Chief Engineer (Luxury Residences)

<p><strong>Job Overview</strong></p> <p>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</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>Luxury Building Operations &amp; Resident Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure all building systems operate at peak efficiency with zero disruption to residents whenever possible.</li> <li>Deliver a “white-glove” level of service—responding promptly, professionally, and discreetly to resident concerns.</li> <li>Maintain immaculate condition and presentation of all mechanical rooms, back-of-house areas, and service corridors.</li> <li>Coordinate work to minimize noise, inconvenience, and visual impact in occupied residences.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Engineering Leadership &amp; Team Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team with a service-first mindset.</li> <li>Establish clear performance standards aligned with luxury hospitality-level expectations.</li> <li>Maintain staffing schedules that ensure 24/7 coverage and rapid response capability.</li> <li>Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Advanced Building Systems Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of:</li> <ul> <li>HVAC systems, including <strong>chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems</strong></li> <li>Building Automation Systems (BAS) and energy management platforms</li> <li>Electrical distribution, switchgear, and emergency generators</li> <li>Domestic water, booster pumps, and water treatment systems</li> <li>Fire/life safety systems and smoke control systems</li> <li>Elevators and vertical transportation systems</li> </ul> <li>Utilize data and analytics to proactively identify system inefficiencies and implement improvements.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Capital Planning &amp; Asset Preservation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Develop and execute long-term capital plans to maintain Class A/luxury standards.</li> <li>Lead major projects such as system upgrades, façade restoration, and amenity enhancements.</li> <li>Partner with consultants, engineers, and ownership on design, budgeting, and execution.</li> <li>Ensure all upgrades align with luxury market expectations and property positioning.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Vendor &amp; Contractor Oversight</strong></p> <ul> <li>Manage high-quality, vetted vendors who meet luxury service standards.</li> <li>Oversee all contracted work to ensure exceptional craftsmanship and minimal disruption.</li> <li>Enforce strict compliance with insurance, safety, and operational protocols.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Financial Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Prepare and manage the engineering operating and capital budgets.</li> <li>Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or resident experience.</li> <li>Support reserve studies and long-term financial planning.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Compliance, Risk Management &amp; Safety</strong></p> <ul> <li>Maintain full compliance with all applicable codes, inspections, and regulatory requirements.</li> <li>Ensure flawless execution of life safety system testing and documentation.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>High School Diploma</li> <li>Current Driver's License</li> <li>Central Plant System experience required</li> <li>EPA Section 608 Universal Certification</li> <li>Master of Electrician and Plumbing preferred</li> <li>At least 10 years of Residential maintenance experience</li> <li>At least 8 years building facilities operation experience in a luxury apartment&nbsp;</li> <li>Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience as senior engineer/technician or equivalent position in facilities management</li> <li>Building automation systems experience required</li> <li>Proven experience providing excellent customer service</li> <li>Extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in multi-family housing and mid to large size facility operations</li> <li>Exposure to budgeting and basic accounting</li> <li>Understands elevator maintenance, fire sprinkler/alarm systems and high-rise buildings</li> <li>Proficient with computers and relevant computer programs</li> <li>General understanding and use of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook</li> <li>Experience with Yardi preferred</li> <li>Excellent communication and leadership skills</li> <li>Strong problem-solving skills</li> <li>Ability to work after hours, as needed including on-call rotation&nbsp;</li> <li>Must be highly credible and trustworthy, and operate with high degree of integrity</li> <li>Must hold oneself and others accountable and strive for a high level of excellence</li> <li>Must have a positive, can-do attitude and be able to fuel growth and innovation</li> <li>Must be customer-focused and results-oriented</li> <li>Must want to continuously learn and develop</li> <li>Exceptional oral and written communication, active listening, and organizational skills</li> <li>Ability to establish strong working relationships with others in team setting&nbsp;</li> <li>Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with a strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment&nbsp;</li> <li>Self-directed and able to work independently, with minimal supervision</li> </ul> <p><strong>Physical Demands &amp; Work Environment</strong></p> <ul> <li>Required to stand for long periods and walk, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, twist, and/or reach</li> <li>Push, pull or lift up to 50 pounds</li> <li>Continuous repetitive motions</li> <li>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</li> </ul> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <p>Compensation:<strong><br></strong>- Competitive Salary with Bonus Potential<br>- Generous Benefit Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match, Life Insurance<strong><br><br></strong>Career Development<strong><br>-</strong> Opportunities for Advancement within our expanding portfolio<br>- Annual Professional Development Funds to fuel your growth<br><br>Employee Perks:<br>- Employee Discount for added benefits<br>- Enjoy a Friendly Work Environment that values collaboration<br><br>Additional Benefits:<br>- Explore more perks and possibilities for growing your career with Comstock Companies! Discover what sets us apart!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>