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.
Chief Engineer, Data Center Engg Ops
$111K - $186K *
Pioneer the maintenance and operation of critical data center facilities. Lead teams in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring optimal performance and uptime. Engage closely with...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the successful execution of a battery energy storage project, managing on-site teams, ensuring safety compliance, and optimizing project performance through effective planning and communication...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Drive facility support operations for diverse aerospace infrastructure, collaborating with leadership and managers across multiple locations to optimize performance, cost, and communication, ensuring...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $100K *
Lead a dedicated team to enhance daily operations at a luxury residential property, ensuring exceptional service quality and resident satisfaction while managing maintenance, budgets, and emergency re...
1 week ago
Construction Project Executive
$100K - $120K *
Drive excellence in project execution, fostering client relations and team development while overseeing a diverse project portfolio in commercial, medical, and institutional construction settings...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $91K *
Shape your career by supporting the administration of building codes, ensuring compliance through inspections and permit reviews, while providing exceptional customer service to the public and collabo...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Lead the technical and administrative management of construction projects, ensuring adherence to design specifications, budget, and schedule while collaborating with clients, subcontractors, and team...
3 weeks ago
Construction Manager - Architect/Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Lead the transformation of healthcare infrastructure by overseeing EHRM projects, ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and effective management of diverse teams to enhance the VA's capabilities in...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive operational excellence in foundry manufacturing by overseeing production, safety, and quality. Lead teams to achieve strategic goals while ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering a cu...
1 week ago
Data Center Chief Engineer , Data Center Eng Ops
$96K - $166K *
Empower seamless operations in our cutting-edge Data Center Engineering team. Take ownership of facility management, ensuring all systems operate at peak efficiency to support global cloud infrastruct...
Reposted 1 month ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead high-tech project execution, ensuring safety and excellence in operations. Manage onsite activities, foster owner relations, and drive continuous improvement across all phases of commercial and d...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in overseeing high-tech construction projects, ensuring exceptional owner relations and operational excellence. Drive continuous improvement and safety on-site while managing day-to-da...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer the future of commercial construction by leading complex, ground-up projects. As a key onsite liaison, you'll ensure operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement across all phase...
4 days ago
Project Manager/MEP Design Manager, Project & Development Services
$136K - $160K *
Lead and optimize project management for engineering and construction initiatives, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to timelines and budgets while collaborating with teams and stakeholders t...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by overseeing property management, financials, and resident relations. Drive compliance and enhance community engagement while leading a dedicated team to deliver excep...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage project coordination and installation processes while ensuring timely communication and accurate reporting among stakeholders to drive project success and client satisfaction...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Data Center Security Installation Project Manager (Deputy Project Leader)
$80K - $95K *
Manage and optimize large-scale data center security installation projects, ensuring timely completion and financial oversight while coordinating with contractors and adhering to safety regulations...
1 week ago
Manager, Central Plant Operations - Marina Hospital
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing central plant operations to enhance patient care. Oversee a dedicated team, manage critical infrastructure, and ensure compliance while driving efficiency and reliability...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing electrical installations and maintenance. As a Supervisor Electrician, you'll lead a skilled team, ensuring compliance with safety standards while managing p...
6 days ago
$180K - $195K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming construction projects through innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure successful execution of infrastructure init...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and review contract specifications for NYC's major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and enhancing public procurement processes...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize the future of urban infrastructure by developing and reviewing contract specifications for major capital projects, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and facilitating effective pr...
5 days ago
Construction Manager/Electrical Engineer
$105K - $125K *
Manage and optimize healthcare construction projects, collaborating with clients and contractors. Leverage your electrical engineering expertise to ensure compliance, budget adherence, and quality ass...
3 days ago
$155K - $175K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing water-wastewater facilities. Leverage your expertise in electrical engineering to provide innovative design and consulting services, ensuring project success...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to managing diverse projects, ensuring efficient execution, and fostering client satisfaction. Oversee project coordination, budgets, and schedules while mentoring junior...
2 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.