Assistant Building Engineer

Assistant Building Engineer

Northwest Work Lofts | Seattle, WA

Position: Assistant Building Engineer
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Northwest Work Lofts is seeking a dependable, hardworking, and resourceful Assistant Building Engineer to help maintain and operate our commercial property in Seattle.

Northwest Work Lofts is a 100-year-old warehouse building that has been converted into a unique commercial workspace. As an older property, the building requires a hands-on approach to maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, solving problems, and taking pride in keeping a building operating smoothly.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in general building maintenance and repair, particularly in older buildings. Previous commercial property engineering experience is helpful but not required. More importantly, we value practical skills, a positive attitude, good judgment, and a willingness to tackle a wide variety of tasks.

This position requires someone who works well both independently and as part of a team, takes initiative, and is comfortable handling everything from mechanical maintenance and repairs to routine building upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

Building Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform general maintenance and repairs throughout the property, including basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, drywall, doors, locks, and hardware.
• Assist with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of steam boiler, plumbing, electrical, and other building systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine inspections to identify and address potential problems.
• Troubleshoot maintenance issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Assist with repairs and improvements common to older warehouse and commercial buildings.
• Maintain building tools, equipment, mechanical rooms, and maintenance areas in a safe and orderly condition.
• Coordinate with outside contractors and service providers as needed.
• Respond promptly and professionally to tenant maintenance requests.
• Respond to after-hours calls as needed.

What We're Looking For

• We place a high value on reliability, resourcefulness, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
• The right person for this position is someone who notices when something needs attention and takes the initiative to address it. They enjoy fixing things, aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and understand that maintaining an older building requires patience, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills.
• We are looking for a team player who takes pride in their work, can be trusted to work independently, and is willing to pitch in wherever needed to keep Northwest Work Lofts running smoothly.

Building Operations & General Upkeep

• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the property to identify maintenance, cleanliness, and safety concerns.
• Help maintain common areas, hallways, stairwells, entrances, and exterior areas.
• Perform light janitorial duties, including daily restroom checks, restocking supplies, removing trash, and addressing minor cleaning needs.
• Empty trash receptacles and assist with general waste and recycling management.
• Help keep the building's common areas clean, safe, and presentable.
• Assist with seasonal maintenance, minor improvement projects, and other property-related tasks as needed.

Teamwork & Tenant Service

• Work cooperatively with building management, other maintenance personnel, contractors, and tenants.
• Communicate clearly regarding maintenance issues, completed work, and items requiring additional attention.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and a service-oriented attitude when interacting with tenants.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of responsibilities as building needs change.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in general building maintenance, repair, construction, or a related trade.
• Working knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and comfortable taking initiative.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Comfortable performing both skilled maintenance work and routine building upkeep, including light janitorial duties.
• Ability to safely use common hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
• Good communication skills and a professional approach to tenant interactions.

Preferred

• Experience maintaining or renovating older commercial, industrial, or warehouse buildings.
• Previous experience as a building engineer, maintenance technician, facilities technician, or similar position.
• Familiarity with steam boiler systems and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Experience working in occupied commercial buildings.
• General knowledge of building safety procedures and maintenance best practices.

Previous commercial real estate engineering experience is not required. Candidates with strong hands-on maintenance and repair backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly walk the property, climb stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, and perform physical maintenance tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance for heavier items.
• Comfortable working in mechanical rooms, utility spaces, and other typical building maintenance environments.
• Ability to perform work safely while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to confidently and safely work on ladder.

Pay: $26.44 - $31.25 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $31