Chief Engineer

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, repair, and performance of a six-building healthcare campus totaling approximately 450,000 square feet, including outpatient medical office buildings, inpatient behavioral health facilities, and transitional housing. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a "wrench-turning" professional who can effectively balance daily maintenance activities with oversight of building systems, contractors, vendors, compliance programs, and engineering staff.

The Chief Engineer will direct and participate in the maintenance and operation of all campus building systems while ensuring a safe, efficient, and reliable environment for patients, tenants, staff, and visitors. This position will play a key role in the campus stabilization and operational transition process as facilities become fully occupied and operational.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Building Operations & Maintenance

• Respond to and complete work orders throughout all campus buildings.
• Perform and oversee preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs for all building systems and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire life safety, and building automation systems.
• Conduct routine inspections and documented surveys of buildings, common areas, grounds, mechanical rooms, storage areas, and support spaces.
• Ensure timely response and resolution of tenant, resident, and operational maintenance requests.
• Maintain campus infrastructure, grounds, and common areas to a high standard of safety and appearance.

• Support residential and behavioral health facility operations as needed in coordination with independent operators.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, train, and evaluate engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Assist in the recruitment, development, and management of future engineering staff as campus operations expand.
• Establish performance expectations and ensure accountability for work quality, safety, and customer service.
• Direct and audit completion of work orders, maintenance records, inspection reports, and required documentation.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Preventative Maintenance & Asset Management

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative maintenance programs for all building equipment and systems.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, parts, and supplies.
• Monitor equipment performance and recommend repairs, upgrades, and capital improvements.
• Coordinate equipment testing, inspections, and certifications as required.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Coordinate and oversee contractors, consultants, service providers, and vendors.
• Assist with contracting, scheduling, and monitoring of third-party maintenance and repair services.
• Participate in construction and tenant improvement meetings as required.
• Collaborate with the general contractor during the campus transition and stabilization period.
• Ensure vendor work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project requirements.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Support the property management team in the preparation and management of annual operating and maintenance budgets by identifying campus operational or capital needs, and procuring bids.
• Monitor expenses and support cost-control initiatives.
• Review service contracts, maintenance programs, and operational expenditures for effectiveness and value.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, logs, and compliance documentation.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, fire/life safety, environmental, and healthcare-related operational requirements.
• Enforce safety policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
• Participate in emergency response activities and provide leadership during operational incidents.
• Coordinate with healthcare operators and facility stakeholders when systems and operations overlap.

Campus Transition & Growth

• Support building commissioning, occupancy transitions, and operational startup activities.
• Assist in establishing maintenance standards and operational procedures for newly occupied facilities.
• Collaborate with property management, County representatives, healthcare operators, and campus stakeholders to ensure successful campus operations.
• Provide recommendations regarding future staffing and engineering resource requirements as operational needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience in commercial building engineering, facilities maintenance, or healthcare facility operations.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience leading or supervising engineering or maintenance teams.
• Strong hands-on experience with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building automation systems.
• Experience in medical office buildings, healthcare facilities, behavioral health facilities, or similar environments preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction documents, equipment specifications, and technical manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Experience managing vendors, contractors, and maintenance service providers.
• Working knowledge of CMMS/work order systems and building automation systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

Preferred Certifications

• EPA Universal Certification.
• HVAC, electrical, or mechanical trade certification.
• Building Operator Certification (BOC), SMA/SMT, or equivalent professional designation preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and access mechanical spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds with proper equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations outside normal business hours as required.

Growth Opportunity

As campus operations mature and service requirements are further defined in coordination with County stakeholders and facility operators, the engineering organization is expected to expand. The Chief Engineer will play a key leadership role in developing the future engineering team, operational standards, and maintenance programs supporting the long-term success of the campus.

Pay Rate: $65.00 - $70.00 per hour. This is the range we, in good faith, believe is appropriate for the position. We may ultimately pay more or less depending on experience.