Chief Building Engineer - Real Estate Developer
Location: Downtown Chicago
Salary: $110,000 - $150,000 (Non-Union Role)
A leading real estate developer is seeking a Chief Building Engineer to oversee the operations and maintenance of a select group of properties in downtown Chicago. This is a non-union role focused on capital planning, vendor coordination, and maintaining common spaces, building envelopes, and overall property management-rather than tenant-occupied areas.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operations & Maintenance: Oversee the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems to ensure the properties are operating efficiently.
- Capital Planning & Budgeting: Assist in the development of operating and capital budgets, making recommendations for preventative maintenance and long-term improvements.
- Vendor & Contract Management: Solicit bids, review proposals, and coordinate work with third-party contractors for building repairs, renovations, and system upgrades.
- Property Oversight: Conduct regular inspections of building systems, common areas, and exterior structures to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
- Emergency Response & Compliance: Serve as the first point of contact for after-hours emergencies and ensure compliance with all city, state, and federal building codes.
Qualifications:
- Experience managing capital projects, maintenance, and engineering operations within commercial or mixed-use buildings.
- Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems
- Experience coordinating with third-party vendors, bidding processes, and project oversight
- Ability to manage building operations efficiently with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
- Universal CFC certification required; additional technical certifications in relevant areas preferred.
- Proficiency with building automation systems (BAS), EMS, CMMS, and Microsoft Office Suite
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: $110K - $150K + Benefits
- Full benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k), and PTO
This is an impactful role within a well-established firm, offering the opportunity to take ownership of a few key properties in downtown Chicago while working within a collaborative team.