Chief Engineer

Job Description

Chief Engineer

UNIVERSITY GATEWAY CORPORATION

MCNAMARA ALUMNI CENTER (200 Oak Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455)

REPORTING

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)

BACKGROUND

This full-time position is part of a 16-member team that manages McNamara Alumni Center, an award-winning office building and event center located on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus. Team members are employees of University Gateway Corporation (UGC), a private nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by the University of Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.UGC’s mission is to “showcase and serve the University of Minnesota,” and it is responsible for the development, ownership, and management of landmark campus properties - most notably the McNamara Alumni Center, a 260,000-square-foot, mixed-use facility serving as both an administrative headquarters for more than 900 University staff and a premier event venue hosting over 800 events annually.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and reliability of all building systems and engineering operations for a Class A office and event facility located on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus.

This role oversees the efficient operation of all building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, drainage, vertical transportation (elevators), and life safety systems. Responsibilities include preventative maintenance programs, capital planning support, tenant service delivery, utility management, and vendor oversight.

The Chief Engineer is also responsible for the leadership, development, and performance management of a high-performing, service-oriented engineering team.

The Chief Engineer must consistently demonstrate exceptional (best-in-class) customer service when communicating with tenants, guests, vendors, and colleagues.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervise engineering and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Review daily work orders, assign tasks, and monitor recurring issues to identify root causes and implement long-term solutions.
• Partner with the COO to develop and execute strategic short- and long-term engineering and capital improvement goals.
• Oversee and inspect all work performed by engineering staff to ensure completion, quality, and adherence to Class A / best-in-class building standards.
• Ensure proactive compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and company directives related to building operations.
• Manage vendor relationships, including RFP development, scope definition, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve a preventative and predictive maintenance program (Angus platform) to maximize equipment life and reliability.
• Perform and oversee repairs, emergency response, and preventative maintenance activities, ensuring accurate documentation and recordkeeping.
• Inspect building systems (HVAC, fire/life safety, plumbing, etc.) to ensure optimal performance and environmental conditions aligned with a best-in-class facility standard.
• Review work orders and estimate labor and materials; maintain appropriate inventory levels of tools and supplies.
• Coordinate with tenants and UGC Event staff to schedule maintenance and minimize operational disruption.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations, coordinating internal and external resources as needed.
• Lead energy management initiatives to optimize system performance and control operating costs.
• Proactively communicate with tenants, clients, property management, event teams, and vendors.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive safety program, including training, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure organized, accurate, and accessible documentation of all building systems, maintenance activities, and operational records.
• Maintain working knowledge of building security systems, including CCTV and electronic access control, and coordinate with vendors and internal teams to support system functionality and troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Trade school certification and/or a minimum of 10 years of experience in building operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 7+ years of commercial building maintenance experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Appropriate licenses/certifications as required (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician, Refrigeration Certificate of Fitness, High Pressure Boiler License, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in operation and maintenance of HVAC, boilers, pumps, compressors, water systems, and related equipment.
• Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), and fire/life safety systems.
• Strong knowledge of energy management strategies and building efficiency practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of building systems operations, maintenance, and repair.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and work order systems (e.g., Angus or similar platforms).
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present information and provide direction.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including on-call, overtime, and emergency response as needed.
• Physical requirements include standing, climbing, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and working in mechanical spaces.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations, which may require extended work periods without relief.

PAY & BENEFITS

Competitive compensation package including parking and a comprehensive UGC benefits program. Benefits include:

• Up to 20 days of PTO in the first year
• Paid holidays
• Health and medical coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• University of Minnesota RecWell membership

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EEO) AND NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

University Gateway Corporation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, age, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in our workplace.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume directly to Jake Morse, HR & Administrative Manager at UGC, at morse276@umn.edu.