Senior Chief Engineer at One Arts Plaza

The Senior Chief Engineer is responsible for leading all engineering and building operations for One Arts Plaza, a premier mixed-use property (commercial office, retail, and residential). This role plans, implements, coordinates, and manages day-to-day engineering functions including preventive maintenance, repairs, life-safety readiness, building systems performance, vendor oversight, energy management, and team development. The Sr. Chief Engineer owns operational execution, ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, and drives a high standard of reliability, safety, and customer service across the property.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Operations & Building Systems

• Lead all engineering operations for the property, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance of building systems.
• Direct preventive maintenance programs and ensure timely completion of corrective maintenance and repairs.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, elevators, and BAS/EMS systems.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination with property management, tenants, residents, vendors, and internal stakeholders to minimize disruption and ensure high service levels.
• Support move-ins/move-outs, tenant improvements, and building projects with engineering expertise and operational planning.

Life Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and site-specific requirements.
• Maintain readiness for inspections and audits related to fire/life safety, OSHA, environmental, and building code compliance.
• Lead emergency response readiness, including drills, incident response, and documentation.
• Participate in risk management efforts, including hazard identification, corrective action plans, and safety training adherence.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provide formal supervision to engineering staff, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, promotions, corrective action, and terminations.
• Develop and coach a high-performing engineering team; establish clear expectations, schedules, and accountability.
• Manage staffing plans and man-power development to ensure coverage and service reliability.
• Direct reports may include apprentice building engineers, building engineers, operations engineers, lead engineers, assistant chief engineer(s), and/or chief engineers.

Vendor & Project Oversight

• Oversee contractors and vendors supporting engineering and building operations; ensure scope, quality, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate projects related to building repairs, capital improvements, and system upgrades, including planning, scheduling, and execution support.
• Ensure vendor documentation is maintained (licenses, insurance, safety requirements, and compliance documentation where applicable).

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and maintain operational and capital budgets for engineering and building operations.
• Track spending, forecast needs, and identify cost efficiencies without sacrificing safety or service quality.
• Support procurement, approvals, and documentation for repairs, replacements, and capital work.

Systems, Documentation & Reporting

• Use work order systems to assign, track, and close work orders; ensure accurate documentation and timely communication.
• Maintain records for inspections, maintenance logs, equipment history, compliance documentation, and training completion.
• Utilize PC/PDA tools for email, EMS/BAS systems, training systems, and reporting as required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree or two-year trade school degree preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in building operations and maintenance (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 5+ years of supervisory/people management experience required.
• Experience supporting large commercial office or mixed-use buildings, multi-building sites, or campus-style properties strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction/project coordination, and utility management.
• Proficient with work order systems, email, EMS/BAS platforms, and training systems using a PC and/or PDA.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office and Outlook skills.
• Strong communication and customer service skills; able to interact professionally with tenants, residents, vendors, and leadership.
• Organized, safety-minded, and able to prioritize multiple critical tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, stand, walk, climb ladders, and perform physical work in mechanical/equipment areas.
• Ability to lift and/or carry loads up to 50 lbs.

Certifications / Licenses (Required)

• EPA 608 Universal CFC Certification
• CPR/AED Certification
• Any additional certifications/licenses required by local or state jurisdictions

Required Training (Must Complete/ Maintain)

• OSHA 10
• Site-specific fire alarm and fire life safety training
• Emergency response training
• Energy Management System (EMS) training
• Completion of training modules in:
• • HVAC (including EPA 608 Prep Course)
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Construction Management
  • Utility Management
  • Administrative Management
  • Risk Management
  • Intro to Asset Management