Senior Building Engineer - Life Sciences Client Site

Overview

Santa Clara - California - United States of America

The Sr. Building Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of complex building systems. This role leads advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, energy optimization, contractor oversight, and preventive maintenance programs. The position serves as a technical authority, mentor, and escalation point while ensuring compliance, uptime, and operational excellence, working closely with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) partners.

• Assign, prioritize, and estimate work orders including labor, materials, and timelines using CMMS (IBM Maximo). Maintain adequate inventory of tools, parts, and supplies.
• Perform and oversee advanced maintenance and repairs across mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural, fire/life safety, controls, furniture, and building systems.
• Review, verify, and sign off on inspections, functional testing, and maintenance activities to ensure systems operate within design parameters and applicable standards.
• Lead preventive maintenance programs to ensure assets meet or exceed rated life and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Perform emergency response and corrective maintenance as required.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, AHJ requirements, safety standards, and company directives.
• Work closely with EHS to support safe work practices, hazard mitigation, incident investigations, audits, and continuous safety improvement initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and monitor energy management strategies to optimize system efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Oversee, inspect, and hold outside contractors accountable for scope, quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Serve as a technical expert across multiple disciplines; apply advanced knowledge to improve methods, processes, and outcomes.
• Coach and mentor engineering staff to elevate technical capability and performance.
• Lead by example and model CBRE RISE values; influence stakeholders, resolve complex issues, and drive alignment across teams.
• Contribute to new standards, procedures, documentation, and operational plans supporting functional and business goals.
• Communicate complex technical and operational issues clearly to clients, leadership, and cross-functional partners.

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 5–8 years of relevant experience. Equivalent experience may substitute for formal education.
• Prior lead, shift supervisor, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Universal CFC certification required.
• Additional certifications preferred in HVAC, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, process controls, plumbing, carpentry, painting, or engine repair.
• Documented evidence of skill-level competency aligned with CBRE standards and role expectations, supporting effective execution of building operations, maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting across complex building systems and equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems, life safety systems, codes, and safe work practices.
• Proficient in IBM Maximo and other CMMS platforms for work order management, asset tracking, preventive maintenance, backlog control, and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Advanced problem-solving ability with an innovative, continuous-improvement mindset.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including standing, walking, climbing ladders/stairs, stooping, and lifting/carrying 50 lbs. or more.

CBRE is the premier provider of Facilities Management services. We offer excellent compensation and benefits, to include overtime pay, medical and dental benefits, PTO, 401K, and comprehensive training for professional growth.

• Benefits start 1st of the month following your hire date: medical, dental, vision, 401k, etc.
• First year of employment - 15 Days of PTO. Year 1 - 4 of employment 20 days of PTO!

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

• CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Senior Building Engineer position is $95,000 annually and the maximum salary is $113,000 annually, or $54.33 per hour. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender…