Chief Engineer

Empire State Realty Trust•New York, NY

3d•$68 - $72

About The Position

ESRT is seeking a Chief Engineer who will work closely with the Property Manager and management team in the oversight of the building technical operations and project work, and in meeting all requirements of the Landlord. The Chief is fully responsible for supervising the building engineer staff, maintenance of the building equipment, preventive maintenance of all building equipment, overseeing associated outsourced building contracts, overseeing, and responding to Tenant service calls, providing support for all building leasing and marketing TI projects as required, expediting other special projects as directed by the Property Manager and responding to all building emergencies.

Requirements

Demonstrated training and/or hands‑on experience in multiple building trades.
Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment
Working knowledge of electrical systems and related subsystems
Experience with building control systems, including pneumatic, electric, electronic, and solid‑state direct digital control (DDC) systems
Knowledge of plumbing, pressure piping, hydronic, and other pressurized piping system
Familiarity with fire alarm systems, life safety systems, air distribution (ductwork), and VAV systems
Ability to safely use tools, equipment, and test instruments to measure, analyze, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical and HVAC systems
Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS), including platforms such as Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Tridium, Alerton, Automated Logic, Distech, Schneider Electric, or similar systems
Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs applicable to building systems
Basic proficiency in the use of computer systems and related software
Working knowledge of supervisory and management practices, including time management and performance oversight
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English with supervisors, coworkers, vendors, and management
Ability to prepare professional written documentation, including reports, memoranda, logs, and records
High school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), College or university credits or degree in applicable discipline preferred
Minimum (5) years’ experience in the various disciplines of operating engineering, electrical power, and HVAC systems, with two or more years with personnel management experience
A current engineer's license (or equivalent) that is either issued or recognized and accepted by the jurisdiction in which the employee is actively engaged
EPA CFC Certification Refrigeration (Q-01)/Operator’s Certificate of Fitness
Fire Life Safety Director (F-89) and Emergency Action Plan Certificate of Finesses
Category 7G Certified Applicator License (G7)
Category 7G Certified Applicator License (Pesticide), required or expected to be obtained
S-12/S-13 qualified or expected to be obtained.
Fireguard/Torch (F-60)
Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position
Ability to work off the ladder
Ability to work in tight environments
Ability to carry up to 50 pounds

Responsibilities

Building Operations & Tenant Coordination: Serve as the building engineering representative and liaison with tenants and property management, ensuring building services are delivered in accordance with lease obligations and ESRT standards.
Maintain positive tenant relationships by ensuring timely response to tenant requests, coordinating repairs, and documenting work through the building’s work order system.
Identify and report common area maintenance deficiencies and ensure appropriate corrective action is initiated.
Perform regular inspections of common areas, back‑of‑house spaces, and mechanical and electrical rooms; generate work tickets as required.
Fire Life Safety & Compliance: Maintain a current Fire Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness (F‑89), as required.
Maintain Fire Department‑required logs and documentation for fire alarm, sprinkler, and standpipe systems.
Ensure compliance with all fire life safety, emergency, and building procedures as established by ESRT and the managing agent
Test, inspect, and maintain emergency equipment and systems in proper working order.
Building Systems & Preventive Maintenance: Oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety, and related building systems
Direct and monitor preventive maintenance programs for all mechanical and electrical equipment using the building’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
Maintain accurate current and historical preventive maintenance records for all building systems
Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to minimize downtime and service disruption
Partner with other Chiefs to address gaps in inspections, PM completion, or regulatory compliance.
Construction, Renovations & Controls: Review and coordinate tenant construction and renovation activities to ensure compliance with approved plans and building standards.
Procure, review, and maintain architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings, including as‑built plans and CAD documentation
Inspect construction and renovation work and prepare mechanical and electrical punch lists as
Coordinate and supervise controls‑related projects, including procurement, design, and implementation
Ensure tenant construction activities protect building infrastructure, finishes, and tenant property, coordinate restoration and cleanup upon completion
Contractor & Vendor Management: Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning, scope development, plan reviews, and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning, including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets, including equipment condition, lifecycle status, and replacement strategies.
Supervise and monitor contractors, subcontractors, and vendors performing work in the building
Ensure subcontracted work complies with applicable codes, regulations, and ESRT best practices
Evaluate, recommend, and monitor mechanical and service contractors, including bid review and performance oversight
Maintain a current directory of approved contractor and vendor contact information
Coordinate proper disposal of materials and waste in accordance with building and regulatory requirements
Energy & Sustainability: Monitor building energy usage and assist with the development and implementation of energy management strategies
Identify operational efficiency improvements aimed at reducing equipment wear, energy consumption, and emissions
Review and report on opportunities for preventive maintenance, energy savings, and cost‑control measures
Management & Administration: Supervise and coordinate activities of engineering staff using the building’s CMMS platform (e.g., Building Engines or equivalent)
Ensure engineering staff are properly equipped, trained, and operating safely
Assign, track, and close work orders daily; ensure timely communication with tenants regarding delays or deferred work
Maintain a written listing of open tasks and provide clear work instructions to engineering staff
Participate in the interview, training, scheduling, evaluation, and performance counseling of engineering staff, as required and in accordance with union agreements
Review and approve time sheets and overtime; utilize payroll and reporting systems such as ADP and Excel
Budgeting & Reporting: Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning, scope development, plan reviews, and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning, including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets, including equipment condition, lifecycle status, and replacement strategies.
Prepare and submit regular operational and activity reports to property management
Assist with the preparation of annual operating, maintenance, and capital budgets
Monitor expenditures and provide explanations for variances between approved budgets and actual expenses
Prepare purchase orders and procure parts and supplies in accordance with company policies and approved budget guidelines
Maintain inventory of building‑owned tools, equipment, and supplies
Cooling Tower & Specialty Systems: Inspect, service, maintain, and repair cooling towers, chillers, and associated electrical and mechanical components
Ensure compliance with cooling tower maintenance programs, reporting, and regulatory requirements
Obtain and maintain required certifications (including Category 7G, as applicable) for cooling tower maintenance programs and chemical application
Safety, Ethics & Professional Standards: Maintain awareness and adherence to all building safety, emergency, and security procedures
Control engineering operations and response activities during emergency situations
Promote a safe, ethical, and drug‑free workplace
Maintain professional appearance, conduct, and courteous working relationships with tenants, contractors, and colleagues
Act as a cooperative member of the management and building operations team
Leadership & Organizational Development Serve as a visible leader and trusted resource for engineering teams across the portfolio.
Act as an intermediary between building engineering teams and management helping translate strategy into execution.
Demonstrate a proactive leadership approach, identifying opportunities for improvement rather than reacting to failures.
Show a clear desire to grow within the organization and contribute to the long-term success of ESRT’s engineering platform.