Chief Engineer

Campus Apartments; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing provider is seeking an experienced Chief Building Engineer in Washington, DC. This role involves overseeing all building systems, managing maintenance staff, and ensuring compliance with safety codes. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years of experience in building engineering, and strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team and ensure high-quality services for resident satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in building engineering or maintenance.
• Expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate maintenance and repair activities for facility systems.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to enhance reliability.
• Ensure compliance with building and safety codes.

Skills

HVAC expertise

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Building automation

Energy management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Excel

Job description

Experienced Chief Building Engineer wanted!

The Campus team is filled with passionate and enthusiastic people! Since 1958, we have been singularly focused on providing superb housing for college students across the country and our team is the reason for our success and for our ability to grow over the long-term. We are looking for an experienced professional to join our team as a Chief Engineer in Washington, DC.

The Chief Building Engineer will be the on-site technical lead responsible for all building systems and day-to-day engineering operations in our DC portfolio which is located at Howard University. This individual will oversee mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), life safety, and building automation systems; manage maintenance staff and vendors; and partner closely with the on-site property management team to deliver a best-in-class resident experience.

Chief Engineer Duties

• Direct and coordinate maintenance and repair activities for all facility systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to improve system reliability.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building and safety codes.
• Lead and mentor engineering and other maintenance staff, providing training and performance evaluations.
• Monitor building automation systems to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure high-quality and cost-effective services.
• Address emergency maintenance issues promptly and develop response plans.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and compliance.
• Assist in budget planning and forecasting for maintenance and capital projects.

• Chief Engineer Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in building engineering, maintenance, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with building automation systems and energy management strategies.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Stationary Engineer License preferred.
• Experience managing large commercial, residential, or industrial properties.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and LEED certification standards.
• Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Proficiency in Excel and other IT related systems.