Senior Chief Engineer at One Arts Plaza

Founded in 1978 by Lucy and Henry Billingsley, the organization expertly builds, owns, and manages its properties, ensuring long-term client, resident, and partner return. Specializing in master-planned developments and principles of new urbanism, each Billingsley property signifies technology, convenience, and a vast array of amenities aimed to attract and retain tenants, residents, visitors, and employees. These amenities include art, sculpture, parks, trails, and outdoor public spaces. With over 5,000 acres in DFW, Billingsley has built 5 million SF of Commercial space, 550,000 SF of Retail, 9 million SF of Industrial, and over 10,000 units of Multi-Family. 

The Senior Chief Engineer is responsible for leading all engineering and building operations for One Arts Plaza, a premier mixed-use property (commercial office, retail, and residential). This role plans, implements, coordinates, and manages day-to-day engineering functions including preventive maintenance, repairs, life-safety readiness, building systems performance, vendor oversight, energy management, and team development. The Sr. Chief Engineer owns operational execution, ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, and drives a high standard of reliability, safety, and customer service across the property.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Operations & Building Systems

• Lead all engineering operations for the property, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance of building systems.
• Direct preventive maintenance programs and ensure timely completion of corrective maintenance and repairs.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, elevators, and BAS/EMS systems.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination with property management, tenants, residents, vendors, and internal stakeholders to minimize disruption and ensure high service levels.
• Support move-ins/move-outs, tenant improvements, and building projects with engineering expertise and operational planning.

Life Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and site-specific requirements.
• Maintain readiness for inspections and audits related to fire/life safety, OSHA, environmental, and building code compliance.
• Lead emergency response readiness, including drills, incident response, and documentation.
• Participate in risk management efforts, including hazard identification, corrective action plans, and safety training adherence.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provide formal supervision to engineering staff, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, promotions, corrective action, and terminations.
• Develop and coach a high-performing engineering team; establish clear expectations, schedules, and accountability.
• Manage staffing plans and man-power development to ensure coverage and service reliability.
• Direct reports may include apprentice building engineers, building engineers, operations engineers, lead engineers, assistant chief engineer(s), and/or chief engineers.

Vendor & Project Oversight

• Oversee contractors and vendors supporting engineering and building operations; ensure scope, quality, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate projects related to building repairs, capital improvements, and system upgrades, including planning, scheduling, and execution support.
• Ensure vendor documentation is maintained (licenses, insurance, safety requirements, and compliance documentation where applicable).

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and maintain operational and capital budgets for engineering and building operations.
• Track spending, forecast needs, and identify cost efficiencies without sacrificing safety or service quality.
• Support procurement, approvals, and documentation for repairs, replacements, and capital work.

Systems, Documentation & Reporting

• Use work order systems to assign, track, and close work orders; ensure accurate documentation and timely communication.
• Maintain records for inspections, maintenance logs, equipment history, compliance documentation, and training completion.
• Utilize PC/PDA tools for email, EMS/BAS systems, training systems, and reporting as required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree or two-year trade school degree preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in building operations and maintenance (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 5+ years of supervisory/people management experience required.
• Experience supporting large commercial office or mixed-use buildings, multi-building sites, or campus-style properties strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction/project coordination, and utility management.
• Proficient with work order systems, email, EMS/BAS platforms, and training systems using a PC and/or PDA.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office and Outlook skills.
• Strong communication and customer service skills; able to interact professionally with tenants, residents, vendors, and leadership.
• Organized, safety-minded, and able to prioritize multiple critical tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, stand, walk, climb ladders, and perform physical work in mechanical/equipment areas.
• Ability to lift and/or carry loads up to 50 lbs.

Certifications / Licenses (Required)

• EPA 608 Universal CFC Certification
• CPR/AED Certification
• Any additional certifications/licenses required by local or state jurisdictions

Required Training (Must Complete/ Maintain)

• OSHA 10
• Site-specific fire alarm and fire life safety training
• Emergency response training
• Energy Management System (EMS) training
• Completion of training modules in:
• • HVAC (including EPA 608 Prep Course)
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Construction Management
  • Utility Management
  • Administrative Management
  • Risk Management
  • Intro to Asset Management