Senior Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Chief Engineer to lead engineering and maintenance for large commercial properties. You will supervise staff, oversee 500k+ sq ft sites, perform energy and system audits, and ensure ADA and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities include budgeting, CAPEX planning, and coordinating with contractors while maintaining building standards and safety programs. Strong supervisory, technical, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property setting.
• Experience operating, installing and maintaining building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire/life safety.
• Proficiency with EMS/Building Management Systems and knowledge of applicable codes and OSHA/ EPA compliance.
• Ability to develop maintenance procedures, budgets and capital plans, and to coordinate with contractors.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, personnel development and performance review.
• Oversee properties totaling 500k square feet or more and coordinate with external contractors.
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs and life safety plans.
• Prepare and monitor operating budgets, RM&E and utility spend, and capital project analytics.
• Coordinate and review construction documents; ensure building standards and safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Proficiency

Communication

Organizational Skills

EMS/Building Systems

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Word

Job description

Senior Chief Engineer

Job Description Summary Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, personnel development and performance review
• Oversee properties totaling 500k square feet or more
• Conduct and assist with inspections and surveys, including energy audits and analysis, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, environmental and ADA compliance
• Supervise and review technical operations, surveys, energy audits and analysis, HVAC and electrical and plumbing systems, environmental compliance, ADA compliance and acquisitions, and third‑party surveys
• Support property management in the development and updating of preventive maintenance and engineering procedures, hazardous materials communication plans, fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, quality control for domestic and process water and indoor air quality programs
• Assist in the development of the property(s) operations budget. Provide operating cost estimates and comparisons in regard to service contracts, R&M estimates, utility consumption and spend, supplies, repair parts, department payroll , life safety programs and procedures, domestic water quality control, and enforcement of EPA and OSHA compliance
• Assist in the development of the Capital Budget Program, as well as the short and long term planning and analytics
• Coordinate and track career development for engineers and perform or assist in mid-year/annual performance evaluations of all engineering staff
• Oversee all building systems, including fire/life safety programs, plumbing, HVAC and electrical issues; must remain current with latest HVAC technology trends as well as preventive and predictive maintenance methodology
• Coordinate maintenance efforts with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel and engineers
• Assist Property Management in the review and approval of construction documents. Ensure building standards are applied and adhered too accordingly
• Develop specifications and assist in solicitation and administration of maintenance/repair service contracts
• Assist in formulating marketing presentations/proposals, start-up processes for building acquisitions and reverse acquisitions, and the coordination of building equipment and services in support of tenant construction products
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, requisitions, government agencies, and company directives related to building operations
• Support the Property or Facility Manager with rehabilitation projects such as replacement of HVAC systems, installation of new roofs, plumbing repairs and alterations to other Building Systems. Support Property or Facility Manager on all items listed below (1–10):
• Prepare and present feasibility studies.
• Prepare budget estimates.
• Prepare schedule and manage its progress.
• Prepare contract documents reflecting scope of work.
• Manage the bidding process.
• Prepare and expedite approval of all internal control documents
• Monitor the construction process to assure compliance with contract documents.
• Coordinate all work with user and Internal Support Groups.
• Maintain complete project files recording progress, approvals, financial data and contracts
• Perform final inspections, punch list exceptions, and expedite corrective action

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Communication Proficiency (oral and written)
2. Interpersonal Skills
3. Organization Skills
4. Technical Proficiency
5. Leadership

IMPORTANT EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property setting experience in the operation, installation and maintenance of building systems with in depth technical understanding and knowledge of all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Vocational/Technical training certificate
• Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses
• Universal Technician for CFC’s depending on market licensure requirements or any similar combination of education and experience
• Knowledge and understanding of all applicable practices/techniques, laws, project controls, and environmental regulations
• Familiar with Energy Management System (EMS)/programming, fire alarm systems, and Building Management Systems
• Proficiency in the preparation of staff schedules, after hour assignment scheduling and coordination, preventive maintenance schedules and the ability to assess and prioritize immediate needs.
• General knowledge of the property management financial reporting with primary focus on R&M expenses, Utility expenses and Capital expenses, as they pertain the department’s allocated monthly and annual budget. Should possess the knowledge to clearly explain favorable and unfavorable variances the monthly and year to date R&M and Utility expenses.
• Basic Computing Skills in Outlook, Excel & Word

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Regularly required to travel outside between properties in varying weather conditions.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to travel from floor to floor, climb stairs, and may be required to travel outside between buildings in varying outdoor weather conditions. The employee may also be regularly required to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for 85% of the time; regularly use hands to operate office machinery and regularly required to walk, talk, and hear.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS

• health, vision, and dental insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• health savings accounts
• retirement savings plans
• life
• disability insurance programs
• paid and unpaid time away from work

In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.

Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

ABOUT CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com