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.
$85K - $100K *
Empower your career by leading industrial tilt-up construction projects. Oversee operations, manage subcontractors, and ensure quality and safety from start to finish while collaborating with project...
4 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Develop and oversee maintenance operations across a diverse property portfolio, ensuring high service standards, effective team training, and budget management. Collaborate with leadership to enhance...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $141K *
Lead the charge in managing construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes for public infrastructure and r...
Today
$120K - $140K *
Join a dynamic team as a Safety Manager, overseeing safety performance across multiple sites. Lead safety initiatives, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with regulations while fostering a culture...
1 week ago
Field Engineer - Hyperscale Data Center
$80K - $95K *
Drive project success by supporting management and ensuring seamless communication between field and office teams. Oversee documentation, validate designs, and enhance processes to meet customer expec...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead construction inspection efforts for major transit projects, ensuring compliance with codes and contract requirements. Collaborate closely with project teams, conduct site visits, and maintain acc...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $110K *
Optimize the value of multifamily properties by managing facilities projects from assessment through completion, ensuring quality, budget adherence, and contractor performance while collaborating with...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $110K *
Manage diverse facilities projects from assessment to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with contractors and teams to enhance multifamily community value while addressi...
3 weeks ago
$77K - $106K *
Pioneer operational excellence by overseeing maintenance teams, optimizing equipment performance, and implementing safety protocols while driving continuous improvement within the facility operations...
Reposted today
Director of Maintenance (On-Site)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of property management by leading maintenance, repair, and project initiatives across diverse properties, ensuring optimal performance, compliance, and asset preservation through effe...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Reimagine construction leadership by driving safety, quality, and efficiency on large-scale industrial and data center projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful execution while managing re...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading field operations on large-scale industrial and data center projects. Drive safety, quality, and profitability while managing teams and coordinating resources across multipl...
1 week ago
$92K - $110K *
Help us drive excellence in large-scale industrial and data center projects. Lead field operations, ensuring safety, quality, and profitability while managing teams across multiple locations in a fast...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize field operations for large-scale industrial and data center projects. Lead teams, ensure safety and quality, and manage schedules and costs across multiple sites in a fast-paced environment...
1 week ago
$79K - $176K *
Join our dynamic team to lead building maintenance operations while ensuring safety and quality in construction and repair projects. Collaborate with staff and contractors to meet diverse operational...
3 weeks ago
Project Executive - Commercial Construction
$270K - $290K *
Lead and transform multiple commercial projects, guiding teams and fostering client relationships. Drive operational excellence and strategic growth while mentoring future leaders in a dynamic constru...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Transform transportation infrastructure by leading structural engineering teams on diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to deliver innovative designs and ensure project success...
Reposted 1 week ago
$180K - $230K *
Join a dynamic team to lead structural engineering for transportation projects, ensuring effective collaboration and project delivery while fostering professional growth and maintaining strong client...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Elevate structural engineering excellence by leading teams in transportation projects, ensuring innovative design and delivery while fostering collaboration and client relationships across diverse inf...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Drive structural engineering excellence by leading design teams on transportation projects. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring project deadlines and client s...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Drive innovative structural design solutions for transportation projects, leading engineering teams to deliver high-quality results while fostering collaboration and maintaining strong client relation...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Innovate structural design solutions for transportation projects, leading teams in delivering high-quality engineering services. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure project success while fosterin...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams in transportation projects, ensuring effective collaboration and project delivery. Drive design, analysis, and reporting while fostering positive relationships with c...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Lead structural engineering teams to design and deliver innovative transportation projects. Collaborate across disciplines, ensuring quality and timely execution while fostering strong client relation...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $230K *
Champion innovative design solutions in transportation structures, leading engineering teams on diverse projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful project delivery while fostering s...
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.