BUILDING ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Tenant comfort calls don't wait for business hours. When fire/life-safety systems go untested, HVAC controls drift uncalibrated, and code compliance lapses, the consequences fall on every occupant of the building. A Building Engineer prevents that outcome across a commercial property portfolio, owning the day-to-day operation, preventive maintenance, and emergency response for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems. Compliance with OSHA, NEC, and NFC standards frames every decision made on the floor.

As the Building Engineer, you maintain the mechanical and electrical systems of assigned commercial properties in safe, code-compliant condition while delivering responsive service to tenants and coordinating with the Chief Engineer on capital projects and system upgrades. You serve as the on-call resource for after-hours emergencies across the portfolio, acting as a direct operational link between vendor contractors, landlord staff, and building management.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience with fire/life-safety systems, energy management, and NEC/NFC compliance across a commercial portfolio builds the technical depth that separates journeyman engineers from Chief Engineer candidates.

Business Impact: Tenants depend on the Building Engineer's preventive maintenance schedule to avoid costly equipment failures and lease-compliance violations that affect the property's operating income.

Growth Opportunity: Managing contractor oversight and capital project coordination in this seat opens a direct path to Chief Engineer or Facilities Manager roles with expanded portfolio scope.

• Operate and maintain all building mechanical and electrical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and fire life safety equipment.
• Respond to emergencies - equipment failure, fire, evacuation - immediately and coordinate corrective action.
• Execute preventive maintenance schedules for HVAC and fire life safety systems, documenting all inspections and service records.
• Monitor building system performance daily, reviewing log entries and environmental alarms to identify and address deficiencies.
• Coordinate with outside vendors and contractors during scheduled maintenance, supervising work completion and verifying quality.
• Review tenant and building alteration plans for conformity with design criteria, escalating deficiencies to the Chief Engineer.
• Maintain compliance with applicable municipal building codes and OSHA, NEC, NFC, and Life Safety regulations throughout all operations.
• Serve as on-call engineer for the assigned property, participating in after-hours emergency response as required.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of experience in commercial building operations and maintenance, with demonstrated hands-on system repair and preventive maintenance skills.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems, controls, and operational principles in a commercial property environment.
• Familiarity with fire life safety system operation, inspection procedures, and applicable Life Safety codes.
• Knowledge of OSHA, NEC, and NFC codes and regulations as applied to building operations.
• EPA 608 Universal CFC certification or equivalent refrigeration certification, or ability to obtain before start.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces as routine conditions of the role.
• Strong organizational and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain inspection logs and escalate issues accurately.

• Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation or accredited technical certification in HVAC or Operating Engineering Technologies.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems or Direct Digital Controls for commercial HVAC management.
• Prior experience supervising contracted vendors and reviewing project scopes for capital or non-capital building work.
• Familiarity with energy conservation program maintenance and utility cost tracking within a property management context.

• Preventive maintenance completion rate: percentage of scheduled inspections executed on time across assigned properties.
• Emergency response time: hours from alarm notification to documented corrective action for critical system failures.
• Code compliance audit score: results of OSHA, NEC, and fire life safety inspections for the assigned property.
• Tenant work order closure rate: proportion of maintenance requests resolved within agreed service-level windows.
• Vendor performance documentation rate: percentage of contractor visits with completed oversight records on file.
• Typical tools: CMMS platforms (commonly Maximo or Corrigo); BAS/controls interfaces (commonly Siemens or Johnson Controls); Microsoft Office for reporting and log maintenance.

• Base Salary Range: $62,000 to $88,000 annually, depending on experience and market
• Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus, typically 3% to 8% of base salary
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in commercial real estate
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: On-call stipend or differential pay; uniform or tool allowance; continuing education reimbursement for license renewals

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including verification of work history and applicable licensing credentials, is required as a condition of employment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Building Engineer owns hands-on operation and maintenance of critical mechanical and electrical systems, including HVAC, UPS, and emergency generators, across the Firm's locations. Working closely with building management, IT, and Facilities staff, this role ensures a safe and efficient environment by supervising vendors, executing corrective measures, and coordinating renovation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic facilities maintenance and repairs on critical systems including HVAC, CRAC, Dry Cooler, UPS, STS, ATS, and Emergency Generator.
• Monitor and respond to environmental alarms outside of normal business hours.
• Respond to employee requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist the Engineering team in managing installation and maintenance of architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Supervise vendors during preventive maintenance and execute corrective measures as required.
• Coordinate procedures with landlord staff for any integrated systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute renovation projects.

Required Qualifications

• EPA 608 Universal Certificate and NYC FDNY Refrigeration Machine Operator License (Q-01 or Q-99).
• Completed an accredited refrigeration training program.
• 5 or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• Knowledgeable in critical facility systems including HVAC, UPS, STS, ATS, and emergency power equipment.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and perform hands-on work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong customer service and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high sense of urgency.
• Ability to work well in a team with a strong willingness to participate and help others.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Reporting to the Site Operations Supervisor, the Building Engineer shapes preventive and corrective maintenance of a building's shell, core, and equipment across a full Hard Services portfolio. Partnering with the on-site team across soft and hard service lines, this role ensures all facilities-related equipment meets the highest operational standards and supports seamless service delivery.

Primary Duties

• Execute and optimize operational responsibilities to ensure seamless delivery of services.
• Navigate a dynamic environment while balancing oversight, deliverables, and role responsibilities.
• Perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, equipment, and grounds using advanced trade skills.
• Monitor building system operations and performance to ensure safe and working conditions.
• Perform self-performed trade work including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, refrigeration, heating, and cooling.
• Communicate effectively with Maintenance Planner Schedulers to ensure optimal service delivery.
• Collaborate with the full on-site team across soft and hard service lines.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma, vocational, or trade school certificate, with EPA Universal Certification or equivalent for HVAC and refrigeration work.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, construction, or building engineering roles.
• Experienced in subcontractor and vendor contract management.
• Knowledgeable in Work Order Control procedures with strong time management for CMMS-based workflows.
• Able to use specialty hand and diagnostic tools at a journeyman level for electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, CMMS systems, and smartphone platforms.
• Able to work at heights using ladders and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

Sitting at the intersection of tenant relations and building operations, the Building Engineer leads maintenance of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life-safety systems while coordinating vendor efforts and tenant build-out projects. Operating across a multi-property portfolio, this role supports emergency response, preventive maintenance scheduling, and day-to-day building inspections to keep facilities running safely and efficiently.

Duties

• Oversee general maintenance operations for building mechanical systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire life safety, and roofing.
• Respond immediately to emergencies including fire, evacuation, and equipment failure.
• Respond to tenant and building maintenance requests and delegate tasks as appropriate.
• Conduct daily reviews of grounds, lighting, ceiling tiles, housekeeping, and mechanical area equipment.
• Monitor and maintain preventive maintenance schedules and inspections for fire, life-safety, and HVAC equipment.
• Assist with and monitor tenant build-out projects.
• Coordinate maintenance efforts with outside vendors, comply with applicable codes and regulations, and keep management informed of current building operations.
• Participate in emergency response procedures, safety training programs, and on-call rotations across the portfolio.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC certifications preferred.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in office or industrial maintenance operations.
• Knowledgeable in HVAC systems and controls, and fire life safety system operation and inspection.
• Able to identify deficiencies and implement corrective action as necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Smartsheet.
• Strong customer service orientation, verbal and written communication skills, and a positive team attitude.
• Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally, and walk long distances across the property portfolio.

A key member of the Facilities Management department, the Building Engineer builds oversight of commercial building systems, capital project management, and technical staff development across data centers, offices, and mechanical facilities. Collaborating with IT, outside contractors, and Facilities Maintenance staff, this role ensures system reliability, budget accountability, and disaster response readiness at a senior level.

Accountabilities

• Follow all safety and hazard prevention requirements.
• Manage building environmental conditions across data centers, offices, conference rooms, and mechanical rooms.
• Receive, acknowledge, and coordinate response to building alarms and security staff notifications.
• Manage the utilities budget for the Facilities Management department.
• Ensure preventative maintenance agreements with outside contractors are completed on schedule and documented in CMMS.
• Identify building system deficiencies and assist in developing replacement schedules.
• Manage assigned capital and non-capital building projects including contractor management, scheduling, and completion review.
• Provide technical training to Facilities Maintenance staff and support performance management of employees.
• Serve as Facilities Management liaison to the IT department and participate in disaster response planning.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or Business Administration, or equivalent work experience, with FMP designation preferred.
• 7 or more years of related work experience, with 3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of commercial building systems, including HVAC, electrical, fire suppression, plumbing, security, and building envelope systems.
• Experienced in capital and non-capital project management, including scoping, budget development, and contractor oversight.
• Strong relationship-building, employee development, customer service, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to lift and move up to 75 pounds, work on ladders up to 20 feet, and work in confined spaces.

Embedded within the building operations team, the Building Engineer delivers maintenance, repair, and inspection of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and Life Safety, across a commercial environment. Working closely with contractors and cleaning staff, this role ensures compliance with safety codes and maintains reliable building coverage across extended and on-call shifts.

Core Functions

• Operate, maintain, and repair all building systems including HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, energy management, fire protection, structural, hardware, keying, and Life Safety systems.
• Perform inspections and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Respond immediately to emergencies such as fire, evacuation, and equipment failure.
• Comply with all applicable safety codes, regulations, governmental agency requirements, and company directives related to building operations.
• Coordinate with building cleaning staff and issue Purchase Orders to maintain supplies and consumable inventory.
• Monitor and supervise contractors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Comprehensive training and certification in HVAC or Operations Engineering Technologies, or equivalent experience, with applicable jurisdiction licenses as required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in a commercial building environment.
• Knowledgeable in OSHA, NEC, and NFC codes and regulations at an advanced level.
• Proficient in operating Building Automation Systems and Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong communication, administrative, and organizational skills with the ability to work independently.
• Available for various shifts, including extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure adequate building coverage.

Reliable operation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems depends on the Building Engineer, who delivers preventive and corrective maintenance, daily log reviews, and code-compliant building operations across assigned properties. Based within a commercial portfolio, this role supports energy conservation, tenant alteration reviews, vendor supervision, and on-call coverage to maintain safe and efficient facilities.

Functions

• Perform day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment across assigned properties.
• Carry out preventive maintenance programs and conduct daily log reviews.
• Maintain inventory of tools and spare parts and supervise contracted maintenance vendors.
• Maintain energy conservation programs and assist with keying schedule oversight.
• Review building and tenant alterations for conformity with design criteria and report deficiencies to the Chief Engineer.
• Provide on-call support for after-hours issues and work weekends or holidays as required.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service and maintain knowledge of applicable building codes and OSHA, NEC, NFC, and Life Safety requirements.

Professional Experience

• An accredited technical school, military, or college certification in HVAC or Operating Engineering Technologies, with Universal CFC certification required.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in commercial building operations and maintenance.
• Knowledgeable in energy management, plant operations, building systems, security operations, emergency procedures, and Life Safety codes including OSHA, NEC, and NFC.
• Experience in Building Automation and Direct Digital Controls, electrical systems theory, low-pressure boilers, air conditioning, and controls.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills, attention to detail.
• Sound judgment and the capacity to supervise on-site personnel.
• Able to climb ladders, work at heights, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.