Director of Engineering

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary responsibilities of the Director of Engineering are to: (1) develop, implement and enhance engineering standards, (2) foster strong relationships with key stakeholders as well as property management staff, vendors and service providers, (3) provide technical support and advice for all property engineering operations within the commercial portfolio, (4) provide technical support for acquisitions, dispositions and special projects as assigned by Senior Management, and (5) assist properties in identifying and implementing energy efficiency projects to improve operations and reduce operating costs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Prefer Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or related field from a four-year college or equivalent years of experience.
• At least 10 years’ experience required as a Chief Engineer or Facilities Engineer with management and oversight of mechanical operations.  Specific knowledge/experience in the following required: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: Requires frequent movement and the ability to inspect all areas of the property including the roof and basement.  Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods to interact with vendors and staff. 
• Extensive travel to other office buildings nationwide, approximately 20% of the time.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1)    Third Party Engineering Contract (30% of Time):

• Communicates building operation philosophy, objectives, procedures, regulations and expectations to engineering contractor and staff to ensure compliance and highest quality service and superior value to Piedmont tenants.
• Evaluates and recommends staffing levels by building, in coordination with engineering contractor.
• Maintains quality relationship with the engineering contractor and holds regular meetings to maintain accountability to meet all the obligations and provisions in the respective contract.
• Ensures contractor is implementing engineering standards and proper control measures to ensure safe reliable operation of the property.  Monitors the contractor’s performance via Angus AnyWhere and communicates expectations to contractor’s management.
• Provides consultation and guidance to contractor on management, training, communications, budgets, etc.
• Creates, updates and reviews KPI benchmarks with contractor to ensure efficient & consistent operation of building systems and equipment. 
• Utilizes the operational audits to verify current and historical records on all mechanical equipment are kept in logical and proper order.

2)      Utility Management (10% of Time):

• Utilizes MACH Energy and Schneider Electric’s Resource Advisor platforms, to develop and monitor effective energy management programs for consumption and demand in order to reduce usage. 
• Works with Piedmont’s consultants, property management and engineers to identify opportunities for reductions and efficiencies as well as implementation of those aspects.

3)     Technical Support (25% of Time):

• Implements National programs, including but not limited to, Arc Flash, HVAC Water Treatment, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Elevator Maintenance, energy initiatives and improvements to property operations.
• Develops, implements and maintains consistent application of clear engineering operating standards for all property operations and engineering.
• Reviews upon request new technologies for building operations to determine if good fit for the properties and document the findings.
• Acts as a technical resource for property management staff and engineers for projects requiring outside engineering resources, e.g., elevator modernization, structural improvements, and HVAC upgrades.
• Assists or advises on projects related to Capital or major MEP replacements or upgrades, including but not limited to: Cooling Towers, Chillers, Elevator Modifications, or Roofing as directed. 
• As requested, provides engineering consultation, guidance and support for acquisitions and dispositions.
• Reviews, as requested, construction drawings for building and tenant improvements to identify items not in compliance with Piedmont construction standards.
• Provides support for the company’s sustainability programs/initiatives and cyber-security goals and objectives.
• Maintains and shares current knowledge of industry developments and trends, preferably through active participation in industry associations, e.g., ASHRAE and BOMA.
• Assists property management with the use of software programs to ensure building systems are being operated and maintained properly including Angus, Energy Monitoring software, elevator service tools, etc.

4)    Budgets and Bids (15% of Time):

• Thoroughly reviews property management major R&M and capital budgets and approves non-lease related projects from an engineering perspective.
• If requested as part of the acquisition process, develops the property’s capital underwriting and operating budget.
• Consistently reviews project plans that may change the overall function or capacity of equipment or building infrastructure to ensure the necessity of the project and alternatives have been identified and reviewed, and that the need of design engineering by a qualified professional engineer has been considered.
• Works closely with property management prior to submitting bid packages in order to review all specifications, scope and proper supporting documentation per policies.

5)       Property Visits (20% of Time):

• Develops and conducts property visits for each facility and/or project as required.
• Thoroughly reviews overall facility condition, equipment maintenance records and procedures, energy reports and rates, engineer manpower development, Life Safety records, water treatment programs and records, tenant and elevator complaint logs and monthly summaries.

EOE/MFDV