Building Engineer

Meritus Property Group•Portland, OR

55d•$48 - $50•Hybrid

About The Position

The Multifamily Building Engineer is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, repair, and capital improvement planning of a portfolio of multifamily residential properties. This position provides leadership and technical expertise for building systems, manages maintenance teams, oversees capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, and ensures properties are maintained in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The Building Engineer works closely with Property Management, Asset Management, vendors, and ownership groups to preserve asset value and enhance resident satisfaction.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum 5 years of multifamily maintenance experience.
Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
Experience overseeing multiple properties and capital improvement projects required.
Strong understanding of: HVAC systems, Plumbing systems, Electrical systems, Building automation systems, Fire and life safety systems, Construction and renovation practices.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
Strong project management and budgeting skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
Proficiency with property management and work order software.
Ability to manage multiple priorities across a portfolio.
Ability to walk properties, climb stairs and ladders, and inspect mechanical spaces.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel regularly between properties.
Strong working knowledge of multifamily property management operations and maintenance best practices.
Proficient in Yardi Voyager, including work order management, purchase orders, invoice approvals, budgeting support, reporting, and maintenance tracking.
Experience utilizing property management software and mobile maintenance platforms.
Working knowledge of Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law and fair housing regulations as they relate to maintenance operations, habitability standards, notice requirements, resident communications, vendor access, and emergency repairs.
Familiarity with Oregon building codes, OSHA regulations, fire and life safety requirements, and risk management practices.
Ability to interpret financial reports, capital budgets, reserve studies, and maintenance expense trends.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with residents, associates, vendors, ownership groups, and clients.
Ability to lead maintenance teams across multiple locations while maintaining consistency in service standards and operational execution.
Proven ability to prioritize competing demands while managing multiple properties and capital projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a proactive approach to asset preservation and operational efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field preferred.
EPA Universal Certification
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)
Certified Apartment Maintenance Supervisor (CAMS)
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
HVAC Certification
Boiler or Stationary Engineer License (where applicable)
Experience managing maintenance operations for a portfolio of 1,000+ multifamily units across multiple properties.
Experience overseeing annual capital budgets, replacement reserve projects, and large-scale renovations.
Experience presenting operational and capital project updates during client and ownership meetings.
Experience working within Oregon multifamily housing and knowledge of Oregon regulatory requirements.
Experience with Yardi Voyager, RentCafe, and other multifamily management platforms.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of multiple multifamily communities.
Ensure all building systems are operating efficiently, including: HVAC systems, Plumbing systems, Electrical systems, Fire and life safety systems, Roofing systems, Elevators, Building exteriors and common areas.
Conduct regular property inspections and identify maintenance and safety concerns.
Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs across the portfolio.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Directly supervise Maintenance Supervisors, Technicians, Groundskeepers, and other maintenance personnel.
Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, training, and development.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor team performance and property conditions.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and retention of maintenance staff.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service.
Lead all capital improvement projects across the portfolio from planning through completion.
Develop scopes of work, budgets, bid packages, and project schedules.
Solicit and evaluate contractor bids and vendor proposals.
Manage contractors and consultants to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Oversee major projects including: Roofing replacements, Exterior renovations, Parking lot improvements, Building system upgrades, Unit renovation programs, Energy efficiency projects, Life safety improvements.
Monitor project budgets and provide regular progress updates to ownership and management.
Assist with annual operating and capital budget preparation.
Review maintenance and capital expenditures to ensure cost control and budget compliance.
Identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses and improve asset performance.
Analyze maintenance trends and recommend long-term replacement strategies.
Establish and maintain relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
Negotiate service agreements and contracts.
Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contract requirements.
Approve invoices and verify work completion.
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
Conduct regular safety inspections and training sessions.
Maintain documentation related to permits, inspections, warranties, and capital projects.
Assist with emergency response planning and property disaster recovery efforts.
Participate in client, ownership, and asset management meetings as needed to provide updates on maintenance operations, capital projects, building systems, and property conditions.
Present project status reports, maintenance initiatives, and capital expenditure updates to clients and stakeholders.
Partner with Property Management teams to develop solutions that support operational goals and ownership objectives.
Respond professionally to client inquiries regarding maintenance operations, capital projects, and building performance.
Work closely with Regional Managers, Property Managers, and Asset Managers to support operational performance and resident satisfaction.
Provide recommendations regarding building improvements, deferred maintenance, risk mitigation, and long-term capital planning.
Assist with due diligence inspections, property transitions, acquisitions, and major renovation projects.