Chief Engineer (Luxury Residences)

Responsibilities

• Luxury Building Operations & Resident Experience
• Ensure all building systems operate at peak efficiency with zero disruption to residents whenever possible.
• Deliver a "white-glove" level of service-responding promptly, professionally, and discreetly to resident concerns.
• Maintain immaculate condition and presentation of all mechanical rooms, back-of-house areas, and service corridors.
• Coordinate work to minimize noise, inconvenience, and visual impact in occupied residences.
• Engineering Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team with a service-first mindset.
• Establish clear performance standards aligned with luxury hospitality-level expectations.
• Maintain staffing schedules that ensure 24/7 coverage and rapid response capability.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Advanced Building Systems Management
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of:
• HVAC systems, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) and energy management platforms
• Electrical distribution, switchgear, and emergency generators
• Domestic water, booster pumps, and water treatment systems
• Fire/life safety systems and smoke control systems
• Elevators and vertical transportation systems
• Utilize data and analytics to proactively identify system inefficiencies and implement improvements.
• Capital Planning & Asset Preservation
• Develop and execute long-term capital plans to maintain Class A/luxury standards.
• Lead major projects such as system upgrades, façade restoration, and amenity enhancements.
• Partner with consultants, engineers, and ownership on design, budgeting, and execution.
• Ensure all upgrades align with luxury market expectations and property positioning.
• Vendor & Contractor Oversight
• Manage high-quality, vetted vendors who meet luxury service standards.
• Oversee all contracted work to ensure exceptional craftsmanship and minimal disruption.
• Enforce strict compliance with insurance, safety, and operational protocols.
• Financial Management
• Prepare and manage the engineering operating and capital budgets.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or resident experience.
• Support reserve studies and long-term financial planning.
• Compliance, Risk Management & Safety
• Maintain full compliance with all applicable codes, inspections, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure flawless execution of life safety system testing and documentation.

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Current Driver's License
• Central Plant System experience required
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
• Master of Electrician and Plumbing preferred
• At least 10 years of Residential maintenance experience
• At least 8 years building facilities operation experience in a luxury apartment
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience as senior engineer/technician or equivalent position in facilities management
• Building automation systems experience required
• Proven experience providing excellent customer service
• Extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in multi-family housing and mid to large size facility operations
• Exposure to budgeting and basic accounting
• Understands elevator maintenance, fire sprinkler/alarm systems and high-rise buildings
• Proficient with computers and relevant computer programs
• General understanding and use of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with Yardi preferred
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work after hours, as needed including on-call rotation
• Must be highly credible and trustworthy, and operate with high degree of integrity
• Must hold oneself and others accountable and strive for a high level of excellence
• Must have a positive, can-do attitude and be able to fuel growth and innovation
• Must be customer-focused and results-oriented
• Must want to continuously learn and develop
• Exceptional oral and written communication, active listening, and organizational skills
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with others in team setting
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with a strong attention to detail in a fast-paced

Additional Information

Job Overview The Chief Engineer is responsible for the seamless operation, maintenance, and presentation of all building systems within a luxury high-residences. This role is critical to delivering a five-star living experience by ensuring reliability, discretion, and excellence in all engineering services. #weshowup The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team, oversees complex building systems, manages high-value capital projects, and works closely with property management and the Board of Directors to protect and enhance the asset's value. This individual is expected to operate at a high level of professionalism, technical expertise, and resident service.

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