Description

ESRT is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the building’s technical operations and project work in partnership with the Property Manager. The role includes supervising engineering staff, maintaining and preventing equipment failures, managing outsourced contracts, responding to tenant service calls, supporting leasing and tenant improvement projects, expediting special projects, and handling building emergencies.

• Serve as engineering liaison with tenants and property management, ensuring lease‑compliant service delivery.
• Respond promptly to tenant requests, coordinate repairs, and document work via the CMMS.
• Conduct regular inspections of common areas, mechanical and electrical rooms, generating work tickets as needed.
• Maintain Fire Life Safety Director certification and manage fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe logs.
• Test, inspect and maintain emergency equipment and life‑safety systems.
• Oversee safe and reliable operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire‑life‑safety systems.
• Direct preventive‑maintenance programs and keep accurate historic records in the CMMS.
• Troubleshoot system issues to minimize downtime and coordinate with other Chiefs for compliance gaps.
• Review and approve tenant construction and renovation plans, ensuring adherence to building standards.
• Manage architectural, mechanical and electrical drawings, including as‑built and CAD documentation.
• Supervise controls‑related projects from procurement to implementation.
• Provide technical oversight for large repair, maintenance and capital projects across the portfolio.
• Develop long‑term capital and engineering forecasts (5‑ and 10‑year plans).
• Evaluate, select and monitor contractors and vendors, ensuring code and ESRT best‑practice compliance.
• Monitor building energy usage and implement efficiency and emissions‑reduction initiatives.
• Supervise engineering staff, assign and track work orders, and ensure safety training and equipment.
• Participate in hiring, performance evaluation and union‑compliant scheduling of engineering personnel.
• Prepare operational reports, budget proposals, purchase orders and maintain tool/inventory controls.
• Inspect, service and certify cooling towers, chillers and related specialty systems, maintaining required certifications.
• Enforce safety, emergency and security procedures, promoting a drug‑free workplace.
• Lead engineering teams, translate strategy into execution, and identify continuous‑improvement opportunities.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a highly motivated leader with strong communication skills, the ability to supervise and direct a team of engineers, and the organization to track and resolve tenant and mechanical issues promptly. The ideal candidate demonstrates a passion for engineering, daily updates to management, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

Key technical competencies include hands‑on experience across multiple building trades, troubleshooting HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire‑life‑safety and building control systems, and proficiency with building automation platforms such as Johnson Controls or Honeywell. Management skills encompass supervisory practices, performance oversight, and effective written and verbal communication.

Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED (college credits preferred), at least five years of operating‑engineering experience with two years of supervisory responsibility, and a valid engineer’s license or equivalent. Required certifications include Fire Life Safety Director (F‑89), EPA CFC, refrigeration (Q‑01), Category 7G applicator, and relevant safety certifications.

Benefits

The position demands physical ability to perform essential functions, including working off ladders, in tight spaces, and lifting up to 50 pounds. ESRT offers a collaborative environment, a culture of adaptability, dynamism and accountability, and a compensation rate of $60‑$65 per hour plus benefits under the Local 94 collective bargaining agreement.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance