Commercial Building Engineer

The Commercial Building Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and optimization of building systems within commercial facilities. This role ensures all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and structural components function safely, efficiently, and reliably to support business operations and associate comfort.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Capable of working independently while also transitioning seamlessly into a
• collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to pivot when unplanned work arises.
• Provide support and coordination with other trades, embracing a versatile, ‘jack-of-all-trades’ mindset.”
• Perform daily maintenance tasks including repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance, as well as overseeing building-related expenses.
• Maintain effective communication with staff, vendors, and other departments, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Manage a diverse workload and handle emergency situations in a calm and supportive manner while fostering a safe work environment.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Building Operations & System Management

• Operate, monitor, and maintain building systems including HVAC, electrical distribution, lighting, plumbing, boilers, chillers, pumps, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Perform routine inspections of equipment, mechanical rooms, and building infrastructure to identify issues and prevent system failures.
• Adjust system settings to optimize performance, energy use, and occupant comfort.

Maintenance & Repair

• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems.
• Troubleshoot issues with HVAC units, motors, control systems, VFDs, generators, and life safety systems.
• Perform minor carpentry, painting, plumbing, and general building repairs as needed.
• Respond to work orders in a timely, professional manner with proper documentation.

Building Automation & Controls

• Monitor and adjust BAS/BMS system to maintain optimal building performance.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and partner with management to implement improvements.
• Assist with programming, sequencing, alarms, and device testing.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all building operations follow OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and local mechanical/electrical codes.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Support annual inspections for fire systems, elevators, boilers, and other regulated equipment.
• Participate in safety training and emergency response procedures.

Vendor & Project Support

• Coordinate work with external contractors, technicians, and service providers as needed.
• Review contractor work for quality, safety, and compliance with specifications.

Customer Service & Communication

• Communicate professionally and effectively with building occupants, managers, and vendors.
• Provide updates on work order status, system conditions, and recommended corrective actions.
• Support tenant/building requests professionally and proactively.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS:

Education/Certifications:

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3-7 years of experience in commercial building maintenance or engineering.
• Relevant technical training
• Proficiency with tools
• Proficiency with commercial building systems
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical distribution, plumbing, and building controls.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical documents.
• Familiarity with CMMS work order systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Trade school certification in HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems.
• Universal EPA 608 certification.
• Experience with Niagara Tridium BAS/BMS system.
• Certifications such as:
• BOMA SMA/SMT
• IFMA FMP or CFM
• OSHA 10/30
• State electrical/mechanical licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Adaptability:

• Ability to embrace change and shift focus when unexpected work arises.

Time Management:

• Ability to use discernment to prioritize tasks and decide what to focus on to maximize impact.

Customer Service:

• Ability to actively seek to understand the needs of others and provide a positive experience that addresses their needs, questions, and concerns.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical demands may include manual labor, lifting objects, and working in various environmental conditions.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; write; type; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.