Demo

Chief Engineer

The Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 9/24/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/24/2025

JOB TITLE: Chief Engineer 

DEPARTMENT: Building Operations 

REPORTS TO: Director, Building Operations 

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt 

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Museum Based 

 

 

GENERAL SUMMARY 

Under the direction of the Director of Building Operations, the Chief Engineer is responsible for managing the maintenance, repair, and performance of the facility’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. To ensure a safe, stable, and comfortable climate for DIA visitors and to ensure accurate climate control for the art collection.  

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Manage the department, determining priorities and goals, scheduling, and annual budget ensuring that department resources and staff support the museum's strategic goals and annual museum-wide goals, and that those goals are met on schedule and within budget.
  • Recruit, mentor, develop and successfully manage a team to achieve the strategic objectives and the present and future needs of the department.
  • Create a collaborative work environment by using a performance support process including goal setting, feedback, and development.
  • Manage maintenance and operations of all HVAC mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in line with museum standards. 
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of HVAC equipment, including chillers, steam generators, and other essential system elements. 
  • Develop and implement building management solutions.
  • Develop preventative maintenance programs and ensure system reliability.
  • Ensure compliance with safety codes, regulations, and museum policies.
  • Monitor building automation system to optimize energy efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Manage relationships with vendors and contractors to ensure quality and value.
  • Address emergency maintenance issues and develop response plans.
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance, equipment performance, and compliance. 
  • Participate in building maintenance and renovation projects related to HVAC systems.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex issues related to HVAC and other building systems. 
  • Manage vendor relationships and service agreements for HVAC systems.
  • Foster, promote, and support Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) through the DIA values, active listening, embracing difference, and engaging with empathy to promote a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

Bachelor's degree in related field required, HVAC Engineering degree preferred. Seven (7) years of relevant work experience with HVAC controls with three (3) years of direct supervisory experience required. City of Detroit, First-class Operating Engineers Refrigeration License, CFC Universal License, and Facility Engineer Certification (CFM, CEM, OSHA) required. Additional years of experience may be substituted for degree requirements. 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

  • Must be a strategic thinker with the ability to plan and execute goals and objectives.  
  • Must possess leadership skills and the ability to lead a diverse team to meet strategic goals supporting the museum strategy and vision.   
  • Demonstrated knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems.
  • Working knowledge of Museum Environmental standards. 
  • Demonstrated experience with Electrical, HVAC, and DDC controls. 
  • Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems.
  • Working knowledge of sustainability initiatives and LEED certification standards.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
  • General knowledge of relevant building codes and safety regulations. 
  • Ability to respond calmly and make decisions in urgent and emergency situations.
  • Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate course of action.
  • Ability to respond calmly and make decisions in urgent and emergency situations.
  • Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
  • Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing. 
  • Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals. 
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays to meet operational and emergency needs.   
  • Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
  • Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams. 
  • Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.   

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

 

This position requires occasional heavy work, and the ability to independently lift and carry a variety of materials, tools and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., as well as the ability to manage heavier items with mechanical assistance. The position requires high visual acuity to ensure the safe use of tools and materials, and the proper operation of vehicles and equipment. Working indoors and outdoors may require exposure to seasonal temperature extremes. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.  

 

 

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.  

 

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. 

 

 

 

 

Salary : $86,437 - $108,047

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