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.
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...
6 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
$75K - $90K *
Unlock your potential in a dynamic design role focusing on low voltage systems. Collaborate with trade teams to produce innovative installation documentation, ensuring accuracy and quality while manag...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform customer operations by designing integrated material flow solutions. Analyze data, map processes, and create layouts that enhance efficiency across functional areas, ensuring seamless order...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with teams, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality design while promoting efficie...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Contribute to the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and engage with clients to deliver...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Lead the design and analysis of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and innovation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance community serv...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Engage in the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Water Structures
$160K - $200K *
Empower communities by leading innovative water infrastructure projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you'll design and analyze critical facilities, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Contracts - Data Center
$160K - $190K *
Join a team that drives contract strategy for large-scale data center projects, managing RFPs and contract administration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and optimize ris...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform project delivery by leading VDC initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of technology, processes, and teams to produce accurate, field-ready models and comprehensive digital turnover pack...
Today
Project Manager (Remote) - Data Center Construction Projects
$120K - $150K *
Champion the delivery of complex data center construction projects, leading diverse teams and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes from planning through completion while fostering strong client...
4 days ago
Virtual Design & Construction Operations Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive project delivery and quality as a VDC Operations Manager, overseeing team leadership, model coordination, and prefabrication. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational effic...
3 weeks ago
$83K - $118K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex IT/SaaS projects, driving execution, and enhancing business processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure project success while utilizing Agile methodolo...
2 weeks ago
$229K - $258K *
Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Agentic Engineering Governance, Open Source
$153K - $166K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI governance in software development. As a Senior Engineer, you'll design policies and tools that ensure safe, effective use of AI coding agents, empowering d...
1 week ago
Commissioning Project Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer innovative commissioning processes while collaborating with diverse teams. Oversee project execution, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE, CSA, and LEED standards. Drive technical excellence acros...
1 week ago
Design Manager (Advanced Manufacturing)
$85K - $185K *
Shape the future of design-build projects by leading a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to meet project goals on time and within budget...
2 weeks ago
Director, Portfolio Performance & PMO
$148K - $175K *
Lead strategic initiatives and operational excellence across client portfolios, ensuring governance, performance management, and continuous improvement. Drive client satisfaction and financial account...
1 week ago
$130K - $135K *
Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Governance & Access
$150K - $180K *
Empower our team to build innovative security and governance solutions, shaping access management for both human and agent users. Lead a small, dynamic group as we define architectural foundations and...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager - Engineering Design
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in managing complex multi-disciplinary projects across diverse sectors, ensuring alignment with client goals and project scope from initiation to closeout. Foster collaboration and ove...
3 weeks 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.