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.
Resident Engineer - Rail (Remote Site Locations)
$100K - $120K *
Empower our Construction Management team by overseeing rail project operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing contractor activities to deliver successful infrastructure outco...
6 days ago
Regional Sales Manager - nVent CADDY & GARDNER BENDER (Eastern Canada)
$112K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving sales success across multiple regions by converting new business and enhancing customer relationships. Lead strategic initiatives, provide product expertise, and utilize Sal...
2 weeks ago
$101K - $157K *
Shape the future of BIM projects by leading a dynamic team, optimizing processes, and ensuring client satisfaction through effective management and strategic input across all phases of electrical cons...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Corporate Security
$150K - $220K *
Contribute to corporate security by designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures while collaborating with IT, engineering, and business teams to address and mitigate risks across...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Team Manager, Implementation Services Corporate Impact
$101K - $132K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of client success by leading implementation efforts. Drive operational excellence while mentoring your team and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance customer...
Reposted 1 week ago
Assistant Area Engineer (WMS Band 2) | Multiple Positions
$103K - $126K *
Champion innovative highway design and construction projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient t...
1 week ago
Commercial Sales Engineer- New York
$110K - $130K *
Drive technical sales success by leveraging your expertise in cloud technologies and advanced sales frameworks. Collaborate with teams to craft tailored solutions for startup and midmarket clients, en...
Yesterday
Principal Consulting AWS Architect
$156K - $240K *
Innovate solutions at the intersection of cloud technology and engineering. Lead AWS projects, mentor teams, and drive best practices while ensuring delivery excellence across multiple client engageme...
2 weeks ago
Director, Engineering- North America
$140K - $218K *
Transform the future of aerospace engineering by leading multi-site teams, enhancing technical capabilities, and driving operational excellence to meet customer demands and improve performance across...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Managed Programs
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer cross-functional programs, managing teams to deliver crucial initiatives. Drive alignment across departments, enhance operational excellence, and elevate program delivery practices while track...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Sustainability Consultant
$100K - $120K *
Elevate sustainability initiatives by leading client engagements in impact inventory, strategy development, and target tracking. Utilize analytical tools to transform sustainability challenges into ac...
Reposted today
Principal Physical Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Transform your career with a pivotal role in physical design, leading complex SoC implementations, optimizing performance, and driving cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful tapeout readi...
6 days ago
Electrical Qualification Agent
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in ensuring electrical safety and compliance across installations. This role involves extensive travel, inspecting installations, managing permits, and collaborating with teams to upho...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Support the future of facility management by overseeing maintenance, budgeting, and safety programs. Drive operational efficiency and ensure compliance with regulations while managing subcontractor se...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$135K - $160K *
Innovate your career by leading the development of backend systems and APIs that empower customer interactions. Collaborate across teams to drive technical solutions and mentor engineers, ensuring sea...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$205K - $231K *
Join a team that's redefining software supply chain security. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll lead backend system design, API development, and cross-team collaboration, driving impactful solution...
1 week ago
Senior Tier 3 Engineer - Calix Cloud
$72K - $140K *
Accelerate customer success by owning escalated technical issues, collaborating across teams, and mentoring support engineers. Drive product improvements and ensure high-quality support for Calix Clou...
1 week ago
Principal Solutions Executive II - Security
$160K - $192K *
Accelerate revenue growth by driving security services sales, managing the full sales lifecycle, and building strategic relationships with clients and partners to enhance market presence and deliver i...
1 week ago
$111K - $125K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...
3 weeks ago
Program Manager Facility Design, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Manage complex data center programs, driving performance and client satisfaction. Lead proposal efforts and ensure successful project execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achie...
2 weeks ago
Business Development Director - Thermal Generation
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy solutions by driving growth and innovation in thermal generation projects. Collaborate with industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet...
3 weeks ago
Business Development Manager - Distributed Energy
$150K - $300K *
Pioneer new sales initiatives by building a pipeline and engaging with diverse industrial clients. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver comprehensive energy solutions while shaping th...
5 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving new enterprise sales in cybersecurity. Own the full sales cycle, from prospecting to closing, while expanding existing accounts. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored...
1 week ago
Service Manager II - Southeast
$103K - $173K *
Transform project execution by managing end-to-end service operations, ensuring safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness while serving as the primary customer interface and leading a team to meet perfo...
1 week ago
Colleague Modernization Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive modernization initiatives by leveraging AI and automation to enhance SaaS delivery processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline technical architecture and improve customer ou...
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.