Museum Facilities Chief Engineer

Clear Destination Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance and operation of the museum's HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. You will oversee engineers and contractors, ensuring safety, climate control for collections, and reliable facility performance.

Reporting to the Director of Building Operations, you will manage budgets, drive preventive maintenance programs, and coordinate major capital projects while upholding museum standards and IDEA values.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s degree or technical diploma in a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressive facilities engineering or building operations experience.
• Two (2) years of managing engineering, maintenance, or facilities teams.
• City of Detroit First Class Refrigeration Operators License and EPA Universal Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and operations of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Lead engineering staff and contractors to meet safety and efficiency standards.
• Prepare operating and capital budgets with the Director, Building Operations.
• Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and museum policies.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance and equipment performance.
• Lead emergency response for building systems and infrastructure failures.
• Manage vendor contracts and service levels for HVAC systems.
• Foster inclusion and collaboration across departments and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

HVAC systems

BAS/BMS

CMMS

Budget management

Vendor management

Emergency response

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree or technical diploma

7+ years facilities engineering/building operations

Two+ years managing teams

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Remote collaboration platforms (Teams)

Remote work technology

Job description

Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance and operation of the museum's HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. You will oversee engineers and contractors, ensuring safety, climate control for collections, and reliable facility performance.

Reporting to the Director of Building Operations, you will manage budgets, drive preventive maintenance programs, and coordinate major capital projects while upholding museum standards and IDEA values.