Senior Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•McLean, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide senior-level leadership and oversight of all engineering and maintenance operations for a designated property, portfolio of buildings, or campus environment. The Senior Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all building systems and infrastructure, while leading and developing engineering staff to ensure operational excellence. This role partners closely with the Director, Facilities to support client and customer satisfaction, mitigate risk, participate in strategic planning, and ensure equipment uptime and long-term asset performance. The Senior Chief Engineer coordinates technical operations, staffing, vendors, and financial planning to support both day-to-day building operations and long-term capital and lifecycle strategies.

Requirements

10+ years of engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property environment
Demonstrated experience in the operation, installation, and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems
Vocational or technical training certificate preferred
Appropriate trade license or permit as required (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician, city licenses)
Universal Technician certification for CFCs, as required by market or regulatory standards, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of applicable engineering practices, project controls, and environmental regulations
Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS), fire alarm systems, and Building Management Systems
Proficiency in staff scheduling, after-hours coverage coordination, preventive maintenance planning, and prioritization of urgent needs
Working knowledge of property management financial reporting, including R&M, utility, and capital expenses, with the ability to explain variances
Moderate-level computer skills, including Teams, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Extensive experience working with a CMMS for work order management and preventive maintenance
Ability to squat, stand, climb, and lift a up to 50 lbs. of equipment.
The employee may also be regularly required to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time, extend hands and arms freely in any direction, and drive for extended periods between various assigned client locations.
Should maintain the ability to speak and articulate clearly and possess the ability to read, write, and understand information presented both orally and in writing.
See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
Regularly required to utilize vision abilities, allowing reading of printed material, drawings, and schematics.
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

Communication Proficiency (oral and written)
Technical and Operational Expertise
Interpersonal Skills
Organizational Skills
Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
Leadership and Team Development
Financial and Budget Management
Vendor and Relationship Management
Strategic Planning and Execution

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, development, and performance management
Oversee engineering operations for properties totaling 500,000 square feet or more
Ensure all services are delivered in alignment with client expectations, C&W policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Utilize CMMS and other C&W/client platforms to manage work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking.
Monitor trends through data analysis, regular usage of BI dashboards, and reporting.
Conduct and assist with inspections, surveys, and technical assessments, including energy audits, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, environmental compliance, and ADA requirements
Supervise and review technical operations, energy audits, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, environmental and ADA compliance, acquisitions, and third-party surveys
Lead the development and execution of preventive maintenance programs, engineering procedures, fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, water quality control (where required), and indoor air quality initiatives alongside team of Facility Managers.
Assist in the development of operating budgets by providing cost estimates and analysis related to service contracts, repairs and maintenance (R&M), utilities, supplies, life safety programs, and EPA and OSHA compliance
Assist in the development of the Capital Budget Program, including short- and long-term planning, forecasting, and analytics
Coordinate and track career development for engineering staff and conduct or assist with mid-year and annual performance evaluations
Oversee all building systems, including fire/life safety, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems; remain current on HVAC technology trends and preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies
Participate in OAC meetings for new tenant fit outs and upcoming decommissionings ensuring that our asset inventory is always up to date with decommissioned equipment removed and all new equipment tagged and assigned a PM schedule in line with industry best practice.
Assist Facility Managers with the review of construction documents
Participate in and lead engineering content in meetings with our client, customers, and/or key stakeholders
Develop specifications and assist with the solicitation, negotiation, and administration of maintenance and repair service contracts
Support marketing presentations, acquisition and disposition processes, and coordination of building equipment and services related to tenant construction projects
Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, government agency requirements, and company directives related to building operations
Support the Facility Manager(s) with major rehabilitation projects, including HVAC replacement, roof installations, plumbing repairs, and building system upgrades
Partner with project team to budget estimates
Develop project schedules and manage progress
Assist with preparation of contract documents defining scope of work
Partner with procurement team to oversee the competitive bidding process
Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with contract documents
Partner with project team to ensure complete project documentation, including schedules, approvals, financial records, and contracts
Participate in final inspections, manage punch list items, and ensure timely corrective actions