Lead Building Engineer

Lead Building Engineer

The Lead Building Engineer serves as the second-in-command to the Chief Building Engineer and plays a critical hands-on and supervisory role in the daily operations, maintenance, and repair of two Class-A medical office buildings. The Lead Building Engineer ensures that building systems operate efficiently and safely, provide mentorship to junior engineers, and supports healthcare tenants with specialized infrastructure needs. This position helps lead operational readiness and regulatory compliance for both buildings, especially regarding healthcare facilities standards.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs daily inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Monitors and adjusts building automation systems (BAS/BMS) to optimize performance and comfort levels.
• Assists in executing the preventive maintenance program to maximize equipment life and minimize downtime.
• Responds promptly and professionally to tenant service requests, including sensitive healthcare-related calls.
• Supports implementation of healthcare compliance requirements, such as ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment), life safety inspections, and emergency power testing.
• Assists with documentation and inspections required by healthcare-specific regulations (e.g., Joint Commission, NFPA 99).
• Follows and helps enforce OSHA safety standards and building safety protocols.
• Serves as a key contact during emergency situations including power outages, HVAC failures, or floods.
• Assists in managing emergency generators, fire alarm systems, and life safety systems.
• Participates in rotating on-call schedule and respond to after-hours calls when needed.
• Assists Chief Engineer with tenant improvement (TI) projects, capital projects, and vendor coordination.
• Provides technical oversight and field-level coordination during equipment replacements or construction.
• Monitors system performance and recommend adjustments for greater energy efficiency.
• Tracks operational data and equipment run-time to help identify energy savings opportunities.
• Acts as supervisor of Building Maintenance in the absence of the Chief Building Engineer.
• Mentors and guide building engineers and maintenance staff in daily operations and technical tasks.
• Helps develop shift schedules, assign tasks, and oversee workflow across both buildings.
• Promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational or technical training preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Universal EPA Certification (CFC) required.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in commercial building maintenance or engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Prior experience supporting or working in healthcare or medical office buildings strongly preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Deep knowledge of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, along with proficiency in using hand and power tools and reading blueprints.
• Expertise in preventive maintenance and the ability to diagnose and resolve operational problems across various building equipment.
• Familiarity with energy modeling software, building performance analysis tools, and building automation systems (BAS).
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., work order systems, email)
• Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to collaborate and interact with all levels within and outside of GWmedicine, as necessary.
• Strong ability to analyze situations, identify root causes of problems, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Flexibility and openness to change to manage evolving technologies, processes, and building needs. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Working Conditions

Works in an office/clinic setting in Building Maintenance. Exposure to mechanical noise, odors, confined spaces, and varying temperature conditions. Required to wear uniforms and appropriate.

May need to be available for on-call, overtime, or shift work, including weekends or evenings as needed.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About GW MFA

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA's leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.