Chief Facilities Engineer

Associates Systems; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Associates Systems is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the engineering team and oversee the operation of a Class A office portfolio totaling 1M+ square feet in Tampa, Florida. You will supervise building systems, coordinate maintenance, and ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and energy efficiency.

Responsibilities include directing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety programs; managing vendors; reviewing budgets; and mentoring staff.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of commercial building engineering experience with leadership roles.
• State Refrigeration Technician license and EPA Universal (608) certification.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems.
• Familiarity with NEC, OSHA, NFPA codes.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Oversee electrical infrastructure including switchgear, panels, UPS, emergency power.
• Plan and supervise preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to staff.
• Respond to tenant service requests and manage work orders.
• Coordinate building projects with Client management.
• Enforce safety standards and energy management practices.
• Monitor and optimize energy usage.
• Maintain documentation (O&M manuals, blueprints, safety files).
• Manage vendor contracts and on-call rotation.
• Assist budget development through inspections and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Client management to support operations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Customer service

Energy management

Safety awareness

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the direct supervision of the engineering team and the day-to-day maintenance and operation of a Class A commercial office portfolio totaling 1M+ square feet. This role oversees all building systems and infrastructure, ensuring operations are maintained to first-class standards. Responsibilities include the operation, installation, repair, maintenance, and continuous improvement of building structures and systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, elevators, fire protection, and energy management systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems including chillers, cooling towers, RTUs, AHUs, boilers, pumps, generators, and transfer switches.
• Oversee electrical infrastructure including switchgear, panels, UPS systems, and emergency power systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all preventative maintenance programs and corrective repair activities.
• Provide hands-on leadership, training, and technical guidance to engineering and maintenance staff across all building systems and safety procedures.
• Ensure timely and effective response to tenant service requests and work orders, including monitoring completion and follow-up.
• Coordinate with Client management on building projects, tenant fit-outs, and capital or construction initiatives.
• Promote and enforce safety standards, fire prevention practices, and safe work habits throughout the property.
• Monitor, manage, and optimize building energy usage and efficiency.
• Maintain organized and accurate documentation including O&M manuals, blueprints, safety records, training logs, MSDS documentation, and related files.
• Foster a professional work environment that emphasizes customer service, accountability, and team collaboration.
• Oversee all contracted maintenance, repair, and construction vendors to ensure compliance with Client policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in and manage a 24/7 emergency on-call rotation, providing updates to management as required.
• Assist management with operating and capital budget development through routine inspections, assessments, and annual recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with Client management and property teams to support overall building operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 8 years of commercial building engineering experience; prior Chief or Lead Engineer experience preferred.
• State-issued Refrigeration Technician license and EPA Universal (608) certification required.
• Strong working knowledge of chillers, cooling towers, RTUs, ductwork, energy management systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire/life safety systems.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including mechanical controls.
• Working knowledge of NEC, OSHA, NFPA, DEP, and Life Safety codes and regulations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.