low-voltage systems and equipment.
• Conduct inspections of work performed by subordinates to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
• Promote and enforce safety practices to maintain a secure work environment.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
• Provide hands‑on training for new employees in the proper maintenance and repair of building systems.
• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee maintenance and repair projects.
• Price, estimate costs, and process Building Service Requests or Work Orders.
• Review projects to ensure compliance with building standards and client satisfaction.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports as required
• Develop operational budgets to provide necessary supplies, services, and resources to maintain building standards.
• Ensure cost‑effective use of resources while maintaining high‑quality building operations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for after‑hours emergencies, including repairs and construction.
• Remain available 24/7 to address critical building system failures and urgent maintenance issues.
• Create an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual support among employees
• Review work performance of subordinates
• Manage and maintain the completion of the facilities scheduled PM's through the CMMS
• Assist with environmental compliance
• Assist with the compliance of local, state, and federal codes
• Perform other duties as assigned

You Should Have

The DC 1st Chief Engineer shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

• DC 1st Class Engineer License required.
• High School diploma or equivalent; additional technical training or certification in building system maintenance.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in building maintenance, electrical systems, or facility management.
• Experience with high-voltage electrical systems, emergency power systems, and HVAC operations.
• Proficiency in building management systems (BMS) and computerized maintenance systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal building codes.
• Technical expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general building maintenance.
• Strong leadership skills to assign work, inspect quality, and train personnel
• Ability to develop and manage maintenance schedules, budgets, and resource planning.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills to diagnose and resolve system issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for record‑keeping, reporting, and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to emergencies and operational disruptions.
• Must be able to walk, stand, climb ladders, and perform hands‑on repairs.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects, work in confined spaces, and operate tools and equipment.
• May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Standard work hours with 24/7 availability for emergency response.
• Occasional weekend or holiday work as required for system maintenance and repairs.

EOE, including disability/veterans