Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Fort Wayne, IN

11d•$47 - $55

About The Position

The Chief Engineer manages daily facility operations, preventive maintenance, and repairs to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other building systems. The role involves planning and managing staff, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient facility operations. The Chief Engineer supervises preventive maintenance and repair work, performs or delegates planned maintenance, responds to emergency repairs, and maintains quality standards. The position also oversees site safety plans, equipment inspections, the site CMMS, monthly operational reports, facility programs, operating procedures, equipment lifecycle planning, capital planning, equipment replacement recommendations, budgets, and departmental scheduling and performance. The role leads, trains, evaluates, and supports engineering personnel; enforces safety and fire-prevention practices; and promotes effective housekeeping. The Chief Engineer is also responsible for efficient building-system operation, utility use, environmental responsibility, and energy-conservation initiatives. Ongoing professional development is expected to remain current with equipment, standards, codes, and maintenance procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or education from a trade, technical, or vocational school.
Experience commensurate with the specific facility.
Computer skills and experience with building automation systems.
Certification meeting OSHA training requirements, as required.
Working knowledge of energy conservation.
As required, the highest-level relevant state or local license for Stationary Engineer and/or HVAC, plus a universal-level refrigerant recovery license.
Strong employee-relations, coaching, and training skills.
Exemplary communication skills, including strong oral and written communication.
Ability to collaborate and inspire teamwork.
Ability to work with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Five years of progressive operations experience as a Chief Engineer is preferred.
Formal training in energy conservation is preferred.
BOMA-accredited courses are desirable.

Responsibilities

Implement and document site safety plans.
Supervise preventive maintenance and repair operations at the facility.
Carry out emergency repairs according to priority.
Complete or delegate planned maintenance tasks in accordance with contract obligations and ensure high standards of workmanship.
Provide technical advice, encouragement, and instruction to subordinates on electrical theory, mechanical and hydraulic systems, and safety procedures.
Inspect equipment, document its condition, ensure maintenance meets AES standards, and implement the department's quality assurance program.
Manage the site's CMMS to monitor preventive maintenance schedules and completion.
Complete monthly reports, including labor profiles, utility consumption, work-order results, and preventive-maintenance results.
Direct or participate in facility programs and committees related to safety, disaster response, fire, and pollution control.
Formulate, recommend, and implement site-specific policies and procedures to improve operations.
Develop plans and procedures for tracking, labeling, recording estimated life expectancy, maintaining, and inspecting capital and non-capital equipment, including a long-term engineering capital plan.
Recommend replacement purchases for obsolete equipment, help formulate long-range equipment replacement requirements, and coordinate actions with contractors.
Assist with developing and implementing operating and extraordinary expense budgets as required.
Plan and schedule department services; establish work standards and methods; ensure quality and quantity of performance; evaluate results; and identify improvements emphasizing efficiency and economy.
Communicate policies and procedures, discuss work problems and employee concerns, and promote improved performance and positive employee attitudes.
Direct, train, evaluate, and counsel engineering personnel.
Enforce general safety and fire-prevention regulations, promote safe work habits, ensure shop equipment is maintained and meets safety standards, and supervise housekeeping.
Ensure building systems operate efficiently and effectively, particularly regarding utility consumption and environmental responsibility.
Implement energy-awareness and conservation programs for tenants and staff.
Maintain an ongoing self-improvement program to stay current with equipment, standards, codes, and maintenance procedures.