Chief Engineer (Luxury Residences)

Job Overview

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the seamless operation, maintenance, and presentation of all building systems within a luxury high-residences. This role is critical to delivering a five-star living experience by ensuring reliability, discretion, and excellence in all engineering services.

The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team, oversees complex building systems, manages high-value capital projects, and works closely with property management and the Board of Directors to protect and enhance the asset’s value. This individual is expected to operate at a high level of professionalism, technical expertise, and resident service.

Key Responsibilities

Luxury Building Operations & Resident Experience

Ensure all building systems operate at peak efficiency with zero disruption to residents whenever possible.

Deliver a “white-glove” level of service—responding promptly, professionally, and discreetly to resident concerns.

Maintain immaculate condition and presentation of all mechanical rooms, back-of-house areas, and service corridors.

Coordinate work to minimize noise, inconvenience, and visual impact in occupied residences.

Engineering Leadership & Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team with a service-first mindset.

Establish clear performance standards aligned with luxury hospitality-level expectations.

Maintain staffing schedules that ensure 24/7 coverage and rapid response capability.

Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Advanced Building Systems Management

Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of:

HVAC systems, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) and energy management platforms

Electrical distribution, switchgear, and emergency generators

Domestic water, booster pumps, and water treatment systems

Fire/life safety systems and smoke control systems

Elevators and vertical transportation systems

Utilize data and analytics to proactively identify system inefficiencies and implement improvements.

Capital Planning & Asset Preservation

Develop and execute long-term capital plans to maintain Class A/luxury standards.

Lead major projects such as system upgrades, façade restoration, and amenity enhancements.

Partner with consultants, engineers, and ownership on design, budgeting, and execution.

Ensure all upgrades align with luxury market expectations and property positioning.

Vendor & Contractor Oversight

Manage high-quality, vetted vendors who meet luxury service standards.

Oversee all contracted work to ensure exceptional craftsmanship and minimal disruption.

Enforce strict compliance with insurance, safety, and operational protocols.

Financial Management

Prepare and manage the engineering operating and capital budgets.

Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or resident experience.

Support reserve studies and long-term financial planning.

Compliance, Risk Management & Safety

Maintain full compliance with all applicable codes, inspections, and regulatory requirements.

Ensure flawless execution of life safety system testing and documentation.

Qualifications

High School Diploma

Current Driver's License

Central Plant System experience required

EPA Section 608 Universal Certification

Master of Electrician and Plumbing preferred

At least 10 years of Residential maintenance experience

At least 8 years building facilities operation experience in a luxury apartment

Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience as senior engineer/technician or equivalent position in facilities management

Building automation systems experience required

Proven experience providing excellent customer service

Extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in multi-family housing and mid to large size facility operations

Exposure to budgeting and basic accounting

Understands elevator maintenance, fire sprinkler/alarm systems and high-rise buildings

Proficient with computers and relevant computer programs

General understanding and use of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Experience with Yardi preferred

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to work after hours, as needed including on-call rotation

Must be highly credible and trustworthy, and operate with high degree of integrity

Must hold oneself and others accountable and strive for a high level of excellence

Must have a positive, can-do attitude and be able to fuel growth and innovation

Must be customer-focused and results-oriented

Must want to continuously learn and develop

Exceptional oral and written communication, active listening, and organizational skills

Ability to establish strong working relationships with others in team setting

Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with a strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

Self-directed and able to work independently, with minimal supervision

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Required to stand for long periods and walk, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, twist, and/or reach

Push, pull or lift up to 50 pounds

Continuous repetitive motions

Work under variable temperature conditions (or extreme heat or cold), under variable noise levels, outdoors/indoors, around fumes and/or hazards, around dust and/or mite hazards, around chemicals and bio-hazards

Benefits

Compensation:

• Competitive Salary with Bonus Potential
• Generous Benefit Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match, Life Insurance

Career Development

• Opportunities for Advancement within our expanding portfolio
• Annual Professional Development Funds to fuel your growth

Employee Perks:

• Employee Discount for added benefits
• Enjoy a Friendly Work Environment that values collaboration

Additional Benefits:

• Explore more perks and possibilities for growing your career with Comstock Companies! Discover what sets us apart!

The wage range listed for this position reflects a reasonable estimate and considers multiple factors that influence compensation decisions. These may include, but are not limited to, your skills, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of the organization. The posted range does not reflect adjustments for geographic differentials tied to where the role may be filled.

At Comstock, it is not typical for a new hire to start at or near the top of the posted range. Compensation is determined based on the unique circumstances of each candidate.

You may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program. Any award under this program is subject to its rules and may depend on individual and organizational performance.

Virginia Compensation Range $90,000 — $110,000 USD