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.
$114K - $252K *
Lead the charge in architecting and implementing a cutting-edge AI platform for federal oversight, driving innovation with technical leadership and ensuring security and compliance across complex clou...
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$95K - $115K *
Drive field engineering excellence by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cutting-edge hardware systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance product design and ensure reliable operations in dyn...
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Electrical Manager MV - 100% Travel
$100K - $120K *
Transform the future of utility-scale solar projects by leading electrical operations, ensuring quality installations, and fostering strong team collaboration while managing contractor activities and...
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Construction Project Manager (Remote)
$110K - $130K *
Inspire excellence in construction project management, overseeing all phases from planning to commissioning. Lead teams, ensure compliance, and deliver projects on time and within budget while fosteri...
1 week ago
$68K - $94K *
Manage client relationships and contracts, ensuring alignment with technical standards. Foster cross-departmental collaboration and oversee service delivery, driving customer satisfaction and retentio...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $93K *
Oversee lease administration, managing teams and processes to drive effective service delivery and client relations for multiple accounts while ensuring quality control and compliance with complex lea...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of energy by leading a GIS field service team, overseeing high-voltage operations, and enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic collaboration and operational excellence. Driv...
2 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Commissioning Specialist 2 - Construction Management
$134K - $205K *
Drive the commissioning process for power plants, ensuring peak performance and safety. Lead on-site activities, collaborate with teams, and implement protocols for mechanical equipment testing and op...
6 days ago
Senior Architect - Civic & Justice
$100K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team as you lead Civic & Justice projects, driving design solutions and overseeing construction documentation. Collaborate with clients and consultants to deliver impac...
5 days ago
Account Executive - Data Center
$100K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives in data center security solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop customer relationships and achieve...
4 days ago
Corporate Assistant Quality Manager (CWI) - Remote
$80K - $95K *
Support a culture of quality and safety by conducting audits, training staff, and ensuring compliance with standards in a remote construction environment. Drive continuous improvement and maintain eff...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Design Manager - Data Center Construction
$170K - $210K *
Lead mechanical design initiatives for construction projects, focusing on data centers. Collaborate with clients and teams to ensure high-quality delivery, manage project phases, and innovate solution...
1 week ago
BIM VDC Engineer IV - Critical Infrastructure
$99K - $120K *
Drive BIM and VDC initiatives for critical infrastructure projects, leading model management and coordination efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure accurate, constructible models throughout the co...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Accelerate progress at a large-scale automation project as the executive leader driving end-to-end delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality align with customer expectations and business objecti...
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Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering
$144K - $211K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a high-performing team in implementing and scaling industrial control systems. Collaborate across functions to ensure reliable, maintainable solutions that supp...
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Senior Superintendent - Site Based
$100K - $120K *
Champion field operations for construction projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and budget adherence. Lead teams, manage subcontractors, and foster client relationships throughout the project lifecy...
1 week ago
$131K - $243K *
Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, create specifications, and support the deployment of innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Mid-Level Structural Engineer (PE) (Southwest Region - Remote) - 24646
$80K - $95K *
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Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $140K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and governance of structured exam content. Drive standards compliance and metadata alignment across assessment systems, ensuring seamless integration and functio...
3 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the future of healthcare business operations by driving growth, optimizing performance, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals and...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading our platform engineering efforts, enhancing infrastructure, security, and CI/CD processes. Drive innovation and reliability as you build scalable solutions that empower pro...
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.