Chief Engineer

Overview

The Chief Engineer is responsible for directing all facility maintenance activities and ensuring that building systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. This role leads a technical workforce—including HVAC specialists, electricians, plumbers, general maintenance personnel, and central plant operators—and sets the standard for quality, compliance, and operational excellence. The Chief Engineer plays a key role in maintaining regulatory adherence, managing preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and supporting a high‑performing environment for both staff and government partners.

• Lead day to day operations and upkeep of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and central plant systems.
• Oversee preventive maintenance strategies to extend equipment life and reduce unplanned outages.
• Review completed work to ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to standards.
• Maintain thorough documentation of inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
• Coordinate required inspections, testing, and certifications for facility systems.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate personnel across all maintenance disciplines.
• Develop staffing plans, assign work orders, and monitor task completion.
• Establish clear workflows and expectations for maintenance staff.
• Track productivity and provide coaching and performance feedback.
• Manage relationships with contractors and vendors for specialized services or projects.
• Review contractor proposals, monitor project execution, and verify quality outcomes.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain oversight of tool inventories and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.
• Keep leadership informed of maintenance activities and recommend efficiency improvements.
• Participate in management level planning and status meetings.
• Monitor overtime usage and adjust staffing as needed.
• Identify operational issues early and implement timely solutions.
• Provide required training and maintain associated records.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Complete required training within designated timelines.
• Perform duties in a safe, secure, and professional manner.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Must possess certifications in equipment operations with 5 or more years’ supervisory experience in physical plant and building operations including power plants for large facilities.
• Possess a Secret security clearance.
• Must hold a certificate from either Association for Facilities Engineers (AFE) as a CPE, United State Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels of any horsepower), or a U.S. State Stationary Engineers License.
• 3rd Class Engineer License preferred.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions.

• 5 or more years’ supervisory experience in physical plant and building operations including power plants for large facilities.

• Must be able to conduct preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs from ladders or elevated platforms.
• Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions.
• Ability to lift, carry and set up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be comfortable getting dirty, dusty, and greasy in an indoor or outdoor environment with frequent exposure to excessive noise.
• Must be able to perform duties under adverse weather conditions (extreme cold / heat, etc.).
• Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to perform on‑call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification.

• Same as Work Environment requirements.

Secret or…