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.
$93K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee facility operations, ensuring efficient management of maintenance, contracts, and tenant relations while driving cost-effective solutions and enhancing property performa...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Shape construction management practices by executing PMO standards, overseeing project planning, and fostering client relationships to ensure successful delivery and exceed performance targets...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Innovate your career by leading construction management initiatives, ensuring project success through effective planning, execution, and client relationship management while driving continuous improve...
1 week ago
$90K - $108K *
Transform facility management by leading operations, ensuring safety, and driving continuous improvement. Build a high-performing team while managing strategic sourcing and enhancing client relationsh...
Reposted 3 days ago
Facilities Program & Construction Support Manager
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing facilities operations and infrastructure management for Army Reserve facilities. This role involves contract development, project coordination, and program ma...
1 week ago
$75K - $90K *
Champion the technology infrastructure that drives academic and administrative success. Lead a high-performing team, manage critical initiatives, and ensure secure, reliable services while collaborati...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $110K *
Design innovative architectural solutions for data center projects, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional results. Engage in all project phases, from conceptual design to constructi...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $155K *
Lead the charge in municipal engineering projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement innovative water, wastewater, and roadway systems while ensuring client satisfacti...
Today
Mid-Level Electrical Engineer- Industrial Buildings
$78K - $112K *
Support and execute electrical engineering design for diverse industrial projects, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-perform...
1 week ago
Mid-Level Electrical Engineer- Industrial Buildings
$78K - $112K *
Build your expertise in electrical engineering by supporting diverse industrial projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement high-performance electrical systems, ensuring...
1 week ago
Mid-Level Electrical Engineer- Industrial Buildings
$78K - $112K *
Shape your career with impactful electrical engineering solutions for diverse industrial projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, develop, and implement high-performance electrica...
1 week ago
Field Construction Coordinator
$83K - $99K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering impactful energy projects. As a Field Construction Coordinator, you'll oversee construction activities, ensure compliance with safety standards, and facilita...
3 days ago
Field Construction Coordinator
$83K - $95K *
Accelerate project success by coordinating field construction activities, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. Your expertise will drive effici...
3 days ago
Field Construction Coordinator
$83K - $95K *
Champion the future of energy projects by coordinating field construction efforts, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance while collaborating with contractors and project managers to drive successfu...
4 days ago
Field Construction Coordinator
$83K - $95K *
Elevate your career by coordinating field construction projects in the energy sector. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality, safety, and timely execution while resolving issues and maintaining proj...
4 days ago
$90K - $120K *
Lead and inspire a dynamic site team through all project phases, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency while fostering professional growth and maintaining strong client relationships. Drive project...
2 weeks ago
Manager - Design & Construction
$159K - $175K *
Collaborate with teams to manage development and capital projects across Northern California, overseeing planning, construction, and closeout phases while ensuring adherence to budgets, safety, qualit...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Construction Projects
$114K - $135K *
Develop and manage construction projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with stakeholders to meet objectives and optimize facility infrastructure...
Today
Electrical Engineer, Data Centers
$85K - $100K *
Transform your career by designing resilient electrical systems for cutting-edge data centers. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance facilities across North America in a...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $87K *
Shape the future of utility systems by optimizing operations, ensuring compliance, and driving energy conservation initiatives. Collaborate across departments to enhance plant efficiency and support e...
2 weeks ago
Senior (CM) Construction Manager
$100K - $120K *
Engage in project execution by monitoring construction activities, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring timely reporting of progress and risks. Collaborate with teams to maintai...
6 days ago
Client Service Manager - Building Automation
$63K - $108K *
Empower customer success by managing service agreements, driving financial performance, and fostering trusted relationships. Balance on-site interactions with strategic planning to enhance service del...
3 days ago
Client Service Manager - Building Automation
$69K - $119K *
Manage service agreements to drive financial performance and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with clients to develop strategies and solutions, balancing on-site interactions with back-office respon...
1 week ago
$90K - $130K *
Transform public infrastructure by leading impactful projects in roadways and utilities. Drive capital improvements, manage teams, and ensure compliance with engineering standards while enhancing comm...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Join us to lead impactful public infrastructure projects, managing capital improvements and ensuring compliance with engineering standards while collaborating with teams and stakeholders to enhance co...
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.