Building Engineer Jobs in California
Building engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, with consistent openings across commercial real estate, healthcare campuses, higher education, and large tech office portfolios at every level from entry-level facilities technician through senior chief engineer. The busiest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established operators like CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Kaiser Permanente maintain large building operations teams. The most sought-after specialties in California are HVAC systems, building automation and controls, and energy management, reflecting the state's strict Title 24 energy compliance requirements. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Building Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 110+ Building Engineer jobs











Description
Job Overview:
The Chief Building Engineer (CBE) is responsible for maintaining, correcting deficiencies, and/or making repairs to all common areas within the association, as defined in the association’s governing documents. The CBE Shall oversee and coordinate the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of all necessary building systems and equipment. The CBE shall coordinate and control a range of control systems and effect changes and improvements to systems as appropriate.
The Chief Building Engineer assumes total responsibility for the physical plant, closely monitors, identifies, and communicates problems to the General Manager in every phase of general maintenance of the infrastructure, including areas of carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, painting, flooring, patching, lighting, general hardware, other minor building repairs and cleanliness. The CBE makes recommendations, performs repairs and replacement maintenance, and implements preventive maintenance plans with the General Manager as established by company procedures and guidelines.
Compensation: $110K-$130K
FirstService Residential will compensate the successful candidate in accordance with the posted range. The salary or wage paid to the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. For positions designated at a client's property, the salary or wage will also be premised upon the client's directive. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversee the work of third-party maintenance and janitorial team members collectively responsible for all site-related maintenance and cleaning.
- Supervise the performance, operations, and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire-life safety and critical systems back-up, ensuring operations are achieving proper environmental conditions prescribed by building management.
- Document all performance-related issues in a timely manner.
- Oversee and supervise the efficient operation of the facility equipment and systems. Strive toward a goal of zero downtime in operations by virtue of reliable system performance and preventative maintenance programs.
- Perform requisite daily communication with building management on matters relating to the services performed through e-mail and work orders when appropriate.
- Develop operating and training instructions for procedures of equipment and systems.
- Establish, maintain, and perform periodic operational testing schedules for critical systems and equipment as identified in manufacturer's equipment specifications, environmental code, and fire-life safety regulations (ie; monthly generator and fire pump testing).
- Administer an effective and accountable preventative maintenance system tailored to the facility.
- Monitor and supervise subcontracted jobs when it is not practical for them to perform in-house, or as may be requested by building management.
- Implement and monitor an effective energy conservation and management program to ensure measures are taken to keep operating costs at a minimum.
- Possess the requisite licenses and permits required by local laws and ordinances to operate and maintain the facility of equipment and systems.
- Ensure that maintenance manuals and equipment checklists are in place and maintained current.
- Provide direct communication and support for staff as well as open door policy to communicate direct reports about concerns and ideas about facility improvements and deficiencies.
- In conjunction with supervisor, establish a program for the acquisition, storage, and accountability of all operating materials, tools, and equipment.
- Maintain Connect work order system to include the work performed, where applied, personnel assignments, and authorization.
- Establish performance standards for each phase of work, adhering to standard practices and quality levels.
- Carry out policies and procedures of the client and FirstService Residential concerning emergency response, safety, administrative requirements, and standard operating procedures.
- Must be able to perform maintenance and hands-on work as required on projects.
- Responsible for vendor interface pertaining to all matters/issues related to infrastructure and facilities maintenance/repairs.
- Monitor and maintain optimum performance of all building systems to include mechanical, electrical/electronic, fire-life safety, smoke control, HVAC, and water circulation systems.
- Prepare and maintain a professional monthly preventative maintenance log of all scheduled maintenance for management and the Board of Directors to review monthly.
- Create, update, and complete all assigned Common Area work orders.
- Plan and implement, with approval, modifications, and improvements to building systems.
- Modify and optimize building control software as necessary.
- Supervise all third-party maintenance vendors while on-site to ensure work is performed to exceptional standards.
- Make recommendations for vendor termination/hiring.
- Respond to inquiries, investigate, and resolve problems related to homeowner complaints.
- Maintain the Building Systems feature in Connect through updating work and maintenance performed on building components that reflects work performed over the course of a month or in-progress, which includes dates of commencement and completion and shall be available for inspection by the management and/or Board of Directors.
- Adhere to the preventative maintenance program.
- Obtain all permits or cause the inspection of all equipment as required by code.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned, which may include after-hours emergency response.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Proficient in English; additional languages are a plus, particularly Spanish.
- Strong ethical practice.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong internal/external customer relation skills required the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, associates, members, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent general math skills.
- Strong working knowledge of engineering and maintenance practices.
- Experience working with inside and outside environmental elements (noise, weather, etc.).
- Knowledge of working methods, safety practices and procedures, common terminology, safety precautions and practices necessary for working with hand tools and heavy equipment; and the principals and practices of employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task, implement, and monitor progress for successful completion.
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrates attention to detail.
- Demonstrates awareness of variables which could affect associate retention and/or morale.
- Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
Education & Experience:
- Minimum of 5-years in high-rise property, preferably HOA.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing third-party vendors and/or staff.
- Minimum of 5-years customer service / client-facing experience.
-
Limited License category (Type L) for the Automatic Extinguishing Program required within 6 months of
employment. - Licensed General B-2 Contractor preferred.
Physical Requirements & Working Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to lift, push and move equipment and furniture.
- Must have finger dexterity for typing/using a keyboard.
- Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, with exposure to outdoor temperatures, weather variations, traffic and equipment noise, equipment vibrations, vehicle and/or chemical fumes, chemicals such as cleaning solvents and grease, machinery and their moving parts and dust.
- Work duties may require the ability to stand or walk on hard surfaces for frequent and prolonged periods of time.
- Must be able to respond to requests and communicate to staff, coworkers, clients, and vendors.
- Consistent and regular attendance is required.
- Some exposure to dust and noise.
- Some heavy lifting, standing, and climbing.
- Flexible schedule required; ability to respond to after-hours emergencies on-site.
Hours over and above normal office hours will occur, including evenings, holidays, and some weekends. Schedule is subject to change based on business needs.
Tools & Equipment Used:
- Must have a valid California driver's license.
- Must have your own reliable transportation.
- Must have State-mandated vehicle insurance.
- Office equipment; computers, printers, fax machines, etc...
- Walkie-Talkie
- Knowledge and experience with the various tools, materials, and equipment required for this maintenance and engineering discipline.
Travel:
- Some travel may be required to obtain supplies.
- Must be able to drive to different Company locations if requested.
What We Offer:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans (full time and part-time 30+ hours)
- Part-time 20+ hours qualify for dental and vision
- 401K match
- Time off including vacation, sick, and company paid holidays
- Pet insurance available
- Tuition reimbursement
- Legal services
- Free emotional wellbeing and daily life assistance support for all associates
- Domestic partner coverage
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending account
About Us:
FirstService Residential transforms the property management landscape by providing professional association management services to over 9,000 residential communities across the United States and Canada.
Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work certification, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Our 19,000 associates can count on competitive salaries, top-tier medical, dental, and retirement benefits, career training, and support for continued professional development.
Disclaimer:
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties, and responsibilities to this job at any time.
FirstService Residential is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.
Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws. All offers of employment with FirstService Residential are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) Usage: We may utilize an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) in connection with the assessment or evaluation of candidates. The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific job-related characteristics.
Job Qualifications and Characteristics Assessed: The AEDT evaluates candidates based on job qualifications and characteristics pertinent to the role, including skills, experience, and competencies relevant to the position requirements. These qualifications are determined by the unique needs of each role within our company.
Alternative Selection Process or Reasonable Accommodations: Candidates who require an alternative selection process or a “reasonable accommodation,” as defined under applicable disability laws, may make a request through our designated contact channel national_recruiting@fsresidential.com.
Requesting Information About the AEDT - NYC Local Law 144: Candidates who reside in New York City and are subject to NYC Local Law 144 may request information about the AEDT, including details on the type of data collected, the sources of such data, and our data retention policies. To submit a request, please contact us at national_recruiting@fsresidential.com; we will respond in accordance with Local Law 144, within 30 days.
See All 110+ Building Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Building Engineer JobsBuilding Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Building Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- CBRE28

- Able Services6

- JLL4

- ABM Industries4

- Siemens3

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Investment & Asset Management
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in building engineer jobs across California.
- Valid California contractor license or engineer certification relevant to building systems preferred
- Hands-on experience operating and maintaining HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Familiarity with California Title 24 energy code and building efficiency standards
- Proficiency with building automation systems and computerized maintenance management software
- Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and life-safety equipment
- Clear written and verbal communication for coordinating with tenants and contractors
Building Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a building engineer in California?
Most building engineers in California enter the field through a combination of technical training and hands-on experience, typically starting in a facilities technician or maintenance mechanic role. While there is no single mandatory state license for the title itself, California employers commonly require relevant trade certifications such as an EPA 608 refrigerant certification for HVAC work, and many chief engineer positions expect a California stationary engineer license issued through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Which companies hire building engineers in California?
Employers hiring building engineers in California right now include CBRE, Able Services, and JLL, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's dense commercial real estate market, large hospital networks, and major university systems make it one of the most active states for ongoing building engineer recruitment year-round.
Which California cities have the most building engineer jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco lead California for building engineer openings. Los Angeles and San Francisco drive the bulk of postings through their concentrated commercial office and healthcare real estate portfolios, while San Diego's mix of biotech campuses, military facilities, and hospital systems creates a distinct and steady local demand outside the two major metros.
Are there remote building engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Building engineers are primarily hands-on roles requiring physical presence to operate, inspect, and repair building systems, so remote work is limited by nature. About 12% of building engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to involve supervisory, project coordination, or energy auditing responsibilities rather than day-to-day mechanical operations.
How can I get hired as a building engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a facilities technician or building maintenance mechanic role, which large California property managers and healthcare systems regularly hire for without requiring a full building engineer background. Employers like Kaiser Permanente, UC system campuses, and major commercial real estate operators run structured apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs. Earning an EPA 608 refrigerant certification before applying gives candidates a concrete credential that separates them from other entry-level applicants in California.
Where can I find and apply to building engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to building engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to each one.
See All 110+ Building Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Building Engineer Jobs