Chief Engineer

Donohoe Construction Company; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Complete Building Services, a division of The Donohoe Companies, is seeking a Chief Engineer for a Northwest Washington, DC facility. The role reports to the Project Manager and leads the onsite CBS workforce, ensuring safe, effective operations and compliance with contract requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, HVAC and high/low voltage experience, and hands-on leadership to manage maintenance, budgets, and safety.

Qualifications

• CFC Universal certification required.
• High School diploma or equivalent; additional certifications a plus.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems.
• 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 and written/verbal communication.
• Able to work under pressure and respond quickly to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily building operations, assign and inspect 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; inspect subcontractor work.
• Promote and enforce safety practices to maintain a secure environment.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
• Provide hands-on training for new employees in maintenance and repair of building systems.
• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee maintenance and repair projects.
• Review projects for compliance with building standards and client satisfaction.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Hands-on maintenance

Emergency response

Budgeting & scheduling

CMMS/BMS experience

Education

CFC Universal

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Complete Building Services is a division of The Donohoe Companies, Inc., and has been providing service to the Washington metropolitan area for 60+ years and has grown into one of Washington's largest and most successful building operations, maintenance, and facility management companies.

We are looking for candidates who want to build their careers with us and can deliver on our promise of service and integrity.

Responsibilities

Complete Building Services (CBS) is seeking a Chief Engineer for a facility located in Northwest Washington, DC. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, the Chief Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the site. 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 - 2:30pm (Monday - Friday)

Salary: $40-$45 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 andmutual 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

Qualifications

The Chief Engineer shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

• CFC Universal
• High School diploma or equivalent; additional certifications a plus.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems.
• 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 andrespond 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 requiredto 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