MEP Building Engineer

Building Bridges Across the River•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Building Bridges Across the River manages THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus), a 233,000 square foot nonprofit center serving communities east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. The campus houses 14 nonprofit partners delivering comprehensive programming in arts, health, education, and workforce development. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces that empower residents and strengthen communities through collaborative partnerships and quality facilities management. Building Bridges Across the River is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on MEP Building Engineer to directly operate, maintain, and repair the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across our 233,000 square foot nonprofit commercial campus, THEARC. This facility houses 14 nonprofit partners serving communities east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC through arts, health, education, and workforce development programs. This position requires extensive field work and technical expertise to personally manage building systems, with outside contractors utilized when specialized expertise is needed. The MEP Building Engineer will work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure optimal performance, safety, and efficiency of all building systems while managing departmental budgets.

Requirements

Associate degree or technical certification in HVAC, Electrical Systems, Building Maintenance, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience
Minimum 5-7 years of progressive hands-on experience performing MEP maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs in commercial or institutional facilities
Extensive practical knowledge and hands-on experience with HVAC systems (chillers, boilers, air handlers, rooftop units), electrical distribution systems, plumbing systems, and building automation systems
Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair complex MEP equipment failures using technical manuals, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting skills
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, multimeters, and test instruments used in MEP maintenance
Working knowledge of electrical codes (NEC), plumbing codes, and mechanical codes with ability to perform work in compliance
Proven ability to develop and manage budgets, including parts inventory management and cost control
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with ability to work independently
Excellent communication skills for documenting work and coordinating with staff and tenants
Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office Suite
Valid driver's license and ability to respond to emergency situations outside regular business hours
Ability to work weekends as required to support campus operations and maintenance schedules
Physical ability to perform demanding hands-on work including climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, lifting equipment up to 50 pounds, and working in extreme temperatures
Commitment to nonprofit mission and serving diverse communities

Nice To Haves

Professional licenses or certifications such as Universal EPA 608 certification, Journeyman Electrician license, Master Plumber license, HVAC certification, or Building Operator Certification (BOC)
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
Additional certifications such as CEM (Certified Energy Manager), CFM (Certified Facility Manager), or LEED credentials
Experience working in nonprofit organizations or multi-tenant facilities
Welding, pipefitting, or other specialized trade skills
Experience with building automation systems programming and troubleshooting
Knowledge of energy efficiency programs, sustainability initiatives, and green building practices
Familiarity with theater or performing arts facility systems and requirements
Experience managing capital improvement projects from planning through execution

Responsibilities

Personally perform daily operations, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across the 233,000 square foot campus including HVAC equipment, chillers, boilers, electrical distribution panels, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and life safety equipment
Conduct hands-on inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance on all MEP systems including filter changes, belt replacements, motor maintenance, electrical testing, and plumbing repairs
Diagnose and repair complex MEP system failures using technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and troubleshooting expertise to minimize downtime and maintain continuous operations.
Perform electrical work including circuit repairs, outlet and switch replacements, lighting maintenance, panel troubleshooting, and emergency power system testing
Execute plumbing repairs and maintenance including fixture repairs, pipe repairs, drain clearing, water heater maintenance, and backflow prevention testing
Service and maintain HVAC systems including cleaning coils, replacing filters, adjusting controls, repairing ductwork, and performing seasonal equipment startups and shutdowns
Monitor and adjust building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems to optimize equipment performance and energy efficiency
Respond immediately to emergency situations including equipment failures, power outages, water leaks, and HVAC malfunctions, performing hands-on repairs to restore operations
Maintain detailed logs of equipment performance, repairs completed, parts used, and maintenance schedules
Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules based on manufacturer specifications and industry best practices
Plan and execute equipment installations, upgrades, and replacement projects including pumps, motors, control systems, and mechanical equipment
Perform system modifications and improvements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance
Coordinate with facilities staff to plan and execute building improvement projects requiring MEP expertise
Develop long-term capital improvement plans for MEP infrastructure based on hands-on assessment of equipment condition and performance
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for MEP systems, equipment, parts inventory, and maintenance programs
Track and analyze expenditures, prioritizing in-house repairs and identifying cost-saving opportunities through hands-on maintenance
Maintain parts inventory and procurement systems to support efficient in-house repairs
Prepare financial reports and budget forecasts for leadership review, including variance analyses and recommendations
Monitor utility consumption and implement hands-on strategies to reduce energy and water usage
Develop capital project proposals with detailed cost estimates and ROI calculations based on field assessments
Determine when work requires specialized expertise, licensing, or certifications beyond inhouse capabilities
Obtain competitive bids and manage outside contractors for specialized work such as elevator service, fire alarm testing, refrigerant handling, or major equipment replacements requiring specialized expertise
Provide technical oversight and quality control for contractor work, ensuring proper installation and compliance with specifications
Review and approve contractor invoices for accuracy and work completion
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards through proper maintenance and repairs
Maintain accurate records of equipment inventories, maintenance activities, repairs completed, warranties, and service history
Coordinate and participate in inspections and testing required by regulatory agencies and insurance providers
Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders, including board presentations and grant applications
Work closely with the Facilities Manager, facilities staff, and operations team to address building needs and coordinate maintenance activities
Communicate proactively with campus partners regarding planned maintenance, system status, and repair timelines
Provide hands-on training and technical guidance to facilities team members on MEP systems and maintenance procedures
Participate in organizational planning and strategy sessions to align facilities operations with mission goal