Building Engineer

Job Description

Position - Lead Building Engineer

Location - Austin, TX

Salary - $70-$80k/year

Job description:

This position, under direction, is responsible for maintenance and repair of all major building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, security and plumbing, as well as proper operation of the energy management systems for commercial buildings. This position is also responsible for preventive maintenance and responds to tenant requests for maintenance or repair.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities

• Perform or coordinate with outside vendors to perform maintenance or repair of all building systems, including working on HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy management systems.
• Respond to and handle service requests from tenants in conjunction with company work order system.
• Respond effectively to all emergencies, which includes coordinating with fire and police department personnel; monitoring safety compliance; testing and maintenance of alarms and sprinklers; maintenance and repair of control and key systems.
• Review and actively participate in contract management. May be tasked with writing job specifications and developing bid packages; analyze contractors, contract compliance, contracts, costs and insurance.
• Perform equipment inspections and due diligence efforts to correctly diagnose problems; repair failed equipment throughout the building.
• Work with the day porter as needed and oversee response to janitorial issues or problems.
• Handle issues related to buildings: punch list, warranty issues, new tenant training and problem solving, new contract facilitation.
• Comply with all safety procedures, maintaining good housekeeping and safety of work areas, while being compliant with State, County, or City Ordinances, Codes or Laws.
• Assist in refurbishment of vacant space.
• 24/7 On-Call availability and able to work overtime as needed.
• Other assigned operational tasks as may be typically expected of a facility maintenance professional.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Note: Skills required vary somewhat by building or property, with larger commercial properties requiring the highest level of technical knowledge and skills. The skills noted below are those generally needed for this position.

• Knowledge of all building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security and energy management systems.
• Ability to use various hand and power tools appropriately.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to tactfully handle complaints and negotiate disagreements.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of people and to respond appropriately to customer complaints and requests.
• Ability to deal with interruptions and to successfully manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a team situation and to work cooperatively with other staff.
• Innovative critical thinking skills to solve new or unique problems.
• Working knowledge of basic office machines and computer software (Windows, Outlook).

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years vocational training specializing in HVAC, or a similar program preferred.
• Two to four years’ experience in building maintenance and engineering, or equivalent.
• The incumbent must hold, or be capable of attaining, a Washington 07-Electrical license.
• Certificates in plumbing, mechanical, electrical and boiler or completion of certified training programs is also desirable, as is factory training in one or more energy management systems.
• Valid Driver’s license.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Visual acuity to read words and numbers, colors, peripheral vision, and depth perception including close proximity and focus.
• Ability to exert up to 35 lbs of force and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 75 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate tools and equipment, including office and computer equipment.
• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person or over the phone in English.
• Frequently move about inside buildings and outside, over uneven terrain, while maintaining balance.
• Frequently ascends/descends a ladder.
• Ability to alternate between sitting and standing frequently throughout day, while walking up to 8 hours a day.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms overhead often.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl when necessary.
• Ability to respond to smells and sounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is required to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.