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.
$120K - $140K *
Drive excellence in facility operations by leading a skilled team, ensuring optimal maintenance and service across complex systems, and supporting a culture of reliability and cost control in a federa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Construction Quality Engineer - Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls (ICE)
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring quality in electrical, instrumentation, and controls construction for refinery projects. You'll oversee field activities, verify compliance, and collaborate wi...
Today
Chief Engineer - Blanton Turner
$115K - $125K *
Accelerate progress at property maintenance as you lead a team to ensure high-quality upkeep and repairs. Oversee operations while enhancing tenant satisfaction through efficient management and hands...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of engineering in hospitality by leading a skilled team, ensuring operational excellence, and driving efficiency while minimizing costs and downtime across all technical systems...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the success of construction projects by managing schedules, budgets, and teams, ensuring high-quality execution and compliance with safety standards. Leverage your expertise to coordinate all ph...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform project delivery by leading diverse engineering initiatives, ensuring alignment with PMO standards and best practices. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency, governance, and cont...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Seeking a results-driven Project Manager to lead diverse engineering projects, ensuring alignment with PMO standards and best practices while fostering continuous improvement and personal development...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Operations Project Manager
$80K - $95K *
Oversee a team managing mechanical and electrical operations across facilities. Drive maintenance, support budgeting, and ensure compliance with engineering standards while fostering staff development...
1 week ago
Engineering Operations Project Manager
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leading a dynamic team in managing mechanical and electrical operations across facilities. Drive innovation, oversee maintenance, and enhance performance metrics while fostering...
1 week ago
$73K - $102K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee maintenance operations for a multi-unit residential property, ensuring high standards in mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry tasks while leading and developing staff for...
4 days ago
Construction Manager (Owner's Representative) - Data Center Construction
$140K - $200K *
Grow by leading construction oversight for mission-critical facilities, ensuring project controls, schedule alignment, and financial tracking across diverse teams to deliver high-quality results on ti...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Controls & Facility Engineer
$170K - $220K *
Empower innovation as you lead complex controls engineering projects, ensuring operational readiness and system upgrades for high-stakes government programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams t...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform energy management by overseeing operations and mentoring teams to optimize facility performance and implement best practices across multiple sites, ensuring efficient energy usage and operat...
1 week ago
Chief Engineer - $5,000 Sign-On Bonus!!! (Local 877)
$100K - $120K *
Champion operational excellence by leading the engineering team to ensure 100% uptime and optimal performance of all building systems while implementing best practices for maintenance and safety...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$161K - $210K *
Drive project success by managing construction planning, safety, and cost control while fostering an inclusive culture. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize execution from design through construc...
Reposted today
Building Enclosure Associate Principal
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by providing technical expertise in building enclosure projects. Oversee initiatives, mentor junior staff, and engage in business development while ensuring high-quality technical...
5 days ago
Building Enclosure Associate Principal
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team, providing technical expertise in building enclosure projects, overseeing operations, and mentoring junior staff while enhancing client relationships across the So...
5 days ago
Building Enclosure Associate Principal
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by providing technical expertise in building enclosure projects, overseeing operations, and mentoring junior staff while driving business development and client engagement in a dyn...
5 days ago
Building Enclosure Associate Principal
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing building enclosure expertise across the Southeast. You'll oversee projects, mentor junior staff, and drive business development while ensuring technical excel...
5 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Drive your career with impactful infrastructure projects, collaborating on design, planning, and construction oversight. Engage with diverse teams to enhance community development and ensure project s...
Today
$99K - $116K *
Champion operational excellence by enhancing Material Handling Equipment systems. Collaborate with maintenance teams to troubleshoot, implement solutions, and ensure efficiency in a modern, climate-co...
1 week ago
$108K - $127K *
Drive operational excellence by supporting maintenance teams in optimizing Material Handling Equipment control systems. Collaborate on troubleshooting, project management, and technology installations...
1 week ago
$87K - $131K *
Unlock potential by leading diverse environmental and geotechnical projects. Collaborate with experts to drive innovative solutions in mining, ensuring compliance and technical excellence while mentor...
3 days ago
$85K - $95K *
Drive exceptional service operations by leading a dedicated team, ensuring compliance, and enhancing community maintenance. Your hands-on leadership will foster growth and efficiency while delivering...
2 weeks ago
Construction Project Manager (Full-Time)
$123K - $178K *
Lead the charge in delivering complex design and construction projects, ensuring quality and compliance for secure facilities. Collaborate with teams to manage risks, schedules, and client expectation...
Yesterday
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.