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.
Senior Site Reliability Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Provide your expertise to enhance system reliability and performance. You'll define service level objectives, build observability, and lead incident response, ensuring our platform meets high availabi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Manage day-to-day infrastructure and customer support, ensuring optimal server performance, security, and incident response. Collaborate on initiatives to enhance operational security and maintain doc...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Protection Engineer - Distribution (Remote)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of distribution engineering by leading the design and integration of advanced protection and automation solutions, ensuring optimal performance and safety across critical infrastructu...
Reposted today
Principal Product Manager, CX AI & Automation
$150K - $180K *
Redefine customer experience through strategic AI integration, bridging business and technology. Lead AI product management, ensuring cohesive delivery and governance while enhancing operational effic...
2 weeks ago
BIM/VDC Data and Implementation Specialist (Remote)
$80K - $95K *
Empower the VDC team by managing BIM data, optimizing Revit files, and enhancing project workflows. Collaborate across departments to ensure data consistency and support construction initiatives, driv...
6 days ago
Senior Program Manager - Cloud Operations
$120K - $145K *
Unlock operational excellence by driving cross-functional programs that enhance cloud operations. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure alignment with business...
3 weeks ago
Senior System Protection Engineer - Transmission Line
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading the development of protection and control systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze complex power system challenges, ensuring compliance and delivering innovative solut...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in scalable distributed systems by designing and building a reliability platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service health and observability while mentoring f...
4 days ago
Principal Cost Engineer - Design to Value
$96K - $192K *
Join a dynamic team to drive cost reduction initiatives and enhance material productivity across global business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence design and manufacturing changes, ens...
1 week ago
Automation & Controls Engineer - Critical Power Systems (Remote)
$89K - $133K *
Drive innovative automation solutions for generator control systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance power system performance from design to commissioning, ensuring customer satis...
1 week ago
Technical Lead, Agentic Auditor
$100K - $199K *
Lead the infrastructure team to design and implement scalable, secure platforms. Collaborate across functions to ensure timely delivery while managing technical risks and compliance. Drive innovation...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead reliability engineering initiatives to enhance asset management strategies, integrating advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize maintenance programs and ensure operational excellence...
4 days ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Mission Critical Power Systems
$154K - $223K *
Transform the future of power generation by leading large-scale electrical projects. Drive innovation in mission-critical data centers, ensuring reliability and efficiency from design to operation whi...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Technical Services & Customer Support
$95K - $105K *
Lead a dynamic team of Field Engineers to optimize post-sales technical services, ensuring seamless installations and exceptional support for mission-critical audio recording solutions in public safet...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate your career by designing and optimizing secure, scalable cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure high availability for glo...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining HR leadership across multiple countries. Drive global HR strategy, enhance employee experience, and ensure compliance while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic, multi-e...
Today
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer (Washington, D.C.)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy AI-driven solutions. This role blends engineering and client engagement, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and deliver...
1 week ago
Global Product Manager, Overhead Technologies
$114K - $151K *
Unlock potential by leading the HV overhead switchgear portfolio, driving product strategy, market development, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve profitable growth and enhance utility solu...
Reposted yesterday
Forward Deployed Solution Engineer - Applied AI FDE
$201K - $352K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...
2 weeks ago
Account Executive, e-Discovery and Legal Services
$84K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of eDiscovery sales, driving revenue growth through lead generation, client management, and strategic networking. Join a dynamic team focused on expanding business...
3 weeks ago
Associate Principal Engineer - Support Lead - Media Operations
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine media operations by leading a team of analysts, leveraging your expertise in broadcast management systems and scheduling software to enhance efficiency and drive results in a dynamic, fast-p...
3 days ago
$140K - $180K *
Lead transformative highway projects that enhance transportation networks and community connectivity. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success from planning through delivery...
6 days ago
Principal Software Engineer (Remote)
$176K - $220K *
Drive impactful platform engineering initiatives, leveraging deep expertise to architect scalable solutions and guide clients through complex technical landscapes while fostering collaboration and inn...
4 days ago
Civil Engineer (Remote Eligible) - Must Be Licensed in California
$110K - $150K *
Champion the design and delivery of civil infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with California standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a fully remote environment...
Today
Client Executive, Commercial Lines
$100K - $120K *
Build strong client relationships, optimize risk management strategies, and drive growth with a focus on commercial accounts. Collaborate with teams to ensure profitability, operational excellence, an...
4 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.