Chief Engineer - D.C.

CBRE Group, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. in Washington, DC seeks a Chief Building Engineer to manage engineering operations, supervise vendors, and ensure preventive and corrective maintenance of complex building systems.

The role requires trade skills across carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and safety compliance, with focus on minimizing downtime and maintaining environmental conditions as per client specs. Applicants should have an AA/AS or trade school training with 7+ years experience; a BA/BS is preferred;

Qualifications

• AA or equivalent with 7+ years related experience and/or trade school training.
• BA/BS from a four-year college or university preferred.
• Universal CFC certification required.
• Ability to operate EMS and CMMS systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Follow all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and Company directives related to building operations and work safety.
• Lead operations, assign work orders, and provide training; arrange subcontractors as needed.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and downtime to minimize business interruption.
• Formulate and implement a preventive maintenance program to ensure building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.
• Monitor building systems (fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing) to ensure operation within design specs.
• Oversee and inspect the work performed by engineering staff.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations and summon assistance as needed.
• Provide informal guidance and coordinate tasks within the work unit/project.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

EMS/CMMS operation

MS Office proficiency

Education

Associate degree

BA/BS preferred

Tools

EMS/CMMS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Chief Building Engineer, you will be responsible for engineering operations and oversees vendors and subcontractors. Sophisticated skills should be applied to perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment, and grounds. Working under limited supervision, the role will monitor building system operations and performance. Requires several trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, heating, and cooling.

What You’ll Do:

• Follow all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and Company directives related to building operations and work safety.
• Lead operations, assign work orders, and/or provide technical and procedural training of coworkers and subcontractors. Arranges for subcontractors as needed.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and other downtime to minimize business interruption and inconvenience.
• Formulate and implement a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.
• Monitor building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by client.
• Oversee and inspect the work performed by engineering staff.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning assistance as needed.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities in this position. Provide informal assistance such as technical guidance and training to coworkers. Coordinates and assigns tasks to co-workers within a work unit and/or project.

What You’ll Need:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and a minimum of seven years related experience and/or trade school training. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university preferred.
• Universal CFC certification required. Certifications/licenses as may be required by local or state jurisdictions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Physical requirements to include stooping, standing, climbing and frequent lifting of a minimum of 40 lbs.
• Must have the ability to operate an EMS and CMMS system.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Decisions made with thorough understanding of procedures, company policies, and business practices to achieve general results and goals.
• Responsible for setting work unit and/or project goals. Errors in judgment may cause short-term impact to department.
• Responsible for personal safety and the safety of those who are affected by your work.

Why CBRE?

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.