Description

The Sr. Chief Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield provides leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, overseeing hiring, training, development, and performance reviews. This role manages properties of 500,000 square feet or more and ensures all building systems operate efficiently.

Key responsibilities include conducting inspections and energy audits, supervising technical operations, developing preventive maintenance procedures, and supporting property management with budget development and capital planning. The engineer also coordinates contractors, reviews construction documents, ensures code compliance, and leads rehabilitation projects such as HVAC replacements and roof installations.

• Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, personnel development and performance review
• Oversee properties totaling 500k square feet or more
• Conduct and assist with inspections and surveys, including energy audits and analysis, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, environmental and ADA compliance
• Supervise and review technical operations, surveys, energy audits and analysis, HVAC and electrical and plumbing systems, environmental compliance, ADA compliance and acquisitions, and third‑party surveys
• Support property management in the development and updating of preventive maintenance and engineering procedures, hazardous materials communication plans, fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, quality control for domestic and process water and indoor air quality programs
• Assist in the development of the property(s) operations budget and provide operating cost estimates and comparisons for service contracts, R&M estimates, utility consumption, supplies, repair parts, payroll, and compliance with EPA and OSHA
• Assist in the development of the Capital Budget Program and short and long‑term planning and analytics
• Coordinate and track career development for engineers and perform or assist in mid‑year/annual performance evaluations of all engineering staff
• Oversee all building systems, including fire/life safety programs, plumbing, HVAC and electrical issues, staying current with HVAC technology trends and preventive/predictive maintenance methodology
• Coordinate maintenance efforts with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel and engineers
• Assist Property Management in the review and approval of construction documents and ensure building standards are applied and adhered to
• Develop specifications and assist in solicitation and administration of maintenance/repair service contracts
• Assist in formulating marketing presentations/proposals, start‑up processes for building acquisitions and reverse acquisitions, and coordinate building equipment and services for tenant construction projects
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, requisitions, government agencies, and company directives related to building operations
• Support the Property or Facility Manager with rehabilitation projects such as HVAC replacement, new roof installation, plumbing repairs and other building system alterations
• Prepare and present feasibility studies
• Prepare budget estimates
• Prepare schedule and manage its progress
• Prepare contract documents reflecting scope of work
• Manage the bidding process
• Prepare and expedite approval of all internal control documents
• Monitor the construction process to assure compliance with contract documents
• Coordinate all work with user and Internal Support Groups
• Maintain complete project files recording progress, approvals, financial data and contracts
• Perform final inspections, punch list exceptions, and expedite corrective action

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 10 years of engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property setting, a high school diploma or GED, and relevant vocational or technical certifications. Required licenses may include Journeyman or Master Electrician, and applicants should possess extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, EMS, BMS, and related regulations, as well as strong financial reporting and computing skills.

The position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment and requires regular travel between properties, including climbing stairs and working in various outdoor weather conditions. Employees spend about 85% of their time seated or standing, using hands for office tasks, and must be able to walk, talk, and hear effectively.

• Communication Proficiency (oral and written)
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organization Skills
• Technical Proficiency
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• 10+ years engineering experience with significant supervisory responsibility in a commercial property setting; in‑depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems
• Vocational/Technical training certificate
• Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses
• Universal Technician for CFCs depending on market licensure requirements or similar combination of education and experience
• Knowledge and understanding of all applicable practices/techniques, laws, project controls, and environmental regulations
• Familiar with Energy Management System (EMS)/programming, fire alarm systems, and Building Management Systems
• Proficiency in the preparation of staff schedules, after‑hour assignment scheduling, preventive maintenance schedules, and ability to assess and prioritize immediate needs
• General knowledge of property management financial reporting focusing on R&M, utility, and capital expenses, with ability to explain variances
• Basic Computing Skills in Outlook, Excel & Word

Benefits

Compensation ranges from $127,500 to $150,000, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Cushman & Wakefield is an equal‑opportunity employer that adheres to ADA accommodations and does not pay less than minimum wage.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance