Director of Engineering and Building Systems

Onni Group of Companies•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Director of Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and technical performance of all building engineering teams, general maintenance contracts, and infrastructure systems across the Los Angeles portfolio. This role ensures that properties operate efficiently, sustainably, while supporting asset value, tenant satisfaction, and long-term capital planning. This includes Commercial, Residential and Hospitality divisions. The position provides leadership to Chief Engineers and building engineering teams, manages vendor relationships, oversees preventative maintenance and capital projects, and partners closely with Property Management, Asset Management, Construction, and Leasing teams.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in commercial office building engineering or facilities management, including multi-building portfolio oversight.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams.
Strong working knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical distribution, life safety systems, BAS, and central plant operations.
In-depth familiarity with Los Angeles building codes, Title 24, and local regulatory agencies.
Posses a valid driver’s license with good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or similar certification.
Experience with Class A office assets and large, mixed-use or institutional portfolios.
Experience supporting major capital projects and repositioning initiatives.
Familiarity with sustainability programs, energy benchmarking, and ESG reporting.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Engineering Leadership Provide leadership and direction to Chief Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and building engineering staff across the LA Onni portfolio.
Establish consistent engineering standards, operating procedures, and best practices across all properties.
Mentor and develop engineering staff, including performance management, succession planning, and technical training.
Set standards and expectations for team and hold workmanship to a high standard.
Potential to travel outside of California as position grows.
Building Operations & Maintenance Oversee daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, vertical transportation, and building automation systems (BAS).
Ensure execution of comprehensive preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
Lead emergency response planning and execution, including after-hours incidents and disaster preparedness.
Implement AI across all properties and systems to ensure systems are operating as they should and making personal more efficient.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations, including: Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Fire/Life Safety and OSHA requirements Title 24 energy regulations AQMD and environmental standards
Oversee inspections, testing, certifications, and documentation for life safety systems and critical infrastructure.
Partner with Risk Management on incident investigations and mitigation strategies.
Capital Planning & Project Oversight Involved in design and feedback on new developments and acquisitions.
Collaborate with Asset Management and Construction on capital planning, equipment replacement schedules, and long-range engineering strategies.
Provide technical due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, and major lease transactions.
Oversee engineering-related capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight.
Vendor & Financial Management Manage engineering-related operating budgets and capital expenditures.
Negotiate and oversee service contracts (HVAC, fire systems, BAS, etc.).
Track expenses, control costs, and identify efficiency opportunities without compromising reliability or safety.
Sustainability & Energy Management Support portfolio-wide sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and ESG goals.
Monitor energy and water usage; identify opportunities for optimization and cost savings.
Support local benchmarking and reporting requirements (e.g., LA Existing Buildings Energy & Water Efficiency Program).
Tenant & Stakeholder Relations Partner with Property Management and Leasing to support tenant build-outs, special operational requirements, and retention efforts.
Serve as senior technical escalation point for complex tenant or system issues.
Communicate effectively with ownership, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.