Union Assistant Chief Engineer

CBRE Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking an on-site Union Assistant Chief Engineer to guide operations, vendors, and subcontractors for building and systems maintenance in Chicago. The role emphasizes preventive maintenance, safety compliance, and cost-effective problem solving.

The ideal candidate brings 5–8 years of related experience, CFC certification, and a track record of supervisory responsibilities. Local 399 union membership is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with relevant maintenance experience.
• CFC certification and state/local licenses as required.
• Supervisory or lead-worker experience preferred.
• Must be able to lift heavy loads and meet physical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate shift operations, assign work orders, and train team members.
• Follow codes, regulations, and CBRE safety directives.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for machinery.
• Inspect and ensure systems operate within normal parameters.
• Maintain inventory and order materials to complete tasks.
• Schedule maintenance windows to minimize business disruption.
• Perform repairs, emergencies, and routine maintenance with records.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and request help as needed.
• Share expertise and coach others across multi-discipline areas.
• Lead by example and align actions with CBRE values.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Union Assistant Chief Engineer, you will guide operations, vendors, and subcontractors to maintain and repair buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment, and grounds.

This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for providing support, preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment and systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Follow codes, regulations, government agency, and Company directives related to operations and safety.
• Manage shift operations, assign work orders, and provide training to coworkers and subcontractors.
• Review monthly tenant service request summaries to pinpoint and correct recurrent operational problems.
• Develop a preventive maintenance program for machinery and systems.
• Inspect systems to ensure operation within normal parameters.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and tools, ordering necessary materials to complete all tasks.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and downtime to cut business interruption and inconvenience.
• Perform repairs, emergency, and preventive maintenance, completing maintenance and repair records as required.
• Respond timely to emergency situations, requesting extra help as needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.
• Showcase expertise in own job discipline and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.
• Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
• Impact the achievement of customer, operational, project, or service objectives across multi-discipline teams. Work is guided by functional policies which impact the design of procedures and policies.
• Contribute to new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans in support of achieving functional goals.
• Communicate difficult and complex ideas with the ability to influence.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 5-8 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Universal CFC certification is required. Certifications/licenses required by local or state jurisdictions. Prior shift leader or supervisory experience preferred. Must be a Local 399 Union Member.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
• The innovative mentality to develop methods that go beyond existing solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Expert organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
• Highly sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate somewhat complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.

Should any element of this Job Description conflict with the provisions of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement will prevail.

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.

Our Values in Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Disclaimers

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.