Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems of a high-rise residential/commercial building located in Center City, Philadelphia. The Chief Engineer serves as the senior on-site technical authority, leading the building's engineering staff, managing preventive maintenance programs, and ensuring the property operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical expertise with team supervision and vendor management.

$90,000 - $95,000 yearly

• Direct and supervise the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, boilers, chillers, electrical distribution, plumbing, elevators, fire/life-safety, and building automation systems (BAS).

• Develop, schedule, and oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all mechanical and electrical equipment.

• Supervise, train, and schedule assistant engineers, maintenance technicians, and porter/handyman staff; conduct performance evaluations and enforce safety protocols.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions; perform or oversee repairs to minimize resident and tenant disruption.

• Maintain compliance with Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) requirements, fire code, elevator code, boiler inspections, and all other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

• Manage relationships with outside contractors and vendors, including obtaining bids, reviewing scopes of work, and inspecting completed work for quality and code compliance.

• Maintain accurate logs, maintenance records, and equipment manuals; track building system performance and recommend capital improvements.

• Respond promptly to building emergencies, including after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for issues such as water leaks, power outages, elevator entrapments, and life-safety alarms.

• Manage and monitor the engineering department budget, including parts, supplies, contracted services, and capital project costs.

• Partner with the General Manager and Board/Association leadership on capital planning, reserve studies, and long-term building system upgrades.

• Ensure proper storage, handling, and documentation of hazardous materials, chemicals, and refrigerants in accordance with OSHA and EPA requirements.

• Maintain a safe work environment; lead safety meetings and ensure staff adherence to lockout/tagout, confined space, and other safety procedures.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/trade school certification or associate degree in engineering, HVAC, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive building engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory engineering role, preferably in a high-rise residential or mixed-use property.

• Active Philadelphia Black Seal (Stationary Engineer) license required, or ability to obtain within a defined probationary period.

• Universal EPA CFC certification required.

• Working knowledge of HVAC systems, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, building automation systems, electrical distribution, plumbing, and elevator systems.

• Familiarity with Philadelphia L&I code requirements, fire/life-safety systems, and municipal inspection processes.

• Strong leadership, communication, and vendor-management skills; ability to train and direct a team of engineers and technicians.

• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office; familiarity with BuildingLink or similar property management platforms a plus.

• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and equipment specifications.

• Strong customer service orientation when interacting with residents, tenants, and Board members.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; climb ladders and work at heights; access mechanical rooms, roofs, and confined spaces.

• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for extended periods, and to work in varying temperature conditions (mechanical rooms, rooftops, exterior areas).

• Must be available for emergency on-call response outside of normal business hours.

• Work is performed on-site at the Center City, Philadelphia property; this is not a remote position.

Continuum Companies is an integrated platform providing property management and associated residential services to HOA customers. Founded to consolidate the HOA property management and residential services industries, Continuum has grown into one of the largest companies in the country — serving over 3,500 communities and 350,000 doors across 25 brands.

Our mission is to deliver operational excellence through scale, technology, and talent while building a best-in-class platform that empowers local brands to thrive under the Continuum umbrella.