Assistant Director of Engineering

Description

The Assistant Director of Engineering supports the Director of Engineering in leading the daily operation, maintenance, reliability, safety, and regulatory readiness of the organization’s facilities, utilities, equipment, and building systems (i.e., HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc). This role assists with planning, staffing, budgeting, preventive maintenance, project coordination, vendor management, and compliance activities to ensure the physical environment supports safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations (utility and life safety management). 

Reports to the Director of Engineering. Provides direction and support to maintenance, plant operations, and contracted service personnel as assigned. 

Facility & Operations Oversight: 

• Assist in directing day-to-day operations of the Engineering and Facilities departments, including maintenance response, work order completion, staffing priorities, and service quality. 
• Support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety, building automation, utility, and related facility systems. 
• Help develop, implement, and monitor preventive maintenance programs for critical equipment, building systems, and infrastructure. 
• Review work orders, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and equipment records to identify trends, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities. 
• Apply rigorous standards of quality by executing high-volume daily processes with exceptional precision, organized prioritization, and meticulous daily planning. 
• Respond to facility emergencies, utility interruptions, equipment failures, and after-hours issues as needed to support continuity of operations. 

Regulatory Compliance: 

• Coordinate repairs, inspections, testing, and documentation required for regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, and internal safety standards. 
• Promote compliance with applicable codes, policies, procedures, infection prevention requirements, environmental standards, and occupational safety practices. 

Staff & Contractor Management: 

• Supervise, coach, schedule, and evaluate assigned staff; promote accountability, teamwork, customer service, and safe work practices. 
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and service providers to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, within scope, and in accordance with organizational standards. 

Project & Construction Oversight: 

• Assist with renovation, construction, infrastructure, and special projects by supporting planning, scheduling and coordination with clinical teams, documentation, and closeout activities. 
• Archive, digitize, and catalog historical construction drawings and related files into a secure, indexed document management system to preserve asset data and ensure rapid retrieval for maintenance, renovations, and legal compliance. 

Budget & Administration: 

• Assist with department budgeting, expense monitoring, capital planning, equipment replacement recommendations, and project cost tracking. 
• Maintain effective communication with leadership, clinical departments, support services, vendors, and staff regarding facility needs, project status, and operational concerns. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• Associate’s degree in engineering, facilities management, construction management, business, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree required for future promotions. 
• Minimum of three years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering, plant operations, construction, or a related technical field required; experience in a healthcare, hospital, long-term care, or other regulated environment preferred. 
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred. 
• Knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance practices, life safety systems, utility systems, and facility operations required. 
• Valid driver’s license required. 

Preferred Certifications and Licenses 

• Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, Certified Healthcare Constructor, or similar facilities-related certification preferred. 
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boiler, stationary engineer, or other applicable trade license preferred. 
• OSHA, life safety, emergency management, or related safety training preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to prioritize competing needs in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and service standards. 
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building automation, fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency power, and utility systems. 
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, manuals, maintenance records, and regulatory guidance. 
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and basic reporting tools. 
• Effectively uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with leadership, staff, contractors, clinical departments, and support services. 

Physical and Work Environment Requirements 

• May be required to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, reach, and lift or move materials and equipment consistent with assigned duties. 
• May work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, confined spaces, construction areas, patient care areas, and other facility locations. 
• May be exposed to noise, heat, cold, dust, fumes, moving equipment, and other conditions common to facility operations. 
• May be required to participate in emergency response, on-call rotation, after-hours support, or inclement weather coverage. 

Performance Expectations 

• Maintains a safe, compliant, and service-oriented environment. 
• Demonstrates accountability for timely completion of maintenance, project, and compliance priorities. 
• Communicates clearly and professionally with internal customers and external partners. 
• Supports continuous improvement in reliability, efficiency, documentation, and staff performance. 
• Models professionalism, teamwork, confidentiality, and adherence to organizational policies.