Lead Building Engineer

Schnitzer West, LLC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Schnitzer West, LLC is seeking a Building Engineer in Seattle, WA, responsible for the maintenance and repair of key building systems including HVAC and plumbing. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience, alongside proficiency in relevant building systems and supervisory skills.

This role demands strong analytical and communication skills to effectively manage maintenance operations and vendor contracts while ensuring optimal safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Building Engineer or equivalent position.
• Proficiency in HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to handle interruptions and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair building systems including HVAC.
• Manage preventative maintenance and vendor coordination.
• Supervise maintenance teams and report to management.

Skills

Knowledge of building systems

Strong communication skills

Excellent analytical skills

Ability to supervise

Customer service skills

Education

2 years post-high school education or equivalent

Tools

HVAC systems

Energy management systems

Job description

Description

Company

Schnitzer West, LLC’s vision, mission, promise, culture, values, and goals are at the heart of every decision made. The Company takes pride in and fiercely protects its 5 Core Fundamental Values:

• Disciplined – Prepare for anything. Anticipate, ask questions, and clarify. Own every moment. Don’t run from risk; mitigate it to create value. Keep your eye on the prize while obsessing over the details.
• Driven – Work with passion and ambition. Be relentless and work with urgency.
• Bold – Pioneer true innovation and be motivated by the unknown. Thrive in uncertainty to outperform the expected.
• Authentic – Work without ego and be a doer, not a talker. Be fair but candid and always willing and able to roll up your sleeves.
• ‘Cowboy Family’ – Be all in with the firm; pushing and protecting each other to achieve greatness and exceed all expectations. Take pride in being a difference maker and for making a material impact.

This unwavering focus makes Schnitzer West, LLC a recognized and well-respected vanguard in the industry and maintains the framework that allows for superior communications, sound decisive decision making, diversity of thought, and unparalleled business practices, rigor, and innovation.

General Position Summary

This position is responsible for day-to-day maintenance and repair of all major building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, security and plumbing, as well as proper operation of the energy management systems for commercial buildings. Position is also responsible, under direction, for repair/replacement of capital improvements, and managing vendor contracts. Typically, responsible for one project and supervising the workflow of one maintenance team.

Essential Job Functions

1. Endorse that all building systems are operating properly.
2. Manage/perform preventative maintenance of all building systems (coordinate with vendors as appropriate), including filter changes for air handling units, cooling tower/condensing unit chemicals, water treatment for fountains.
3. Support the preparation and execution of schedules for daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance tasks using work order system.
4. Respond to tenant requests for maintenance or repair, including working on HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy management systems.
5. Respond effectively to all emergencies, which includes coordinating with fire and police department personnel; monitoring safety compliance; testing and maintenance of alarms and sprinklers; maintenance and repair of control and key systems.
6. Supervise the building engineer(s) and the day porter(s) for each building.
7. Contract management including writing job specifications and developing bid packages; analyze contractors, contract compliance, contracts, costs, and insurance.
8. Sustain written/electronic database.
9. Report to management with information regarding items such as building, equipment, variances, security, energy management, work in progress, vendor information, purchase orders, etc.
10. Process/authorize invoices for payment, as necessary.
11. Participates on management team in regard to budgeting and operational planning, as needed.
12. On-call rotation availability.

Administrative Functions

1. Coordinate and manage vendors handling security, parking garage, elevators, fire life safety, HVAC, and landscaping services as they apply.
2. Prepare correspondence.
3. Assist with building construction or tenant improvement closeout and commissioning, including punch list and warranty tracking.
4. Other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Note: Skills required vary somewhat by building or property. The skills noted below are those generally needed for this position.

1. Knowledge of all building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, and energy management systems.
2. Familiarity with all aspects of trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, etc.)
3. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
4. Strong communication skills, including the ability to tactfully handle complaints and negotiate disagreements.
5. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
6. Ability to deal with interruptions and to successfully manage multiple tasks.
7. Ability to effectively supervise and mentor staff.
8. Ability to work effectively in a team situation and to work cooperatively with other staff.
9. Innovative critical thinking skills to solve new or unique problems.
10. Understanding of building expense budgeting and variance reporting.
11. Working knowledge of basic office machines and computer software (Word and Outlook).

Education and Experience

1. 3 to 5 years required experience as a Building Engineer or equivalent position.
2. Minimum of 2 years post-high school education or vocational training specializing in HVAC, building engineering, stationary engineering, or a similar program.
3. The incumbent must hold, or be able to obtain, a Washington 07-Electrical license.
4. Plumbing, mechanical, Freon, and boiler certificates or training preferred.
5. Factory training in one or more energy management systems is preferred.
6. Driver’s license required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Visual acuity to read words and numbers, colors, peripheral vision, and depth perception including close proximity and focus.
2. Ability to exert up to 35 lbs of force and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 75 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs.
3. Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate tools and equipment, including office and computer equipment.
4. Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person or over the phone in English.
5. Frequently move about inside buildings and outside, over uneven terrain, while maintaining balance.
6. Frequently ascends/descends a ladder.
7. Ability to alternate between sitting and standing frequently throughout day, while walking up to 8 hours a day.
8. Ability to reach with hands and arms over head often.
9. Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl when necessary.
10. Ability to respond to smells and sounds.
11. Specific vision abilities required by this job are close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is required to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Schnitzer West is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance – Eligible Employees (and their dependents) may choose an HSA or PPO plan through Premera Blue Cross.
• Prescription Drug Insurance – Included with each medical plan.
• Dental Insurance – Eligible employees (and their dependents).
• Vision Insurance – Eligible employees (and their dependents).
• Other Insurance – Basic Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Optional Employee-Paid Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) Retirement Plan including Employer match.
• Paid Time Off – Three (3) weeks of PTO accrual with increases based on years of service.
• Paid Holidays – Ten (10) paid Holidays per year.

Salary

• Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 Annually - This position is eligible for up to a 7.5% bonus opportunity based on individual and company performance.