Union Chief Engineer

Jersey Digs; Secaucus (NJ); On-site; USD 112,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

CBRE is seeking a Union Chief Engineer to lead critical facility operations at a Secaucus campus. You will mentor engineers, oversee HVAC, fire alarm, plumbing, and other critical systems, and drive world-class uptime in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment.

The role requires 8–10 years of related experience, a NJ Blue Seal License or plan to obtain within a year, and strong leadership in data center or critical utility operations. This on-site leadership position offers comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent; advanced certifications are a plus.
• NJ Blue Seal License or ability to acquire within 1 year.
• Experience leading teams in mission-critical facilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations, assign work orders, and train staff and subcontractors.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and business interruption.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for building systems.
• Monitor and ensure readiness of fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing, and environmental controls.
• Oversee field staff and verify completed work and client readiness.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate rapid response as needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge to create innovative solutions within facilities engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

HVAC systems

BMS/SCADA

Data center operations

Problem solving

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

NJ Blue Seal License

Tools

BMS/SCADA systems

HVAC controls

Job description

Ready to lead engineers of the future?

CBRE is seeking a Union Chief Engineer to lead critical facility operations at the campus of one of the world’s most innovative technology companies in Secaucus, NJ. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll oversee highly skilled engineering teams, ensure world‑class uptime for complex building systems, and drive operational excellence in a fast‑paced, cutting‑edge environment. If you’re passionate about mentorship, problem‑solving, and maintaining mission‑critical infrastructure, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

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.
• Experience with critical utility systems supporting data center / critical utility operations: HVAC, Chilled Water, Clean Dry Air, Process Chilled Water, Vacuum, BMS/BAS/SCADA, Alarms, Lighting, & Electrical.
• Specific data center or supercomputer processes and utility systems for server rack systems, shaker tables, specialty lab support, 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.
• NJ Blue Seal License or it must be acquired within a year of start date.

*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.

Compensation

The pay range for this position is subject to an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. The negotiated rate for this Union position is $124,800 annually (or $60.00 per hour). Please refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding the corresponding pay scale and employment terms. This role offers the following benefits: 401(k), dental insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and vision insurance.