Description

Job Summary

The Lead Building Engineer is responsible for engineering operations for approximately 500,000 square feet of office and retail in Houston’s Westchase area, leading the day-to-day engineering, maintenance, repair, and operation of the Company's commercial office and retail properties. This position serves as the senior engineering resource for the portfolio and provides technical leadership to the engineering team while remaining actively involved in the maintenance and operation of building systems.

Working closely with the Commercial Property Manager, the Lead Building Engineer is responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, reliable, and well-maintained properties; coordinating engineering operations; supporting capital improvement projects; maintaining regulatory compliance; and providing a high level of service to tenants. This position reports to the Commercial Property Manager and is classified as exempt.

Not every engineer wants a brand-new building. If you enjoy solving complex problems, improving aging building systems, and taking pride in keeping established properties running at their best, we'd like to talk with you.

Requirements

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; technical school, trade certification, or associate degree in HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems, facilities management, or a related field preferred.
Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible commercial building engineering experience.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, coordinate the work of others, and mentor engineering personnel.
Strong working knowledge of commercial office and retail building operations, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building automation, fire/life safety, and energy management systems.
EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification preferred
Building Operator Certification (BOC), SMA, or similar certification preferred.
Thorough knowledge of the proper use of hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and maintenance equipment.
Thorough knowledge of commercial building safety practices, OSHA requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local codes.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, construction drawings, equipment manuals, and technical documents.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose building system issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
 

Responsibilities

Building Operations & Engineering

Lead and coordinate the day-to-day engineering, maintenance, repair, and preventive maintenance of the Company's commercial office and retail properties.
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and oversee preventive maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building automation, fire/life safety, elevators, lighting, roofing, structural, irrigation, and other building systems.
Monitor building performance and recommend repairs, equipment replacements, and operational improvements.
Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs and schedules.
Conduct routine inspections of buildings, roofs, parking areas, tenant spaces, common areas, mechanical rooms, and equipment.
Maintain familiarity with the condition of all major building systems and advise the Commercial Property Manager of maintenance concerns, deferred maintenance, and recommended corrective action.
Investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and recommend practical long-term solutions.
Coordinate engineering support for tenant move-ins, move-outs, and tenant improvement projects.
Maintain engineering records, equipment histories, preventive maintenance documentation, and work orders.
Maintain mechanical rooms, workshops, rooftops, utility rooms, and engineering spaces in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
Maintain inventories of tools, equipment, replacement parts, and maintenance supplies.
Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation and respond to building emergencies as required.
 

Leadership & Team Support

Provide day-to-day technical leadership and guidance to the engineering team.
Coordinate daily work assignments and maintenance priorities with the Commercial Property Manager.
Train, mentor, and support Building Engineers while promoting safe, efficient, and consistent work practices.
Serve as the senior technical resource for complex building system issues.
Monitor the quality and timeliness of maintenance work and recommend improvements.
Assist the Commercial Property Manager with scheduling, staffing recommendations, performance feedback, and identifying training needs.
 

Vendor & Contractor Management

Coordinate and oversee contractors and service providers to ensure work is completed safely, timely, and in accordance with Company standards and contract requirements.
Solicit and review proposals for maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects.
Verify satisfactory completion of contracted work before recommending acceptance.
Purchase maintenance supplies, equipment, and services within approved purchasing authority and Company policies.
Monitor contractor performance and recommend contract renewals or modifications.
 

Capital Planning

       Assists the Commercial Property Manager with identifying capital improvement needs, evaluating building systems, preparing cost estimates, and supporting long-term capital planning for the portfolio. 

Tenant Relations

Respond promptly to tenant service requests and work closely with the Commercial Property Manager to maintain a high level of tenant satisfaction.
Coordinate engineering support for tenant construction projects and after-hours HVAC requests.
Maintain positive working relationships with tenants, contractors, vendors, and fellow employees.
 

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Coordinate required inspections, testing, certifications, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and other life safety systems.
Maintain emergency preparedness procedures and serve as the primary engineering contact during building emergencies.
Promote compliance with Company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and safe work practices.
 

Administrative Responsibilities

Prepare reports and recommendations for management.
Monitor engineering expenses and identify opportunities to improve operating efficiencies.
Perform other duties as assigned.
 

Physical Requirements

Frequently walk, climb ladders and stairs, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach overhead.
Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Safely use hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, ladders, lifts, and other equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Safely work around electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction activities.
Respond to emergencies outside normal business hours.
 

Working Conditions

This position routinely works in commercial office buildings, retail centers, mechanical rooms, rooftops, parking garages, construction sites, and outdoor environments. The position may be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, electrical systems, chemicals, dust, loud noise, temperature extremes, and other conditions commonly associated with commercial building operations.

Richfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer.