Lead Building Engineer

The pay listed is the hourly range or the hourly rate for this position. A specific offer will vary based on applicant’s experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, and alignment with market data.
 
Shift: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
 
Benefit Information:
ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package. For information about ABM’s benefits, visit ABM Team Member Benefits | Front Line Team Members | (Programa de Beneficios de ABM)
 
The Lead Engineer must understand the operational demands of a multi-story commercial office building and recognize the importance of maintaining dependable building systems to support tenant operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Building Operations and Maintenance
Support the daily operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other building mechanical systems.
Perform and coordinate preventive maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
Troubleshoot equipment failures, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
Monitor building operating conditions and respond promptly to equipment alarms and tenant service requests.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment logs, inspection reports, and work orders.
Assist with evaluating equipment conditions and identifying repair, replacement, and capital improvement needs.
Coordinate contractor access, repairs, inspections, and service activities.
Support energy efficiency initiatives and ensure equipment operates within established operating parameters.
Building Automation Systems (BAS)
Demonstrate a working knowledge of BAS operations and building controls.
Monitor system alarms, schedules, temperature setpoints, and equipment operating status.
Assist with troubleshooting HVAC controls, sensors, actuators, and communication issues.
Recognize abnormal system conditions and escalate complex controls issues to the Chief Engineer or qualified BAS service provider.
Support BAS service calls, system testing, and documentation of completed repairs.
Help maintain appropriate building temperatures and indoor comfort conditions across all occupied floors.
Fire and Life Safety
Demonstrate knowledge of building fire and life safety procedures.
Support routine inspections and testing coordination for applicable fire and life safety equipment.
Understand emergency response procedures, alarm conditions, fire system impairments, and required notifications.
Immediately report deficiencies affecting occupant safety or emergency system readiness.
Coordinate with authorized fire and life safety contractors and building management during inspections and repairs.
Follow established impairment procedures, applicable fire codes, and building emergency protocols.
Maintain accurate documentation of inspections, deficiencies, corrective actions, and contractor service reports.
The Lead Engineer must not perform regulated fire system work beyond their training, qualifications, or authorization.
Team Leadership and Supervision
Provide daily direction and technical support to assigned engineering personnel.
Assist the Chief Engineer with prioritizing work orders, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs.
Promote accountability, teamwork, safety, and professional conduct.
Ensure assigned tasks are completed correctly and documented.
Help train engineering personnel on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, safety requirements, and building standards.
Communicate staffing, equipment, and operational concerns to the Chief Engineer.
Support compliance with lockout/tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment requirements, and applicable workplace safety procedures.
Tenant Relations and Customer Service
Respond professionally and promptly to tenant concerns involving temperature, equipment noise, plumbing, electrical service, and other building conditions.
Prioritize tenant comfort and minimize disruption to occupied spaces.
Communicate service updates, repair timelines, and outstanding issues to appropriate stakeholders.
Coordinate work affecting occupied offices, law firms, training rooms, and call center operations.
Demonstrate discretion and professionalism when working in sensitive or business-critical tenant areas.
Maintain a customer-focused approach while balancing building operating requirements, safety, and maintenance priorities.
Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities
Provide daily operational updates to the Chief Engineer.
Maintain preventive maintenance schedules and equipment service histories.
Document contractor visits, repairs, deficiencies, and recommendations.
Assist with reviewing service proposals and identifying necessary repairs.
Communicate critical equipment issues, safety concerns, and recurring failures promptly.
Support building inspections, audits, emergency preparedness activities, and operational reporting.
Assist in maintaining an organized engineering shop, mechanical rooms, and equipment areas.
Key Client Expectations
The Lead Engineer is expected to support the needs of the key client and the overall tenant community through the following priorities:
Tenant comfort: Maintain reliable HVAC operation and respond quickly to temperature complaints.
Fire and life safety: Support system readiness, timely reporting of deficiencies, and compliance with established safety procedures.
Excellent customer service: Communicate professionally, follow through on service requests, and maintain a tenant-focused attitude.
System reliability: Identify developing equipment problems and reduce unnecessary downtime.
Professional accountability: Maintain accurate records, meet maintenance commitments, and communicate operational issues promptly.
Teamwork: Work effectively with the Chief Engineer, engineering staff, property management, vendors, and client representatives.
Required Qualifications and Certifications
Required:
Current EPA Section 608 Universal certification.
Working knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and general building engineering operations.
Basic knowledge of building automation systems and HVAC controls.
Knowledge of fire and life safety procedures and emergency response protocols.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and communicate technical findings.
Understanding of preventive maintenance practices and work order documentation.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and building operating policies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Professional customer service and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred:
Previous experience in a commercial office building or comparable multi-story facility.
Experience supporting BAS platforms, HVAC controls, and mechanical equipment.
Experience coordinating contractors, inspections, and equipment repairs.
Familiarity with electrical safety, LOTO, and applicable OSHA requirements.
Additional relevant trade certifications, technical training, or supervisory experience.
Reporting Structure and Working Relationships
The Lead Engineer reports directly to the Chief Engineer and works closely with the Building Chief, Engineering Director, Property Manager, engineering personnel, contractors, and key client representatives.
The position supports the Chief Engineer in coordinating daily engineering operations, communicating building needs, supervising assigned personnel, and ensuring maintenance and service priorities are completed.
The role is expected to maintain clear communication with property management and escalate significant equipment failures, safety issues, service interruptions, and tenant concerns through the established reporting structure.
Work Schedule and Availability
Regular schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Expected to support building start-up activities, daily inspections, preventive maintenance, and service coordination.
Must respond appropriately to urgent building engineering issues in accordance with established emergency and on-call procedures.
Additional hours, after-hours work, or emergency response may be required based on operational needs and the employer's applicable policies.
Specific on-call rotation, overtime eligibility, and after-hours response expectations should be established by management.
Performance Expectations
The Lead Engineer's performance will be evaluated based on:
Completion and quality of scheduled preventive maintenance.
Timeliness and effectiveness of corrective repairs.
Tenant comfort and response to service requests.
Timely identification and escalation of fire and life safety deficiencies.
Equipment reliability and reduction of recurring maintenance issues.
Accuracy of work orders, service reports, and equipment records.
Compliance with safety procedures and building operating standards.
Leadership, teamwork, and accountability.
Communication with the Chief Engineer, property management, contractors, and key client representatives.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
The position involves working throughout a 19-story commercial office building and may require:
Walking and climbing stairs to inspect equipment and respond to service issues.
Accessing mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, equipment areas, and rooftops where authorized.
Working around HVAC equipment, pumps, motors, electrical systems, and building controls.
Using appropriate tools and personal protective equipment.
Following established procedures for confined spaces, hazardous energy, elevated work, and other applicable hazards.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.