Union Chief Engineer

CBRE; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 103,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE is seeking a Union Chief Engineer to manage engineering operations, direct vendors and subcontractors, and ensure building systems run reliably.

The role involves developing preventive maintenance programs, coordinating with clients to schedule downtime, and guiding engineering staff to meet performance and safety standards across HVAC, fire alarms, and plumbing. Strong leadership and ability to work in a union environment are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 8-10 years of job-related experience.
• Physical requirements include stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting 50 lbs or more.
• Shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Willing to work within a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations, assign work orders, and train coworkers and subcontractors.
• Schedule preventive maintenance with clients to minimize downtime and interruptions.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for building systems to meet life expectations.
• Monitor building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure proper operation.
• Oversee and inspect engineering staff work and verify completion and functionality.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate additional support as needed.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

About The Role

As a CBRE Union Chief Engineer, you will be responsible for engineering operations and directing vendors and subcontractors.

About The Role

As a CBRE Union Chief Engineer, you will be responsible for engineering operations and directing vendors and subcontractors.

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

• Manage operations, assign work orders, and provide technical and procedural training of coworkers and subcontractors.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and other downtime to cut business interruption and inconvenience.
• Formulate and implement a preventive maintenance program to ensure that building machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.
• Monitor building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieves environmental conditions prescribed by the client.
• Oversee and inspect the work performed by engineering staff.
• Confirm that work is complete, equipment is fully functional and client space is in prime working condition.
• Respond to emergency situations, summoning additional assistance as needed.
• Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of principles, advanced techniques, and theories to create unprecedented solutions.
• Showcase in-depth expertise in cutting-edge theories, techniques, and/or technologies within own function.
• Use experience and knowledge of all job areas within a function, practical experience in several functional areas or businesses, or concentrated knowledge of a particular discipline to coach and guide others.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Negotiate with senior management, customers, regulators, or vendors to influence decisions of strategic importance. Anticipate potential objections, and persuade others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
• Drive the direction and resource allocation for programs, projects, or services.
• Significantly impact the design of policies and procedures. Provide moderate impact on the business direction through the development of innovative services or products.

What You’ll Need

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 8-10 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred.
• 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.
• Multi-dimensional, conceptual, and innovative thinking to develop new solutions.
• Ability to identify and solves the most complex problems.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Expert organizational skills with an unrivaled inquisitive mindset.
• 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, you 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.

The pay range for this position is subject to an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. The negotiated rate for the Union Chief Engineer position is $120,598.40 annually [or $57.98 per hour]. Please refer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding pay scale.

Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).