Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Property Engineer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Facilities ManagementReal EstateEngineeringMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a hands-on and technically proficient Property Engineer to join our dynamic facilities team. In this pivotal role, you will be the backbone of our property's operational health, responsible for the maintenance, repair, and optimization of all critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety. You will serve as a key point of contact for tenant service requests, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and a swift resolution to all issues. This position requires a proactive problem-solver who can perform preventative maintenance, manage vendor relationships, and respond effectively to emergencies, all while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards and building codes. If you are a skilled engineer with a passion for creating and maintaining first-class environments, we invite you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • HVAC Technician or Specialist
  • Journeyman Electrician or Plumber

Advancement To:

  • Chief Engineer or Lead Property Engineer
  • Facilities Manager
  • Regional Facilities Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Engineer (Capital Projects)
  • Energy Manager or Sustainability Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive, hands-on maintenance and repairs on a wide range of building systems, including HVAC (rooftop units, chillers, boilers, VAVs), plumbing, and advanced electrical systems.
  • Conduct routine and preventative maintenance tasks according to a detailed schedule to ensure the longevity and reliability of all building equipment and infrastructure.
  • Operate, monitor, and fine-tune the Building Automation System (BAS/BMS) to optimize environmental conditions, tenant comfort, and energy efficiency.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to all tenant service requests submitted through our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), providing clear communication from initial ticket to resolution.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) failures to identify root causes and implement lasting, effective solutions.
  • Execute daily and weekly property walk-throughs and systematic inspections to proactively identify potential maintenance, safety, or operational deficiencies.
  • Maintain and repair fire and life safety systems, including fire pumps, sprinkler systems, and alarm panels, ensuring they are always in a state of readiness and compliance.
  • Manage the property’s keying and lock systems, including master keying, re-keying doors, and maintaining hardware for optimal security and access control.
  • Perform general building upkeep and minor repairs, encompassing tasks such as light carpentry, painting, drywall patching, and ceiling tile replacement to maintain aesthetic standards.
  • Provide immediate, on-call response to after-hours property emergencies, such as power failures, floods, or critical system alarms, often requiring 24/7 availability.
  • Oversee and direct the work of third-party vendors and contractors on-site, verifying quality of work, adherence to safety protocols, and contract compliance.
  • Read and interpret complex blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical schematics to assist in troubleshooting and planning for system modifications or repairs.
  • Maintain meticulous and up-to-date records of all maintenance activities, repairs, equipment readings, and service logs within the CMMS platform.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Chief Engineer and Property Manager in developing annual operating budgets and long-term capital expenditure plans for equipment replacement and building upgrades.
  • Manage and maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and essential supplies, initiating purchase orders as needed to prevent stockouts.
  • Support the planning and execution of capital improvement projects, providing technical insight and on-the-ground coordination.
  • Contribute to the property's sustainability initiatives by identifying and implementing energy conservation measures and water-saving practices.
  • Prepare and submit regular operational reports detailing system performance, maintenance activities, energy consumption, and significant incidents.
  • Ensure all work is performed in strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and local building codes.
  • Provide technical mentorship and on-the-job training to junior maintenance staff to enhance the overall skill set of the facilities team.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings and contribute to the ongoing development and enforcement of the property's safety programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HVAC Systems Expertise: In-depth knowledge of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handlers, and VAV systems.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing commercial electrical systems, including circuits, panels, lighting, and motors up to 480V.
  • Plumbing & Water Treatment: Solid understanding of commercial plumbing systems, pipefitting, and experience with water treatment programs for HVAC equipment.
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS): Hands-on experience operating and adjusting major BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens, Trane, Alerton) to control building environments.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS): Proficiency in using CMMS software (e.g., Angus, Building Engines, Corrigo) for work order management, tracking, and reporting.
  • Fire & Life Safety Systems: Comprehensive knowledge of fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and emergency generator operations and testing procedures.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with OSHA safety standards, EPA regulations (including refrigerant handling), and local building codes.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose complex system failures under pressure and determine the most effective path to resolution.
  • Customer Service Orientation: A professional and courteous demeanor with the ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with tenants, vendors, and staff.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Strong ability to manage a high volume of competing tasks, prioritize work orders effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders and documenting work accurately.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to maintenance, inspections, and record-keeping to ensure quality, safety, and accuracy.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Relevant trade school certification (e.g., HVAC, Electrical) or Universal CFC Certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or technical diploma in a related field.
  • SMA (Systems Maintenance Administrator) or SMT (Systems Maintenance Technician) designation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Facilities Management
  • Building Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in commercial building maintenance or a related field.

Preferred: Experience in Class A, high-rise commercial office buildings, data centers, or critical facilities is highly desirable.

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