Chief Building Engineer

Chief Building Engineer – Lead Operations for a Multi-Building Organization

Are you a hands-on facilities leader who thrives on solving complex building system challenges and leading high-performing technical teams? We are seeking a Chief Building Engineer to oversee the operations, maintenance, and performance of a large portfolio of critical facilities.

In this role, you will lead a team of skilled trades professionals while ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of our buildings and infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced facilities professional who enjoys balancing technical problem solving, team leadership, and operational strategy.

This position reports directly to the Facilities Manager and/or the Division Director of Operations and Maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the day-to-day operations and maintenance of multiple commercial facilities, ensuring high reliability of all building systems.
• Supervises and develops a team of skilled trades professionals across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general building maintenance disciplines.
• Oversees preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize system reliability and extend equipment life cycles.
• Manages building automation systems, mechanical systems, electrical distribution, and related infrastructure.
• Drives energy efficiency, sustainability, and operational improvement initiatives across the facilities portfolio.
• Plans and manages maintenance budgets, procurement activities, and contractor services to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Uses a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to plan work, monitor performance, track assets, and analyze maintenance trends.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and industry best practices.
• Coordinates with senior leadership, contractors, and stakeholders to address operational needs and support organizational objectives.
• Responds to facility emergencies and critical system issues as part of an emergency-essential leadership team.

Leadership Expectations

• Fosters a safety-first work environment
• Mentors and develops technical staff
• Promotes collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
• Maintains strong relationships with internal customers and stakeholders

Note:

• Incumbent is considered essential personnel.
• The position location and work schedule can be altered or changed at any given time due to business necessity and operational needs.
• A flexible working schedule is required as well as call-back and on-call participation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: 
High school diploma or GED issued by a state department of education; plus completion of a four year apprentice-level vocational training program in HVAC and/or electrical systems; or  four years of journey level experience in HVAC and/or electrical systems; plus four years of progressively more responsible journey level work with a minimum of two years in the oversight and/or operation of HVAC and/or electrical equipment, including three years in a supervisory role.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, and pre-employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3 years of formal supervisory experience leading a team of 7+ skilled trades staff.
• Experience managing operations and maintenance for large commercial facilities (400,000+ sq ft portfolio preferred).
• Strong background in troubleshooting and repairing commercial electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Experience managing operating budgets, maintenance planning, and procurement processes.
• Experience with CMMS platforms and asset management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and stakeholder communication.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, sustainability practices, and building performance optimization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Good dexterity for hands on work. Must be able to bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, balance, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions Must be able to climb up 12 ft step ladders and extension ladders, fixed wall and roof mount ladders, and cage ladders up to 45 ft as well as climb stairs and scaffolding for low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise buildings of various heights and distances as determined by the tallest building in FMD inventory/portfolio. Must be able to lift and carry items weighing 75lbs. with assistance. Must be able to work in varying and extreme outside weather conditions for extended periods of time. Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, and occasionally required to lift/move 50+ pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.  All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Note: This job announcement is listed with a closing date of 8/28/26 and interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process may close prior to the currently advertised closing date when the position has been filled.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.  

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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