Chief Engineer

Akam Associates Inc.•Fort Lauderdale, FL

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Engineer oversees all maintenance operations for a high-rise condominium, ensuring the building is safe, well-maintained, and operating efficiently. This role supervises the maintenance team, coordinates vendors, manages preventative maintenance programs, and works closely with Property Management and the Board to support capital projects, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Fluent in English and Spanish.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Hospitality, Construction, Facilities Management or equivalent (preferred) or Technical or vocational training in engineering or a related field plus 5-10 years of experience in facilities management or related field.
Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in building maintenance, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory role, preferably in a high-rise residential or commercial setting.
Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Proficiency in using maintenance management software and tools.
Familiarity with local building codes and safety regulations.
Ability to read technical documents, plans, and vendor proposals.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with residents, management, and vendors.
Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours.
Ability to troubleshoot complex building systems and make decisions under pressure.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Florida UST Class A/B Certification within 90 days.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Hospitality, Construction, Facilities Management or equivalent

Responsibilities

Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate maintenance personnel.
Assign and prioritize work orders, preventative maintenance tasks, and emergency responses.
Ensure adequate staffing coverage, including after-hours and on-call responsibilities.
Enforce safety procedures and professional conduct standards.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance when necessary.
Oversee maintenance and operation of major building systems, including but not limited to: Electrical and lighting systems, Plumbing and domestic water systems, HVAC and ventilation systems, Elevators and vertical transportation, Fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and life-safety systems, Emergency generators and backup systems, Pool and spa facilities, and other critical building infrastructure.
Ensure timely and efficient verbal and written responses to maintenance requests from residents and management.
Perform regular inspections of the property to identify areas needing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Manage and coordinate all building repairs, renovations, and upgrades.
Maintain system logs, inspection records, and maintenance documentation.
Perform hands-on maintenance work when necessary.
Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
Develop, implement, and manage a warranty / preventive maintenance program to ensure all building systems and equipment are properly serviced.
Maintain accurate electronic records of maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs and provide monthly reports to Property Manager/Board of Directors.
Coordinate and support, Fire inspections and life-safety testing, Elevator certifications, Pool and health department requirements.
Ensure compliance with the municipal regulations, including safety codes, fire codes, and environmental laws.
Maintain and update OSHA requires safety protocols, ensuring that all maintenance staff are trained in proper safety procedures.
Lead maintenance response during emergencies and after-hours incidents.
Respond to emergencies, such as power outages, floods, or fire alarms, ensuring the safety and security of residents.
Coordinate staff actions during alarms, outages, flooding, or safety events.
Ensure staff readiness and familiarity with emergency procedures.
Coordinate vendors, contractors, engineers, and inspectors.
Develop necessary vendor RFPs, obtain quotes, and manage relationships with service providers.
Assist with proposal reviews, scope coordination, and project logistics.
Monitor contractor work for general compliance with approved scope and site safety.
Support capital improvement and restoration projects, including mobilization and access coordination.
Assist Property Manager with annual maintenance budgeting and cost controls.
Manage and maintenance inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
Oversee the procurement of materials and supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Recommend repairs, replacements, and upgrades based on condition and lifecycle.
Identify maintenance issues that may affect reserve components or capital planning.
Provide regular updates to management regarding building conditions and priorities.
Communicate effectively with the building manager regarding maintenance issues, upcoming repairs, and any disruptions to building services.
Address resident complaints related to building systems promptly and professionally.
Ensure timely and efficient verbal and written responses to maintenance requests from residents and management.
Attend Board or committee meetings as requested.
Carry out other duties as reasonably assigned by Property Management or the Board.