Position Overview: We are seeking a high-level Building Chief Engineer (CE) to oversee the operations of a 200,000 sq. ft. stand-alone school building which serves two charter high schools. This facility has its own unique systems and operational demands. This role requires a seasoned engineering professional with substantial experience in mechanical engineering, HVAC systems, plumbing/electrical, and building operations, and who is also accomplished in the soft "people" skills required to manage a building with a large population of school staff and students.
The Chief Engineer will oversee all facilities functions, manage a BMS (Building Management System), and handle significant administrative and operational responsibilities. The CE will have support from a full-time, on-site custodial engineer - reporting directly to the CE - who opens the building and handles the physical, hands-on aspects of the job; as well as additional custodial personnel. The CE will be the main liaison with the two schools' two Directors of Operations (DOOs), working collaboratively to maintain the building as a comfortable, inspiring place of learning and taking direction from them to execute the needs of the schools' leadership teams, staff, and students.
Reporting Relationships: In this position you will report directly to a senior executive of AKAM, but will meet regularly with the schools' DOOs, including daily touchpoints, weekly meetings, and monthly management meetings with the senior executives of AKAM and Uncommon Schools.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Leadership and Oversight- Oversee, train, and develop facilities personnel, including direct oversight of the opening engineer.
- Provide leadership and direction to on-site staff and third-party vendors, fostering a collaborative, solution-oriented environment.
- Ensure proper staffing, expertise, and resources are in place to meet facility needs efficiently and safely.
Operational Management- Oversee all daily building operations for a large school facility shared between two charter programs.
- Manage and monitor the Building Management System (BMS) to ensure optimal performance of HVAC and mechanical systems.
- Coordinate all demand, preventive, and reactive maintenance activities across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Ensure cleanliness and security standards in partnership with third-party custodial and security providers.
- Work with the schools' real estate teams to identify and manage capital improvement projects.
Compliance & Safety- Assist in coordinating required governmental inspections and ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Conduct regular inspections and proactively address deficiencies.
- Maintain up-to-date building documentation, certifications, and life safety requirements.
Administrative Responsibilities- Maintain detailed administrative records such as logbooks, maintenance documents, contractor logs, and work order systems.
- Handle various administrative tasks associated with building operations, vendor coordination, and compliance.
- Meet with and report regularly to school Operations staff, updating them on submitted work orders, required maintenance, and any urgent issues affecting the schools; and receiving feedback from them on the facility's operation.
- Assist with the development, management, and tracking of the building's operating budgets.
Emergency Response- Respond to and coordinate emergency calls as needed to ensure safe, continuous building operations.
- Be on call 24/7 to handle emergencies.
Qualifications- 10+ years of experience in a senior facility, building operations, or chief engineer role.
- Strong background in mechanical engineering, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Experience in academic, campus, or institutional environments is highly preferred.
- Universal EPA/Refrigerant/HVAC certifications preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Familiarity with OSHA regulations, life safety codes, and electronic work-order systems.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
