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.
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing large-scale electrical projects while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to drive operations, oversee installations, and enhance training, con...
4 weeks ago
Engineer III, Controls Service
$95K - $115K *
Elevate steam turbine performance by enhancing control systems and providing expert support. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot, implement modifications, and mentor engineers, ensuring reliability...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead transformative electrical projects by overseeing all operations, managing teams and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and fostering an efficient work environm...
4 weeks ago
MEP Superintendent | Mission Critical
$95K - $115K *
Take ownership of complex MEP-driven construction projects, ensuring flawless execution and highest safety, quality, and reliability standards from planning to turnover. Lead and mentor teams, fosteri...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead project management efforts, ensuring technical accuracy and client satisfaction while overseeing budgets, schedules, and team performance for civil engineering projects. Drive successful project...
1 week ago
Cost Engineer (Data Center Construction)
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's passionate about delivering exceptional cost management solutions. Collaborate with diverse professionals to enhance your skills while overseeing project budgets, timelines, and cli...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Maintenance Manager - CNC Machining Services
$72K - $114K *
Lead a skilled maintenance team to ensure optimal performance of CNC machining equipment. Oversee preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain communication with production teams while en...
1 week ago
Project Manager - Electrical - New York
$110K - $130K *
Deliver successful project outcomes by managing complex initiatives across healthcare, education, and commercial sectors. Serve as the key liaison between clients and teams, ensuring projects meet qua...
1 week ago
Resident Project Representative
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring construction excellence across the Western US. You'll oversee compliance, coordinate with stakeholders, and manage project documentation, all while traveling t...
1 week ago
Coordinator, Construction Services
$69K - $90K *
Unlock potential by managing low-complexity construction contracts, ensuring compliance, and fostering relationships with contractors and stakeholders. Engage in problem-solving and risk management to...
2 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Modular - Data Center
$66K - $103K *
Contribute to project success by supporting field operations, managing documentation, and coordinating logistics. Engage with teams to ensure smooth execution of plans while fostering a collaborative...
1 week ago
Project Engineer - Modular - Data Center
$66K - $103K *
Elevate your career as a Project Engineer, supporting field operations and project management. Collaborate with teams to ensure project execution, coordinate material deliveries, and maintain essentia...
1 week ago
Project Engineer - Modular - Data Center
$66K - $103K *
Join a team that's pivotal in executing project plans and supporting field operations. As a Project Engineer, you'll coordinate logistics, maintain essential documentation, and serve as a key contact...
1 week ago
Data Center ICT Technical Lead
$120K - $145K *
Transform data center projects by leading OSP and ISP design efforts, ensuring quality and scalability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing project t...
3 weeks ago
Engineer, Structural (Conventional)
$100K - $150K *
Develop innovative structural designs for power generation and industrial projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure compliance with codes and specifications, delivering resilient inf...
Today
Engineering and Facilities Manager
$88K - $105K *
Empower teams to ensure safe, efficient building operations across multiple commercial properties while managing budgets, enhancing customer relationships, and driving service excellence in facility m...
2 weeks ago
Engineering and Facilities Manager
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in optimizing facility operations across multiple commercial properties, ensuring safety, efficiency, and exceptional service while developing strong teams and managing customer relati...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical and Plumbing Project Manager
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to managing mechanical and plumbing projects, ensuring quality delivery while mentoring engineers and fostering client relationships in a dynamic construction environment...
4 weeks ago
Electrical Testing Field Engineer 1
$79K - $93K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical systems through installation, programming, and maintenance of protective relaying and metering systems in transmission...
1 week ago
Director of Facilities Management
$128K - $171K *
Empower a dynamic asset management team by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing performance, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple customer sites while driving profitability and cus...
2 weeks ago
Engineer - Electrical - New York
$80K - $95K *
Join us to design and coordinate innovative engineering solutions across diverse markets. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects from concept to construction, enhancing your skil...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform workplace operations by ensuring seamless service delivery across multiple facilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance occupant experiences and maintain operational excellence in a dynamic...
1 week ago
Quality Control Specialist - Electrical
$97K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering quality assurance for the Darlington New Nuclear Project. As a key member, you'll develop documentation and processes ensuring compliance with industry stand...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Traffic Engineer, Professional Engineer - Signals, ITS, and Lighting
$120K - $160K *
Join us to manage and deliver complex transportation projects focused on Intelligent Transportation Systems, traffic signals, and roadway lighting. Leverage your expertise to lead multidisciplinary te...
3 weeks ago
Senior Traffic Engineer, Professional Engineer - Signals, ITS, and Lighting
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining transportation engineering by managing complex projects focused on Intelligent Transportation Systems, traffic signals, and roadway lighting. Leverage your expertise to l...
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.