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.
Project Manager- General Contracting
$100K - $145K *
Manage diverse construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and team members for successful outcomes...
4 days ago
$105K - $115K *
Elevate facility management excellence by coordinating projects, managing operations, and collaborating with teams to optimize the Flex Ten Wall modular laboratory system. Ensure timely completion whi...
4 weeks ago
Chief Building Engineer Lead (Santa Maria, CA)
$85K - $87K *
Join a dynamic team as you oversee operations for a portfolio of medical office buildings, ensuring compliance and safety while mentoring staff and optimizing facility performance. Drive strategic pla...
Reposted 1 week ago
$64K - $97K *
Join a team that drives environmental construction projects, overseeing site management, inspections, and safety compliance while ensuring quality and timely delivery across diverse industries. Travel...
Today
Project Engineer - Commercial/Architectural
$72K - $100K *
Unlock your potential by supporting the planning and coordination of diverse commercial and architectural projects, ensuring seamless communication between field teams and project plans while driving...
3 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Commercial/Architectural
$72K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team to support the planning and execution of diverse commercial and architectural projects, ensuring seamless coordination between field operations and project documentation for succes...
3 weeks ago
Automation Building Engineer - BAS & HVAC Lead
$80K - $95K *
Engineer building automation and energy management systems, enhance system efficiency, and collaborate with various teams to implement innovative solutions for optimal performance and user experience...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $125K *
Oversee and enhance building operations, ensuring efficient maintenance and asset management. Lead a high-performing team while managing capital projects and compliance, fostering a culture of safety...
Today
$157K - $185K *
Elevate our data engineering capabilities by leading complex challenges, designing scalable architectures, and mentoring teams to ensure excellence in delivery and innovation across the organization...
Reposted 1 week ago
$157K - $185K *
Transform data engineering by tackling complex challenges and shaping enterprise architecture. Leverage deep expertise in Databricks and Azure to drive standards, mentor teams, and deliver high-qualit...
1 week ago
$157K - $185K *
Join as a Principal Data Engineer to tackle complex data challenges. Lead the design and implementation of scalable data architectures while mentoring teams and establishing engineering standards acro...
Reposted 1 week ago
Electrical Design Engineer (Building Engineering)
$80K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative electrical engineering solutions for building systems. Leverage your expertise in power distribution, lighting, and safety standards to support di...
2 weeks ago
Project Engineer, Land Development
$90K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative hydraulic modeling solutions for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex engineering challen...
4 days ago
$170K - $190K *
Transform community spaces by leading parks and recreation construction projects. Leverage your extensive public works experience to manage budgets, coordinate teams, and ensure quality and safety in...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as you oversee facility maintenance, manage contractors, and ensure operational excellence in a large industrial refrigerated warehouse. Drive efficiency and safety through proacti...
1 week ago
Licensed MEP Plan Check Engineer
$93K - $145K *
Unlock your potential as an MEP Plan Check Engineer, reviewing designs for compliance and coordinating multidisciplinary projects. Drive innovation in building services, ensuring adherence to regulati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
PM Engineering Ops Manager, on-site
$100K - $120K *
Oversee engineering operations across multiple Class A office locations, ensuring optimal performance and service delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational excellence and drive co...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform municipal and site civil projects through expert construction administration, ensuring compliance and quality from bid documentation to project closeout. Collaborate with teams to deliver su...
4 days ago
$78K - $85K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing facility operations and enhancing asset value. Lead a skilled team, manage maintenance, and ensure compliance while fostering positive client relationships a...
Today
$115K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee facility operations, manage maintenance, and enhance client relationships while driving team performance and ensuring compliance with regulations. Your leadership will s...
Yesterday
$78K - $85K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic team in facilities management, ensuring operational excellence across a diverse portfolio. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance client relationships, and optim...
5 days ago
$78K - $85K *
Champion operational excellence by leading a dynamic facilities management team. Drive strategic initiatives, oversee maintenance, and enhance client relationships to ensure optimal performance across...
5 days ago
$85K - $90K *
Oversee facility operations and maintenance, managing a team to ensure efficient building management, client relations, and compliance with regulations while driving operational excellence and budget...
6 days ago
$110K - $128K *
Lead the charge in managing facility operations and maintenance, overseeing a dedicated team to ensure optimal performance and client satisfaction across multiple buildings while driving efficiency an...
1 week ago
$87K - $95K *
Empower operational excellence as you manage facility maintenance and optimize asset performance. Lead a dedicated team, enhance client relationships, and drive strategic initiatives to elevate the va...
1 week 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.