Union Engineer

CBRE, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE, Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Union Engineer to maintain and troubleshoot critical building systems at a commercial facility. You will help ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency through preventive maintenance, mechanical repairs, HVAC support, and building systems oversight.

The successful candidate will work autonomously and with teams to resolve issues, respond to equipment failures, and support building automation. This role offers a clear path for growth within CBRE.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or trade credential required.
• 4–5 years in engineering, maintenance, or technical work.
• 5+ years in mechanical, HVAC, plumbing or building maintenance preferred.
• Experience with HVAC troubleshooting and building controls.
• Knowledge of BMS/BAS and facility controls.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and climb ladders.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on building systems.
• Troubleshoot HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and BMS controls.
• Respond to equipment failures and facility emergencies to minimize downtime.
• Support building automation and controls for optimal performance.
• Complete work orders and maintain maintenance records.
• Inspect facility systems and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with calibration and verification of equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams for maintenance.
• Participate in on-call rotation and after-hours support.
• Follow safety procedures and CBRE policies while upholding CBRE RISE.

Skills

HVAC systems

Building maintenance

Troubleshooting

BMS/BAS knowledge

Safety procedures

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or trade credential

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Union Engineer - Grand Rapids, MI

Job Information

PeopleSoft Job Code/Title: Union Engineer
Global Level: GL-10
Job Family/Function: Engineering & Technical Services / Engineering & Technical Services
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Union: Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, with on-call rotation requirements.

About the Role

As a CBRE Union Engineer, you will support the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and operation of critical building systems at a commercial facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This position plays an essential role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of facility operations through preventive maintenance, mechanical repairs, HVAC support, plumbing troubleshooting, and building systems oversight.

This job is part of the Engineering & Technical Services function, which is responsible for maintaining building infrastructure, mechanical systems, and operational equipment to support business continuity and client satisfaction. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively to resolve facility issues, respond to equipment failures, and help maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

This position offers a consistent daytime schedule, competitive union wages, excellent benefits, and opportunities for future leadership growth within CBRE.

What You'll Do

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on building systems and facility equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and building management control systems.
• Respond to equipment failures, operational issues, and facility emergencies to minimize downtime.
• Support building automation and controls systems while ensuring optimal equipment performance.
• Complete work orders, maintenance records, and documentation accurately and timely.
• Inspect facility systems and equipment to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with calibration, testing, and operational verification of facility equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support maintenance projects and repairs.
• Participate in the on-call rotation and respond to after-hours building issues when required.
• Follow all safety procedures, CBRE policies, and applicable collective bargaining agreement requirements while promoting CBRE RISE values.

What You'll Need

• High School Diploma, GED, or Trade School Diploma required.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of job-related engineering, maintenance, or technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or building maintenance experience strongly preferred.
• Experience troubleshooting HVAC equipment, plumbing systems, and building mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of building management systems (BMS/BAS) and facility controls.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and maintenance requests.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to climb ladders, stand, walk, stoop, and lift/carry up to 50 pounds or more.
• Basic HVAC and plumbing troubleshooting skills required on day one.

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA Universal Certification.
• HVAC Certification.
• Plumbing License or related trade certification.
• Prior shift lead, supervisory, or team leadership experience.
• Experience working in commercial facilities maintenance environments.
• Experience supporting building automation systems and controls.
• Experience working within a union environment.

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.

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.

Disclaimers

Union Pay Disclosure: This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Compensation for this role is governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The current negotiated hourly rate is $53.45 per hour, and all wages, benefits, and working conditions are subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Sponsorship: CBRE is unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future for this position.

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.