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.
Project Engineer / Sr. Project Engineer - Industrial Power Systems
$90K - $120K *
Shape innovative engineering solutions as you lead complex projects, focusing on low to medium voltage power systems in industrial settings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior e...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform automation systems by leading controls hardware projects, from design to implementation. Drive innovation in electrical design, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality project delivery whi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive operational excellence by supporting managed services infrastructure, ensuring seamless incident response, systems administration, and network troubleshooting while collaborating with internal t...
5 days ago
Applied HVAC Solutions Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Join the team as a key technical authority, delivering impactful training on commercial HVAC systems. Empower engineers and design professionals with expertise in system design, application, and speci...
3 days ago
Systems Engineering Lead/Manager - KSA C4I
$161K - $299K *
Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...
1 week ago
Electric Vehicle Construction Manager
$100K - $125K *
Join a team that's transforming the EV charging landscape by managing nationwide infrastructure projects. Oversee all phases from planning to execution, ensuring quality and compliance while collabora...
Today
Electrical and Controls Engineer
$120K - $170K *
Manage technical design leadership for industrial projects, coordinating PLC/DCS, HMI, and motion control systems. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality project outcomes while supporting clie...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer robust network solutions to enhance data-center connectivity and support enterprise infrastructure modernization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, reliable network se...
Yesterday
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, Smart Utility
$88K - $105K *
Drive successful AMI deployment projects by coordinating smart meter installations, software integration, and vendor partnerships. Ensure utility modernization through effective project management and...
1 week ago
Project Engineer - Site Design
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in diverse civil engineering projects, applying advanced principles to design and oversee site development. Collaborate with teams, manage project scopes, and ensure successful executi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...
4 weeks ago
Director, Cloud Infrastructure
$180K - $220K *
Empower our cloud infrastructure by reimagining deployment processes, enhancing security, and driving AI-first development. Collaborate across teams to build robust systems that support our venues and...
4 days ago
Staff Product Security Engineer
$205K - $231K *
Drive your career with impactful security initiatives that enhance product safety and foster responsible AI development. Collaborate across teams to elevate security practices and implement robust gua...
4 days ago
$85K *
Reimagine your career by driving sales and fostering relationships in the industrial sector. Leverage your technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions and enhance customer satisfaction while a...
Today
Lead Engineer, Merchandise Technology
$125K - $160K *
Shape the future of global merchandising technology by leading engineering efforts, driving modernization, and ensuring high-quality delivery across diverse platforms. Collaborate with teams to implem...
2 weeks ago
Enterprise Sales Engineer - Philadelphia
$140K - $165K *
Engage with clients to assess technical needs and demonstrate how our solutions meet their requirements. Collaborate with sales teams to secure wins, conduct demos, and build lasting relationships wit...
Today
Customer Experience Manager (CEM) - Fed
$83K - $104K *
Champion customer success by managing key accounts and driving retention strategies. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance client satisfaction, ensure platform adoption, and achieve renewal goals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager, Firewall Infrastructure Engineering
$102K - $190K *
Lead the charge in managing firewall infrastructure engineering, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and security. Drive team performance, oversee lifecycle management, and enhance capabilit...
Today
$130K - $160K *
Engineer AI-driven integrations and enhance platform capabilities while independently managing client engagements from discovery to certification. Collaborate with sales, design solutions, and ensure...
1 week ago
$83K - $87K *
Transform the maintenance landscape by leading a dedicated team, ensuring optimal operations and exceptional resident satisfaction in a vibrant community. Drive preventive care and uphold high standar...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Inspire and lead a technical operations team to exceed performance goals, enhancing customer satisfaction while ensuring quality service and safety in fiber-optic network operations. Foster talent dev...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career forward as you lead on-site project coordination for critical power infrastructure installations across North America, ensuring successful execution and customer satisfaction while m...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$285K - $320K *
Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...
1 week ago
Contractor Liaison HOMES HEEHR
$85K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping energy efficiency by recruiting and engaging contractors within a defined region, managing Home Energy Rebate programs, and supporting operational activities that drive clea...
Reposted 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.