Chief Building Engineer – Real Estate Developer

Location: Downtown Chicago

Salary: $110,000 – $150,000 (Non-Union Role)

A leading real estate developer is seeking a Chief Building Engineer to oversee the operations and maintenance of a select group of properties in downtown Chicago. This is a non-union role focused on capital planning, vendor coordination, and maintaining common spaces, building envelopes, and overall property management—rather than tenant-occupied areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations & Maintenance: Oversee the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems to ensure the properties are operating efficiently.
• Capital Planning & Budgeting: Assist in the development of operating and capital budgets, making recommendations for preventative maintenance and long-term improvements.
• Vendor & Contract Management: Solicit bids, review proposals, and coordinate work with third-party contractors for building repairs, renovations, and system upgrades.
• Property Oversight: Conduct regular inspections of building systems, common areas, and exterior structures to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
• Emergency Response & Compliance: Serve as the first point of contact for after-hours emergencies and ensure compliance with all city, state, and federal building codes.

Qualifications:

• Experience managing capital projects, maintenance, and engineering operations within commercial or mixed-use buildings.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
• Experience coordinating with third-party vendors, bidding processes, and project oversight.
• Ability to manage building operations efficiently with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Universal CFC certification required; additional technical certifications in relevant areas preferred.
• Proficiency with building automation systems (BAS), EMS, CMMS, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $110K - $150K + Benefits
• Full benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k), and PTO.

This is an impactful role within a well-established firm, offering the opportunity to take ownership of a few key properties in downtown Chicago while working within a collaborative team.