Union Chief Operating Engineer

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

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a Union Chief Operating Engineer to lead engineering operations, supervise staff, and coordinate preventive maintenance across building systems. The role emphasizes minimizing downtime, ensuring safety, and delivering reliable facility services for clients in a large real estate environment.

The incumbent will train coworkers, manage vendors, and respond to emergencies, while aligning with CBRE RISE values and client needs.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Union membership required (Local 399).
• Stationary Engineer License or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations, assign work orders, and train coworkers and subcontractors.
• Consult with clients to schedule preventive maintenance and downtime to minimize business disruption.
• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for building systems.
• Monitor fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operations meet design specs.
• Oversee and inspect engineering staff work, ensuring tasks are complete and spaces are ready.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate additional support as needed.

Skills

Vendor coordination

Preventive maintenance planning

Team leadership

Emergency response

Client communication

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma

Job description

About the Role

As a CBRE Union Chief Operating 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. Local 399 union membership required. Stationary Engineer License required.
• 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, 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.