Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Reston, VA

3d•$43 - $50

About The Position

The Chief Engineer leads staff and manages the engineering program and department for assigned properties, with a focus on quality work, customer service, and alignment with the management team, C&W engineering platform, and client expectations. The role plans, implements, coordinates, and supervises mechanical operations, maintenance, communications, energy management, and manpower development. The Chief Engineer is expected to meet C&W ethical standards and may perform limited hands-on operational work or Watch Activity. The position oversees building systems and engineering operations, including safety, preventive and predictive maintenance, budgets, utilities, contractors, inventory, and compliance. Duties include approximately 50% operating engineer responsibilities. The Chief Engineer may be the only maintenance staff member on duty during certain shifts and may be required to work shifts or be on call or standby.

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 and experience.
Financial knowledge sufficient to read and understand budgets, budget variances, and basic reporting.
Basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including communicating, operating a computer and office productivity equipment, moving about the workplace, remaining stationary for 30–40% of the time, and extending hands and arms in any direction.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or technical training certificate.
Appropriate trade license or permit as required, such as a Journeyman or Master Electrician license or city license.
Universal Technician certification for CFCs, depending on market licensing requirements.
Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), programming, and fire alarm systems.

Responsibilities

Supervise engineers and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, and personnel development.
Manage performance, coaching, employee development, and disciplinary actions through established HR processes.
Coordinate and execute the C&W Safety Program as directed, and ensure full 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.
Inspect building systems and equipment regularly, identify issues, and resolve them.
Assist with maintenance and engineering issues as needed.
Recommend and implement improvements to preventive maintenance programs.
Develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including scheduled tasks and procedures based on manufacturer recommendations or industry best practices.
Develop and maintain building-specific maintenance and safety procedure manuals.
Coordinate or maintain an Operations Document Library, including plans, drawings, schedules, diagrams, manuals, commissioning documents, and warranties.
Develop and conduct training on building-related systems and equipment.
Coordinate maintenance with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel, and engineers.
Oversee building systems, including fire and life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, and stay current on HVAC technology trends.
Communicate with tenants, clients, property management, and vendors.
Develop specifications and assist with solicitation, administration, execution, and performance of maintenance and repair service contracts.
May assist with solicitation and acquisition of new management 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.