Overview

Chief Engineer - Local 39 Union Position

Schedule: M-F, 1st shift

Pay: $93.35/hr.

What this job involves

The Chief Engineer will lead facility operations with a strong focus on operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex facility equipment across all building systems. This customer-facing role requires technical expertise in one craft area (Electrical, HVAC, Piping/Plumbing, Steam, Central Utility Plant Operations) while maintaining multi-skilled capabilities in other areas. The Chief Engineer is responsible for managing engineering teams, overseeing vendor relationships, and ensuring operational integrity of critical infrastructure systems.

What does your day-to-day look like? Technical Operations & Maintenance

• Execute comprehensive maintenance and repair work for boilers, chillers, HVAC equipment, and all building systems
• Perform complex operating procedures for steam boilers, lab utilities, emergency generators, and propane vaporizers
• Conduct scheduled inspections of boiler plants, chiller plants, cooling towers, emergency generator rooms, and main switchgear facilities
• Oversee building health through Building Management System (BMS) navigation and issue resolution

Leadership & Management

• Manage engineering teams including Facilities Coordinators, Lead Engineers, and Central Utility Plant personnel
• Establish written goals and objectives for direct reports, conduct performance evaluations, and develop training programs
• Plan and schedule work orders to maintain efficient operations while allocating personnel, materials, and time effectively
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and lead daily coordination meetings

Project Management & Vendor Relations

• Oversee implementation of approved initiatives and coordinate property team efforts including vendors and contractors
• Negotiate competitive bidding with vendors to ensure cost-effective solutions
• Maintain interface with third-party vendors ensuring contract compliance and timely issue resolution
• Manage facilities work order systems (MAXIMO preferred) and ensure timely completion

Documentation & Compliance

• Generate and implement Switching Procedures (FSPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs)
• Review work orders, logs, and documentation daily to ensure compliance with current practices
• Assist with local, state, and federal regulatory compliance (Cal-EPA, Cal-OSHA, BAAQMD)
• Conduct weekly building inspections and document findings using reporting tools

Required Qualifications Education & Experience

• High school degree, GED, or equivalent
• Must have successfully passed the Local 39 apprentice exam or met apprenticeship standards for IUOE Local 39
• 6-8+ years of facilities management experience, preferably in high-tech industry
• 3+ years of people management experience preferred

Technical Certifications & Knowledge

• NETA Certification in High Voltage (115kV) Switchyard and Medium Voltage Substation Operations and Maintenance
• Comprehensive knowledge of HVAC, Mechanical, and Electrical systems including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, generators, and UPS systems
• Experience with CMMS/work order platforms (MAXIMO preferred)

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to maintain professionalism under stressful situations and solve complex problems using rational judgment
• Excellent presentation skills and proficiency in PowerPoint, MS Office, and Visio/CAD
• Strong customer service instincts with outgoing, friendly, and collaborative approach
• Ability to perform physical demands including prolonged standing, lifting 25 pounds, and working in various facility environments

Additional Requirements

• Available 24/7 on-call responsibilities for equipment monitoring and emergency response
• Ability to react effectively and calmly during emergency situations
• Maintain all engineering spaces in clean and organized condition

This position offers the opportunity to lead critical facility operations while developing team capabilities and ensuring optimal building performance in a union environment.