Senior Building Systems Engineer

Overview

Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. is an equity REIT with a long‑term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets. Our purpose is to create a better way to live and we focus on building value for the long term.

The Senior Building Systems Engineer provides technical assistance and troubleshooting for building systems across a real‑estate portfolio. Responsibilities include improving equipment reliability, supporting preventive maintenance, managing capital expenditure (Cap Ex) projects, and evaluating building assets for process enhancements. The associate works closely with portfolio directors, on‑site maintenance teams, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvements.

• Provide engineering and technical support for on‑site teams, including system troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and process improvements.
• Assist with selecting equipment and managing vendor services.
• Address recurring or significant building system issues and recommend improvements.
• Perform or assist with evaluations of community assets, identify opportunities for improvements, and make recommendations for building system efficiency.
• Identify and recommend building repair or improvement projects.
• Manage capital expenditure projects focused on major system design changes, reliability improvements, and process changes; oversee project execution from planning to close‑out.
• Review and provide feedback on mechanical system upgrades for redevelopment projects; develop equipment specifications for building system projects and assist in investment decisions.
• Participate in new development reviews for building systems, equipment selection, and maintenance logistics; support commissioning, startup, training, and acceptance of building systems.
• Assist with technical aspects of retail services (system coordination, solar installations, EV charging, FIOS installations).
• Provide technical support during building commissioning, from system acceptance to startup training for maintenance teams.
• Identify areas for product and process improvement related to equipment durability; maintain records of issues and implement changes to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis on equipment failures, analyze data, and recommend maintenance methods to improve reliability and reduce costs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Ability to obtain local mechanical certifications (preferred).
• 8+ years of engineering support in the real estate industry (preferred).
• Experience with high‑rise, mid‑rise, and garden‑style buildings.
• 5+ years in capital project management, budgeting, and execution.
• Familiarity with MEP systems, HVAC, fire safety systems, building envelope systems, and energy management.

• Strong customer service orientation and troubleshooting skills.
• Advanced understanding of building systems including HVAC, chillers, boilers, and energy systems.
• Analytical skills for identifying reliability improvements and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Experience with hands‑on system troubleshooting and equipment repair.
• Ability to mentor and train team members on building system operations and maintenance.

• Ability to frequently lift objects up to 75 pounds, as well as climb, stoop, kneel, and crawl.
• Mobility and flexibility to navigate complex building systems and mechanical areas.

• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, mechanical parts, high places, fumes, airborne particles, and toxic chemicals.
• Frequent interaction with central HVAC systems, cooling towers, and other mechanical equipment.

• Comprehensive benefits – health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, employee stock purchase plan, and more.
• Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.
• Associate recognition programs (company‑wide recognition, Avalon Bay’s Very Best awards, etc.).
• 20% discount on Avalon Bay apartment homes.
• A…