Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily operation and maintenance of building equipment, leadership of team, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality work and customer service, as well as the administration of the engineering department in alignment with the management team, the C&W engineering platform, and client expectations. The Chief Engineer will perform with the highest ethical standards, reflecting the core values of C&W as defined in its Business Code of Conduct, Policies and Procedures Manual, and other related company policies. Responsible to plan, implement, coordinate, and supervise all mechanical operations, maintenance, communications, energy management, and manpower development programs for assigned properties. The Chief Engineer may be required to perform hands-on operational duties and is not precluded from participating in Watch Activity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise engineering team and maintenance staff including hiring, team training/development, scheduling, etc.
• Ensure performance management, coaching, and development of team members through established HR processes.
• Coordinate and participate in annual scheduling and execution of the C&W Safety Program as directed by Asset Services, Engineering Leadership, and EH&S Administration and ensure 100% compliance at his/her site(s).
• Responsible for BMS management, operation, maintenance, improvement recommendations, and reporting.
• Assist in development of operating and capital budgets
• Utility management such as tracking usage, cost, reporting, comparison models, variances as directed by Leadership
• Conduct regular inspections of building systems and equipment; identify, escalate, and resolve issues.
• Coordinate and assist with maintenance and engineering issues, as required.
• Recommend and implement improvements for preventive maintenance programs on an ongoing basis.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective preventive/predictive maintenance and safety program for task scheduling, routines, and performance. Program to include procedures for annual, semi-annual, quarterly, monthly and other scheduled maintenance as provided by the manufacturer's recommendations and/or industry best practices.
• Coordinate development of and/or maintain an Operations Document Library, including but not limited to construction plans, structural plans, as-built drawings, MEP schedules, line diagrams and schematics, equipment and operation manuals, start up and commissioning documents, and equipment warranties.
• Formulate and conduct building-related systems and equipment training.
• Coordinate maintenance efforts with outside contractors, vendors, and engineers.
• Oversee all building systems including fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical; must remain current with latest HVAC technology trends.
• Monitor and ensure engineering services meet or exceed client satisfaction goals and requirements.
• Develop specifications and assist in solicitation, administration, execution and performance of maintenance/repair service contracts.
• Respond swiftly and appropriately to all emergency situations quickly (fire, evacuation, equipment failure etc.) and client concerns.
• Implement and administer inventory control programs, purchase parts and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, requisitions, government agencies, and company directives related to building operations.
• Serve as both working engineer and supervisor, with up to 50% of time dedicated to hands-on system operation and maintenance.
• Manage and participate in on-call/after-hours/stand by schedule.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and oral communication
• Strong troubleshooting and decision-making capabilities under pressure.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills
• Technical proficiency in building systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, BMS/BAS)
• Strong leadership skills and a positive, "can-do" attitude
• Compliance & Safety: Knowledge of OSHA standards, local building codes, and environmental regulations

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of relevant work experience in a commercial property with a high-profile tenant or equivalent experience and education.
• 3+ years of team leadership experience.
• Active New York Chief Stationary Engineer's license.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Vocational or technical training certificate in mechanical, electrical, or related trade discipline.
• Active and appropriate licenses or permits required for the role (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician License, City Stationary Engineer License, etc.).
• Universal Technician Certification for CFC handling (EPA 608 Universal) as required by jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated financial acumen including ability to read and interpret budgets, variance reports, and financial summaries related to building operations.
• Experience with Building or Energy Management Systems (EMS/BMS) and fire alarm/life safety systems.
• Proficient in the use of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for scheduling, asset tracking, and reporting.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word; experience with reporting tools or dashboard systems a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation and interact professionally with clients, tenants, vendors, and team members.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical staff; experience in performance management, scheduling, and training.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or priorities in a dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
• LEED accreditation or experience with sustainability initiatives is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This role also requires routine access to building infrastructure areas such as mechanical rooms, rooftops, and service corridors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, tenants, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Exchange accurate information in person, over the phone, and via electronic communication.
• Operate a computer, phone, and other office productivity equipment (e.g., copier, scanner, handheld devices).
• Move throughout the building and job site to inspect systems and respond to issues (including mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces).
• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for approximately 3040% of the workday.
• Climb ladders and stairs; reach, push, pull, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as necessary to inspect and repair equipment.
• Use hands and arms to reach in any direction and to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds regularly.
• Work at heights (including rooftops, lift platforms, and ladders), and in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot mechanical rooms, outdoor weather, noisy environments).
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including hard hats, gloves, eye protection, and safety shoes."
• Must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies and be on-call as scheduled.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

C&W provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees during employment are treated without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date