Chief Building Engineer

Kitchell is seeking a highly skilled Chief Building Engineer to lead building operations for our Houston area based in the Katy / Houston area. This senior-level role is ideal for an expert in commercial HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building systems who is ready to take ownership of facility performance, lead maintenance personnel, and serve as the primary technical authority for a medical office building portfolio. This position offers the opportunity to build a long-term career with one of the most innovative and growth-oriented building companies in the United States.

Overview

The Chief Building Engineer oversees all technical operations, maintenance programs, and building system performance for a medical office building environment. This role requires mastery of HVAC systems, electrical distribution, plumbing infrastructure, and building automation platforms. The Chief Engineer will lead maintenance staff, coordinate vendors, ensure regulatory compliance, and serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding building operations and technical issues.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Provides technical leadership and daily direction to building engineers, maintenance technicians, and
• contracted service providers.
• Develops preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment life and minimize
• downtime.
• Oversees all corrective repairs, system upgrades, and major equipment replacements.
• Ensures all work meets company standards, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Technical Operations

• Performs and supervises advanced diagnostics, repairs, and component replacements on large-scale
• commercial HVAC systems including air-cooled chillers, boilers, rooftop units, and VAV systems.
• Manages and optimizes Building Automation Systems (BAS), with emphasis on Johnson Controls Metasys
• platforms.
• Oversees electrical and plumbing system performance, including troubleshooting, repairs, and infrastructure
• improvements.
• Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes, contract requirements, and operational
• standards.

Vendor & Project Management

• Coordinates specialized contractors for maintenance, repairs, certifications, and capital improvement
• projects.
• Reviews and approves vendor work, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to scope.
• Manages procurement of materials, supplies, and replacement components.
• Client & Stakeholder Communication
• Serves as the primary technical liaison for clients, providing clear explanations of maintenance activities,
• system performance, and recommended improvements.
• Responds to escalated client concerns and resolves issues promptly and professionally.
• Prepares operational reports, maintenance summaries, and compliance documentation.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensures adherence to federal, state, local, and company safety and operational regulations.
• Maintains accurate records in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Supports internal and external audits, providing required documentation and system data.

Emergency Response

• Leads after-hours emergency response efforts and coordinates all off-hours maintenance activities.
• Ensures proper communication with management and clients during critical events.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; advanced technical coursework or trade certifications strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of hands-on commercial HVAC experience, including installation, maintenance, and
• repair of large-scale systems.
• Prior supervisory or lead engineer experience strongly preferred.
• Universal EPA Certification preferred.
• Valid Driver's License
• Experience in medical office buildings or surgery centers is highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in HVAC diagnostics, compressor replacements, refrigerant systems, and complex troubleshooting.
• Strong working knowledge of BAS/BMS platforms, especially Johnson Controls Metasys.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, electrical schematics, and equipment blueprints.
• Familiarity with OSHA and other applicable safety regulations.
• Proficiency with CMMS platforms and standard business software.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Work Environment

• Work performed in office, mechanical, and industrial environments.
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, temperature extremes, noise, confined spaces, and
• mechanical equipment.
• Occasional loud noise levels.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and use of tools.
• Ability to work in tight spaces and at various heights.
• Driving between job sites as required.

Travel Requirements

Position is site-based in the Katy area of Houston, Texas, with limited regional travel as needed.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Founded in 1950, Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and over the years developed new talents and enterprises, acquiring complementary businesses and expertise to remain competitive. Today, Kitchell Corporation serves as the holding entity for several companies that are integral to Kitchell's core business, as well as those that operate independently. We provide a wide range of services within the built environment, including general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and myriad other services. Our employees manage projects from our main offices located in Arizona, California, and Texas. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that fosters personal and professional growth through in-house education programs, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. At Kitchell, we prioritize internal growth and building careers from within. We consistently rank among the top places to work, thanks to our tenured staff and outstanding benefits that are designed to enrich our employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include company performance bonuses, discretionary stock options, incentive bonuses, health, and life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA) with wellness incentives, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 401(k) plans with a 4% company match, tuition reimbursement, weight loss programs, discounted auto insurance, identity theft protection, rewards programs, and much more.

Kitchell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

The Company's salary ranges are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including job-related skills, relevant education and experience, abilities of the applicant and equity with other team members. The annual base salary range listed here is subject to change at any time, in the Company's discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship.