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 Principal Structural Engineer - Data Center Infrastructure (FE)
$156K - $281K *
Join a team that's redefining structural engineering for data centers. As a Senior Principal Structural Engineer, you'll ensure the integrity of innovative designs, collaborating across disciplines to...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic electrical engineering team, driving project delivery, fostering innovation, and enhancing client relationships across diverse markets while ensuring high-qual...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic electrical engineering team, driving innovation and quality across diverse projects while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration in a multidisciplinar...
5 days ago
$110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in engineering, leading a skilled group to ensure safety, service, and operational standards while managing budgets and enhancing guest experiences through s...
2 weeks ago
Regional Manager of Facilities - South Florida
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's committed to transforming school facilities management. You will oversee maintenance operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety standards, while mentoring a team...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Process Engineer, MBJ
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing Metal Binder Jet (MBJ) technology and optimizing production capabilities for aerospace and defense applications, while serving as a recognized technical authority in addit...
3 weeks ago
Director and Building Code Official
$104K - $156K *
Lead the charge in overseeing building code compliance and operations for a dynamic campus environment. Manage a full-service department, ensuring safety and compliance across diverse construction and...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of facilities management across multi-family properties, leading a dedicated maintenance team to ensure excellence in operations, training, and vendor relations while driving continuous...
6 days ago
Assistant Vice President, Mechanical Engineer - Buildings
$134K - $200K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative mechanical engineering projects. Drive multidisciplinary teams, mentor talent, and enhance client relationships while delivering sustainable building solution...
6 days ago
$75K - $94K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative workplace solutions while managing key client relationships. Oversee project delivery, coordinate resources, and address complex design challenges to ensure al...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Champion innovative workplace solutions, bridging business needs and real estate strategy while managing client relationships and overseeing multifunctional service delivery. Develop and ensure alignm...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing workplace experiences through exceptional service management, staff development, and client relationship building, ensuring efficient operations and strategic...
Today
$93K - $114K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering top-notch fire alarm solutions through expert programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Collaborate with sales and project teams to ensure seamless in...
3 weeks ago
Installation Superintendent, Major Projects
$163K - $214K *
Elevate your career by leading major installation projects, ensuring safety and quality while managing relationships with customers and teams. Drive project success through effective planning, coordin...
Today
$135K - $166K *
Unlock your potential as you manage construction projects, ensuring compliance with contracts and fostering strong client relationships while overseeing schedules, budgets, and team coordination for s...
4 days ago
Critical Facilities Manager (PHX)
$140K - $180K *
Manage critical facility operations, ensuring uptime and safety in mission-critical environments. Lead teams, oversee maintenance, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with op...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare construction by managing complex projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring compliance and quality throughout the design and co...
4 days ago
$139K - $188K *
Oversee and manage code enforcement activities, ensuring compliance with city regulations. Collaborate with community members and city staff to address issues, promote safety, and enhance neighborhood...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by managing water and wastewater projects, ensuring compliance and quality as you collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions for municipal and private clients...
3 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager (Facilities)
$180K - $200K *
Manage complex capital improvement and construction projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with stakeholders to support the educational mis...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $135K *
Transform project delivery by providing essential technical and administrative support for bond-funded capital improvement projects, ensuring compliance and timely execution throughout all phases of c...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $125K *
Elevate project outcomes by providing essential engineering support, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with specifications. Manage multiple tasks effectively while contributing...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Commissioning Supervisor
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient mechanical commissioning for mining projects. Oversee installation verification, conduct inspections, and lead start-up activities while pri...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Engineer, Building Optimization Team (BOT)
$100K - $120K *
Help us drive building optimization initiatives by managing technical projects, providing expert oversight, and enhancing energy efficiency programs to meet sustainability goals and reduce greenhouse...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Transform energy and water management practices by leading initiatives that enhance efficiency and compliance with federal standards. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies, conduct audits, and...
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.