Chief Building Engineers (CBEs) lead the systems and teams that keep commercial buildings safe, efficient, and operational. They oversee building operations, maintenance programs, capital improvements, and regulatory compliance across offices, hospitals, campuses, hotels, and other complex properties. Explore vetted Chief Building Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles with compensation of $100,000 or more.
A CBE manages the performance of a property's core infrastructure, which may include HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, fire and life-safety systems, elevators, and building automation. Responsibilities often include supervising engineers and technicians, coordinating vendors, setting preventive maintenance schedules, responding to emergencies, and tracking operating budgets. The role combines technical expertise with leadership, planning, and communication.
Employers commonly seek extensive building operations or facilities experience, strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, and a record of leading maintenance teams. Depending on the property and employer, useful qualifications may include a degree or technical training in engineering, facilities management, or a related field; relevant licenses or certifications; familiarity with building automation systems; and knowledge of safety codes and environmental requirements. Requirements vary by position.
Chief Building Engineer compensation varies based on location, property type, building complexity, experience, and scope of responsibility. Senior roles may include oversight of multiple properties, large teams, major capital projects, or energy-efficiency initiatives. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover senior building engineering and facilities leadership roles.
Search CBE openings to compare responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation. Keep your resume current with examples of system reliability improvements, cost control, successful projects, team leadership, and compliance outcomes. Consider related titles such as Chief Engineer, Building Operations Manager, Facilities Director, and Director of Engineering when exploring your next move.
$190K - $200K *
Lead the charge in electrical engineering excellence across multiple campuses, ensuring robust design, validation, and energization of critical infrastructure while integrating onsite generation solut...
2 weeks ago
Data Center Construction - Project Manager (Relocation Assistance Available)
$18K - $215K *
Lead the development of our data center project, ensuring all operations meet budget, technical specifications, and timelines while collaborating with stakeholders and being onsite 80% of the time for...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Manage multiple construction projects in the eastern region, ensuring quality, safety, and timely completion. Lead a team of superintendents and project managers while collaborating with stakeholders...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $115K *
Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...
3 weeks ago
Copy of Senior Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data centers by designing innovative HVAC systems. Leverage your expertise in mechanical engineering to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions for high-profi...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Innovate the future of cloud platforms by leading the design and operation of a secure, scalable infrastructure. Drive automation and enhance developer experience while collaborating with cross-functi...
2 weeks ago
Civil Engineering Project Manager
$92K - $130K *
Elevate municipal engineering projects by managing diverse client needs, leading design efforts, and fostering collaboration. Utilize your expertise to enhance community infrastructure while ensuring...
3 weeks ago
Mid-Level Structural Engineer (PE) (Southeast Region - Remote) - 24371
$80K - $95K *
Deliver innovative structural engineering solutions in a remote setting, contributing to projects in semiconductor manufacturing and data centers, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure e...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Engineer - Networking
$171K - $268K *
Discover your potential as a Principal Engineer/System Architect, driving innovative networking solutions and leading a collaborative team to define complex architecture while engaging with partners t...
Reposted today
Power Engineer, Physical Electrical
$140K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to execute complex physical electrical designs for medium- and high-voltage substations and utility-scale projects, ensuring quality and compliance from concept through constructio...
3 weeks ago
Engineer Lead (Library of Congress)
$175K - $195K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical direction and mentoring teams while driving program delivery and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration in a dynamic engineering environment...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in shaping and expanding bridge design services across New England. Provide strategic direction, oversee project delivery, mentor staff, and strengthen client relationships to enhance...
4 days ago
Contract Manager - Network Services
$80K - $95K *
Champion the development and management of healthcare service contracts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance care quality and operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with con...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize property performance through strategic maintenance leadership, driving safety culture and sustainability. This impactful role necessitates technical expertise and frequent travel to ensure ex...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $210K *
Lead the charge in driving business growth by cultivating relationships and securing new opportunities in industrial refrigeration. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver exceptional customer exper...
Today
National Manager I, Power Generation & Transmission
$110K - $130K *
Lead the growth of national Power Generation and Transmission accounts. Develop strategic relationships, identify opportunities, and drive revenue through collaboration with internal teams and clients...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping financial strategy and operations. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting while mentoring staff and driving team performance. Your leadership will enhance efficiency...
Reposted 3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Engage with clients to foster relationships, manage expectations, and deliver high-quality engineering solutions. Oversee project execution, identify growth opportunities, and ensure client satisfacti...
3 weeks ago
VP, Data Center Facilities Engineering
$275K - $300K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead quality and technical governance for mission-critical facilities, ensuring operational readiness and continuous improvement across the facility lifecycle from design to...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $89K *
Elevate your career by developing innovative software solutions, driving product enhancements, and collaborating within an Agile team. Utilize core technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to deliv...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at our facilities by leading operations and buildouts. Manage day-to-day activities, enhance employee experiences, and develop scalable processes to support a growing organization...
5 days ago
Preconstruction Manager (Remote)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's pioneering preconstruction efforts by leading front-end project planning, cost development, and schedule creation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success...
3 weeks ago
Quality Engineering Lead / Automation Architect
$117K - $143K *
Join a team that's redefining quality engineering by leading the transition to automation. Drive strategy, mentor a global QA team, and enhance testing frameworks to ensure high-quality software deliv...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager (GIS, Disaster Recovery, Post-Disaster Rebuild)
$200K - $220K *
Lead the execution of complex public works and infrastructure projects, ensuring strategic alignment and stakeholder engagement throughout all phases from planning to completion. Drive recovery initia...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage your expertise to lead bridge and structural projects from planning to completion. Manage multidisciplinary teams, maintain client relationships, and drive practice growth across Massachusetts...
6 days ago
What is a Chief Building Engineer?
A Chief Building Engineer leads the operation and maintenance of a building's critical systems and typically supervises engineering or maintenance staff. The role may cover HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, and building automation systems.
What qualifications are required for Chief Building Engineer jobs?
Requirements vary by employer and property. Many positions call for significant building operations experience, technical knowledge of building systems, team leadership skills, and relevant licenses, certifications, or education.
How much do Chief Building Engineers earn?
Pay depends on location, experience, property type, and the size and complexity of the operation. Ladders lists vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including eligible senior building engineering opportunities.
Where do Chief Building Engineers work?
Chief Building Engineers work in settings with complex facilities, such as commercial office buildings, hospitals, hotels, universities, industrial properties, and large residential or mixed-use developments.
What is the difference between a Chief Building Engineer and a Facilities Manager?
The titles can overlap, but a Chief Building Engineer often focuses more directly on technical building systems and engineering teams. A Facilities Manager may have broader responsibility for services, space, vendors, budgets, and workplace operations.