Building Engineer in Portland, Oregon at Meritus Property Group

About Meritus Property Group

Meritus is comprised of a committed team of commercial and multi-family management professionals that take great pride in being stewards of the built environment, operating assets efficiently, and providing an outstanding tenant experience.

Multifamily Building EngineerPosition Summary

The Multifamily Building Engineer is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, repair, and capital improvement planning of a portfolio of multifamily residential properties. This position provides leadership and technical expertise for building systems, manages maintenance teams, oversees capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, and ensures properties are maintained in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The Building Engineer works closely with Property Management, Asset Management, vendors, and ownership groups to preserve asset value and enhance resident satisfaction.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesBuilding Operations & MaintenanceOversee the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of multiple multifamily communities.Ensure all building systems are operating efficiently, including:HVAC systemsPlumbing systemsElectrical systemsFire and life safety systemsRoofing systemsElevatorsBuilding exteriors and common areasConduct regular property inspections and identify maintenance and safety concerns.Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs across the portfolio.Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.Maintenance Team LeadershipDirectly supervise Maintenance Supervisors, Technicians, Groundskeepers, and other maintenance personnel.Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, training, and development.Conduct regular site visits to monitor team performance and property conditions.Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and retention of maintenance staff.Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service.Capital Expenditure (CapEx) ManagementLead all capital improvement projects across the portfolio from planning through completion.Develop scopes of work, budgets, bid packages, and project schedules.Solicit and evaluate contractor bids and vendor proposals.Manage contractors and consultants to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.Oversee major projects including:Roofing replacementsExterior renovationsParking lot improvementsBuilding system upgradesUnit renovation programsEnergy efficiency projectsLife safety improvementsMonitor project budgets and provide regular progress updates to ownership and management.Financial ManagementAssist with annual operating and capital budget preparation.Review maintenance and capital expenditures to ensure cost control and budget compliance.Identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses and improve asset performance.Analyze maintenance trends and recommend long-term replacement strategies.Vendor & Contractor ManagementEstablish and maintain relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.Negotiate service agreements and contracts.Monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contract requirements.Approve invoices and verify work completion.Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.Conduct regular safety inspections and training sessions.Maintain documentation related to permits, inspections, warranties, and capital projects.Assist with emergency response planning and property disaster recovery efforts.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceHigh School Diploma or GED required.Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field preferred.Minimum 5 years of multifamily maintenance experience.Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience.Experience overseeing multiple properties and capital improvement projects required.Knowledge & SkillsStrong understanding of:HVAC systemsPlumbing systemsElectrical systemsBuilding automation systemsFire and life safety systemsConstruction and renovation practicesAbility to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.Strong project management and budgeting skills.Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.Proficiency with property management and work order software.Ability to manage multiple priorities across a portfolio.Certifications PreferredEPA Universal CertificationCertified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)Certified Apartment Maintenance Supervisor (CAMS)OSHA 10 or OSHA 30HVAC CertificationBoiler or Stationary Engineer License (where applicable)Physical RequirementsAbility to walk properties, climb stairs and ladders, and inspect mechanical spaces.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.Ability to travel regularly between properties.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Capital projects completed on time and within budget.Reduction in emergency maintenance calls.Preventative maintenance completion rates.Maintenance team performance and retention.Resident satisfaction scores.Property inspection scores.Operating expense management.Safety compliance and incident reduction.

Reports To: Director of Maintenance / Regional DirectorSupervises: Maintenance Supervisors, Maintenance Technicians, Groundskeepers, Vendors, and Contractors

Client & Ownership RelationsParticipate in client, ownership, and asset management meetings as needed to provide updates on maintenance operations, capital projects, building systems, and property conditions.Present project status reports, maintenance initiatives, and capital expenditure updates to clients and stakeholders.Partner with Property Management teams to develop solutions that support operational goals and ownership objectives.Respond professionally to client inquiries regarding maintenance operations, capital projects, and building performance.Property Management CollaborationWork closely with Regional Managers, Property Managers, and Asset Managers to support operational performance and resident satisfaction.Provide recommendations regarding building improvements, deferred maintenance, risk mitigation, and long-term capital planning.Assist with due diligence inspections, property transitions, acquisitions, and major renovation projects.Additional QualificationsTechnical Knowledge & Industry ExperienceStrong working knowledge of multifamily property management operations and maintenance best practices.Proficient in Yardi Voyager, including work order management, purchase orders, invoice approvals, budgeting support, reporting, and maintenance tracking.Experience utilizing property management software and mobile maintenance platforms.Working knowledge of Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law and fair housing regulations as they relate to maintenance operations, habitability standards, notice requirements, resident communications, vendor access, and emergency repairs.Familiarity with Oregon building codes, OSHA regulations, fire and life safety requirements, and risk management practices.Ability to interpret financial reports, capital budgets, reserve studies, and maintenance expense trends.Leadership CompetenciesStrong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with residents, associates, vendors, ownership groups, and clients.Ability to lead maintenance teams across multiple locations while maintaining consistency in service standards and operational execution.Proven ability to prioritize competing demands while managing multiple properties and capital projects simultaneously.Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a proactive approach to asset preservation and operational efficiency.Preferred ExperienceExperience managing maintenance operations for a portfolio of 1,000+ multifamily units across multiple properties.Experience overseeing annual capital budgets, replacement reserve projects, and large-scale renovations.Experience presenting operational and capital project updates during client and ownership meetings.Experience working within Oregon multifamily housing and knowledge of Oregon regulatory requirements.Experience with Yardi Voyager, RentCafe, and other multifamily management platforms.The pay range for this role is:48 - 50 USD per hour(Meritus Property Group)