[Local 39] Chief Engineer

About the Role

The Chief Engineer provides daily leadership of the engineering staff and manages the engineering program to deliver high-quality work and exceptional customer service. This role aligns the department with Cushman & Wakefield’s engineering platform, management team, and client expectations while adhering to the company’s Business Code of Conduct and related policies. The Chief Engineer also plans, implements, coordinates, and supervises all mechanical operations, maintenance, communications, energy management, and manpower development for assigned properties and may perform limited hands-on duties, including watch activity. In addition to overseeing engineers and maintenance personnel, the Chief Engineer ensures full compliance with safety programs, operational budgets, and utility management. Responsibilities include conducting regular inspections of building systems, developing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, maintaining documentation libraries, and coordinating with contractors, tenants, and vendors. The position also involves responding to emergencies, managing inventory control, and supporting rehabilitation projects such as HVAC replacements and roof installations. • Supervise engineers and maintenance staff, handling hiring, training, and development. • Conduct performance management, coaching, and disciplinary actions through HR processes. • Lead annual scheduling and execution of the C&W Safety Program. • Manage building operational accounts, variance reporting, and assist in budget preparation. • Oversee utility management, tracking consumption, costs, and budgeting. • Perform regular inspections of building systems and resolve identified issues. • Develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs. • Create and update building-specific maintenance and safety manuals; train personnel. • Maintain an Operations Document Library with plans, drawings, schematics, and warranties. • Coordinate maintenance activities with contractors, tenants, and internal teams. • Oversee fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, staying current with HVAC trends. • Communicate continuously with tenants, clients, property management, and vendors. • Develop specifications and manage procurement, administration, and performance of service contracts. • Respond promptly to emergencies such as fire, evacuation, or equipment failures. • Implement inventory control programs and purchase parts and supplies.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸preventive maintenance
• ▸utility management
• ▸safety program
• ▸inventory control
• ▸contract procurement
• ▸emergency response

What You Bring

Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and have at least seven years of experience in commercial property engineering, with deep technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems. Relevant vocational or technical certifications, appropriate trade licenses (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician), and familiarity with energy management systems, budgeting, and basic computing tools (Outlook, Excel, Word) are required. The role operates primarily from a professional office environment but requires regular travel between properties and may involve shift work, on-call duties, and occasional stand-by responsibilities. Physical demands include stooping, standing, climbing, and lifting equipment weighing up to 50 lb, as well as the ability to read technical drawings and communicate clearly.

Requirements

• ▸hvac
• ▸electrical
• ▸plumbing
• ▸journeyman
• ▸energy management
• ▸excel

Benefits

Cushman & Wakefield offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts, along with competitive pay ranging from $79.35 to $93.35 per hour, subject to collective bargaining agreements and location. The company is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and compliance with the ADAAA, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Work Environment

Onsite