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 - $112K *
Innovate in water and wastewater engineering by designing sustainable systems, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Drive project success through technical suppo...
1 week ago
$100K - $150K *
Innovate operational efficiency by developing automation systems and processes. Collaborate across teams to enhance product velocity and streamline workflows, ensuring high-impact solutions in a fast...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in transforming innovative designs into practical construction solutions. Collaborate with clients and contractors while ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining quality st...
3 days ago
$100K - $115K *
Drive engineering excellence by developing PS&E packages for traffic signals and ITS in Southern California. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with local guidelines while enhancing transport...
6 days ago
Assistant Chief of Code Enforcement
$80K - $128K *
Inspire operational excellence by leading a team of inspectors in enforcing building codes and regulations. Collaborate with city officials to enhance workflows, ensure compliance, and drive continuou...
2 weeks ago
Building Automation Systems Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of building operations by optimizing BAS effectiveness and energy management. Oversee service contracts, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure system reliability and enhance occupan...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $89K *
Partner with us to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. You'll respond to service calls, oversee contractors, and maintain safe...
2 days ago
General Manager - High-Rise Condominium
$95K - $100K *
Innovate community management by leading operations, enhancing communication, and ensuring compliance. Drive strategic planning and foster partnerships to meet community needs while overseeing staff a...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing cutting-edge fire protection solutions for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate across disciplines and lead innovative designs that ensure safety, compli...
Reposted 1 week ago
$190K - $230K *
Champion strategic execution as a trusted partner to the CEO, optimizing operational flow and enhancing leadership team alignment while driving high-impact initiatives and cross-functional collaborati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Project Manager I: Tenant Interiors Construction
$80K - $100K *
Unlock your potential as a Project Manager I, overseeing small to mid-sized projects. Collaborate with teams, manage budgets, and cultivate client relationships in a dynamic environment focused on exc...
4 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Engage in the design and implementation of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams on projects in the Water/Wastewater sector, leveraging your expertise...
2 weeks ago
(Construction Engineering) Technology Solutions Engineer
$65K - $125K *
Drive innovative technology solutions by collaborating with project teams to ensure quality oversight, bid coordination, and project completion within a construction environment. Gain hands-on experie...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$212K - $259K *
Advance large-scale rail projects by overseeing construction activities, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Lead teams to deliver successful outcomes...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by managing construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to budget and schedule. Collaborate with teams and clients to deliver successfu...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing high-tech projects, ensuring exceptional client relations and safety. Oversee program management, trade partner facilitation, and continuous improvement practices to achiev...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading diverse construction projects, driving preconstruction activities, managing budgets, and mentoring teams. Strengthen client relationships while promoting safety and quality...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering successful construction projects. Leverage your expertise in HVAC and commercial construction to manage schedules, oversee subcontractors, and ensure project...
6 days ago
Lead Commercial HVAC Service Technician
$83K - $135K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Commercial HVAC Service Technician, where you'll troubleshoot, maintain, and install HVAC systems while mentoring others and ensuring top-notch service...
3 weeks ago
Control Systems Designer, Data Centers
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data centers by designing resilient automation and control systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to deliver high-performance facilities across No...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $155K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering designs for water and wastewater projects. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, ensuring project quality and timelines while mentoring...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading civil engineering design efforts for diverse water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, quality, and effective project deliver...
Reposted 1 week ago
$75K - $95K *
Drive operational excellence by managing HVAC and electrical systems, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Collaborate with contractors and oversee preventive maintenance to enhance tenant comfort...
Yesterday
Project Manager 1 - Data Centers/Mission Critical
$80K - $95K *
Empower project success by leading teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely completion. Utilize strong communication and organizational skills to foster client relationships and oversee all aspect...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower project success by leading high-performing teams, fostering client relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across major construction projects. Drive strategic initiatives and delive...
3 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.