Chief Engineer (Residences)

Job Overview

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the seamless operation, maintenance, and presentation of all building systems within a luxury high-rise condominium. This role is critical to delivering a five-star living experience by ensuring reliability, discretion, and excellence in all engineering services.

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.

Key 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.

Qualifications

• 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 environment 
• Self-directed and able to work independently, with minimal supervision

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Required to stand for long periods and walk, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, twist, and/or reach
• Push, pull or lift up to 50 pounds
• Continuous repetitive motions
• Work under variable temperature conditions (or extreme heat or cold), under variable noise levels, outdoors/indoors, around fumes and/or hazards, around dust and/or mite hazards, around chemicals and bio-hazards

Benefits

Compensation:
- Competitive Salary with Bonus Potential
- Generous Benefit Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match, Life Insurance

Career Development
- Opportunities for Advancement within our expanding portfolio
- Annual Professional Development Funds to fuel your growth

Employee Perks:
- Employee Discount for added benefits
- Enjoy a Friendly Work Environment that values collaboration

Additional Benefits:
- Explore more perks and possibilities for growing your career with Comstock Companies! Discover what sets us apart!