[UNION] Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the daily leadership of engineering staff and for managing the engineering program to meet high standards for work quality and customer service. The role administers the engineering department in alignment with the management team, the C&W engineering platform, and client expectations, and requires adherence to the company’s ethical standards and policies. The Chief Engineer plans, implements, coordinates, and supervises mechanical operations, maintenance, communications, energy management, and manpower development for assigned properties. The position may include limited hands-on operational work and watch activity. The Chief Engineer oversees building systems and maintenance programs, including preventive and predictive maintenance, safety procedures, operational documentation, vendor and contractor coordination, utility management, and compliance. The role also supports the Property or Facility Manager with rehabilitation and construction projects, from feasibility studies and budgeting through bidding, construction oversight, and final inspections. Duties include approximately 50% operating engineer responsibilities. The Chief Engineer may be the only maintenance staff member on duty during some shifts and may be required to work shifts or be on call or standby. The job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. It also requires regular travel between properties outdoors in varying weather conditions. Eligible employees may enroll in benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time away from work. Compensation is $53.39–$62.81; the posting does not specify the pay period.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least 7 years of related work experience in a commercial property setting, or a similar combination of education or experience in building-systems operation, installation, and maintenance.
In-depth technical understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems.
Vocational or technical training certificate.
Appropriate trade license or permit where required, such as a Journeyman or Master Electrician license or city license.
Universal Technician certification for CFCs, depending on market licensure requirements.
Financial knowledge to read and understand budgets, budget variances, and basic reporting.
Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), programming, and fire alarm systems.
Basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Working knowledge of building systems and operations, contractual maintenance, construction and related services, and local laws and building codes related to building operations and safety.
Ability to stoop, stand, climb, frequently lift at least 50 pounds, and safely install rigging and lifting devices.
Ability to crouch and reach to install or move equipment, including bending at the waist, legs, and spine.
Ability to speak clearly, understand oral and written information, and read printed materials, drawings, and schematics.

Responsibilities

Supervise engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, personnel development, performance management, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
Coordinate and execute the C&W Safety Program and ensure 100% site compliance.
Manage building operational accounts, report variances, and assist with operating and capital budgets.
Track and report utility use, consumption, costs, comparisons, sub-metering, budgets, and variances as directed.
Inspect building systems and equipment regularly, identify and resolve issues, and assist with maintenance and engineering work as required.
Recommend and implement improvements to preventive maintenance programs, and develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance schedules and procedures.
Develop and maintain building-specific maintenance and safety procedure manuals and train building personnel.
Coordinate and maintain an Operations Document Library, including plans, drawings, schedules, schematics, manuals, commissioning documents, and warranties.
Develop and conduct training on building systems and equipment.
Coordinate maintenance with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel, and engineers.
Oversee fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, keeping current with HVAC technology trends.
Maintain communication with tenants, clients, property management, and vendors.
Develop specifications and assist with solicitation, administration, execution, and performance of maintenance and repair service contracts.
Respond promptly to emergencies and customer concerns.
Administer inventory control programs and purchase parts and supplies.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, requisitions, government agency requirements, and company directives related to building operations.
Support the Property or Facility Manager on rehabilitation projects, including feasibility studies, budget estimates, schedules, contract documents, bidding, approvals, construction monitoring, coordination, project records, final inspections, and corrective actions.
May assist with solicitation and acquisition of new management contracts.
May perform limited hands-on operational duties and watch activity; may be the only maintenance staff member on duty during certain shifts and may need to work shifts or be on call or standby.