Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Lead Building Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As the Lead Building Engineer, you will be the technical cornerstone of our property management team. You will lead a dedicated team of engineers and technicians, directing all maintenance, repair, and operational activities for critical building infrastructure, including MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), HVAC, and Life Safety systems. Your mission is to maximize operational uptime, implement strategic preventive maintenance programs, manage budgets effectively, and champion a culture of safety and excellence. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires both deep technical expertise and strong management acumen to drive performance and protect the value of the asset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Building Engineer
Assistant Chief Engineer
Facilities Supervisor

Advancement To:

Chief Engineer
Facilities Manager
Regional Engineering Manager

Lateral Moves:

Project Manager (Construction/MEP)
Property Manager (with a technical focus)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and supervise the daily activities of the engineering team, including scheduling, work order assignment, performance management, and ongoing professional development.
Oversee the comprehensive operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and building automation systems (BMS/BAS).
Develop, implement, and rigorously manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program to ensure equipment reliability, prolong asset life, and minimize unscheduled downtime.
Manage and troubleshoot complex issues with building systems, performing hands-on repairs and providing expert technical guidance to the engineering staff.
Ensure the continuous and compliant operation of all life safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency power generators, coordinating all required testing and inspections.
Manage relationships with third-party service contractors and vendors, from contract negotiation and scope definition to oversight of work quality and schedule adherence.
Respond promptly and effectively to high-level tenant service requests, ensuring clear communication and satisfactory resolution to maintain positive tenant relations.
Develop and manage the engineering department's operational and capital budgets, including forecasting expenses, tracking expenditures, and preparing justifications for capital improvement projects.
Guarantee that all engineering operations and maintenance activities adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and building codes.
Conduct regular, thorough inspections of the entire property to identify maintenance needs, potential safety hazards, and opportunities for operational improvement.
Lead the building's technical response during emergency situations, such as power outages, equipment failures, or environmental issues, ensuring a swift and coordinated resolution.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment inventories, and compliance documentation using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Analyze building energy consumption data to identify and implement energy conservation measures (ECMs), driving operational efficiency and reducing utility costs.
Review construction drawings and submittals for tenant improvement (TI) and capital projects to ensure compatibility with existing building systems and standards.
Lead the training and development of the engineering team on safety protocols, new equipment, and industry best practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for Property Management, Asset Management, and ownership, providing detailed reports and updates on building operations.
Manage the building's water treatment program for cooling towers, chillers, and boilers to prevent corrosion, scale, and biological growth.
Oversee the maintenance and operation of building access control, security, and CCTV systems in close collaboration with the security team.
Coordinate and supervise seasonal start-up and shutdown procedures for major equipment, such as central chiller and boiler plants.
Manage the inventory of critical spare parts, tools, and supplies, ensuring availability for both routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

Secondary Functions

Assist Property Management with the review and approval of tenant alteration plans to ensure compliance with building standards.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the property’s sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.
Collaborate with capital project teams by providing operational insights and overseeing system integrations.
Participate in due diligence efforts for potential property acquisitions by assessing the condition of existing MEP systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert proficiency in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting commercial HVAC systems, including chillers, cooling towers, boilers, air handlers, and VAV systems.
Strong working knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BMS/BAS), such as Johnson Controls Metasys, Siemens, Trane Tracer, or ALC.
Advanced understanding of commercial electrical distribution systems, including switchgear, panelboards, transformers, and emergency generators/ATS.
Proficient in the operation and maintenance of fire life safety systems, including fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, and fire pumps.
Demonstrable experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order tracking and preventive maintenance scheduling.
Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex blueprints, schematic diagrams, and technical repair manuals.
Possession of relevant industry certifications, such as EPA 608 Universal, Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA), or a local Stationary/Operating Engineer license.

Soft Skills

Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor, motivate, and hold a team accountable.
Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to diagnose and resolve complex system failures under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with tenants, vendors, management, and ownership.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budget creation, expense management, and capital planning.
A customer-centric mindset focused on delivering superior service and maintaining positive tenant relationships.
Superior organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by successful completion of a relevant trade school or apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s or Associate's Degree in a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering
Facilities Management
Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in commercial building engineering and maintenance.

Preferred: At least 3-5 years of experience in a direct leadership or supervisory capacity within a Class A commercial office, life sciences, data center, or similar critical environment facility.