Chief Engineer

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee facility maintenance and engineering operations across three warehouse buildings at a battery manufacturing facility.

This position is responsible for leading a team of three skilled Operating Engineers while ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the buildings' electrical, HVAC, and mechanical infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical background, hands-on troubleshooting experience, and the ability to manage daily facility operations, preventative maintenance programs, contractors, and maintenance priorities.

This is a working leadership position consisting of approximately 60% administrative and supervisory responsibilities and 40% hands-on technical work.

Important: This role focuses on building infrastructure and facility systems, NOT battery production lines or manufacturing equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Operations & Technical Maintenance (40%)

• Perform hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of industrial building electrical and mechanical systems.

• Diagnose electrical issues involving power distribution, electrical panels, breakers, motors, motor controls, and related equipment.

• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial HVAC systems, including rooftop units, air handlers, chillers, pumps, exhaust systems, and ventilation equipment.

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical failures to minimize facility downtime.

• Assist Operating Engineers with complex repairs and technical challenges.

• Inspect building equipment and identify potential failures before they impact operations.

• Ensure building electrical, HVAC, and mechanical systems are operating safely and efficiently.

• Support emergency repairs and critical facility maintenance activities as needed.

Leadership & Facility Management (60%)

• Oversee daily facility maintenance operations across three warehouse buildings.

• Directly supervise, mentor, and support a team of three Operating Engineers.

• Assign daily work orders, establish maintenance priorities, and monitor completion of assigned tasks.

• Develop and manage preventative and predictive maintenance schedules for building systems.

• Coordinate outside contractors and vendors performing electrical, HVAC, mechanical, and general facility services.

• Manage work orders, equipment maintenance records, and service documentation through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

• Monitor facility equipment performance and recommend improvements to reliability and efficiency.

• Assist with maintenance budgets, vendor proposals, purchasing, and cost control.

• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, OSHA requirements, and facility safety procedures.

• Conduct routine facility inspections and identify opportunities for building improvements.

• Communicate maintenance updates, equipment concerns, and project progress to facility leadership.

• Support planning and execution of facility upgrades, equipment replacements, and infrastructure improvement projects.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in industrial facility maintenance, building engineering, or a related technical field.

• Strong electrical troubleshooting and repair experience within commercial or industrial facilities.

• Experience working with electrical distribution systems, motors, controls, panels, and related building infrastructure.

• Working knowledge of industrial HVAC and mechanical building systems.

• Previous experience leading, supervising, or serving as a lead technician for a maintenance or engineering team.

• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical issues.

• Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, and preventative maintenance activities.

• Ability to balance hands-on maintenance responsibilities with administrative and supervisory duties.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Journeyman or Master Electrician license, or other recognized electrical certifications.

• NFPA 70E electrical safety training or certification.

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

• Experience managing maintenance operations across multiple buildings or warehouse facilities.

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or other large-scale facility environments.

• Familiarity with Building Automation Systems (BAS), electrical controls, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

• Experience using CMMS platforms such as Maximo, Corrigo, or similar systems.

• Technical degree or trade school training in electrical, mechanical, or industrial maintenance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced electrical-focused Chief Engineer, Lead Operating Engineer, or Facilities Maintenance Supervisor who enjoys remaining technically involved while leading a small team.

This individual should be comfortable troubleshooting electrical and HVAC equipment, directing maintenance activities, managing contractors, and taking ownership of the overall performance of multiple industrial buildings.

We are looking for a hands-on leader, not strictly an office-based manager, who can step in to troubleshoot equipment when necessary while effectively managing the day-to-day operations of the facility.