HOA Chief Engineer (CA)

Chief Engineer

Seabreeze Management Company is a full‑service property management firm with a diverse portfolio of over 90,000 residential and commercial properties. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, we have provided an unrivaled client experience to common‑interest developments and homeowners’ associations for more than 30 years, and now serve throughout California and Nevada as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner for thriving associations through superior service and integrity.

Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, safety, and oversight of all building systems within the Serif HOA & 950‑974 Market Master Association. This includes supervising engineering and maintenance staff, managing vendors, ensuring completion of preventive and corrective maintenance, and responding to emergencies. The Chief Engineer must provide professional communication, accountability, and leadership, maintaining the property to the highest operational standards. He / She may stand a shift, work with the tools of his / her trade, and be available for emergencies 24 / 7.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Building Operations & Maintenance

Building Systems

HVAC & hydronic systems

Generator & sump pumps

Domestic hot water & booster systems

Electrical distribution, motors, VFDs

Fire‑life‑safety systems (sprinklers, smoke control, alarms)

Access control & security systems

Trash compaction equipment

Plumbing

Elevators

Maintenance Tasks

Perform preventative maintenance according to manufacturer and property standards.

Conduct daily property walks, weekly inspections, and document all findings.

Troubleshoot and repair, or obtain bids for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, carpentry, and general maintenance issues.

Ensure equipment rooms remain clean, organized, safe, and code‑compliant.

Perform daily maintenance activities.

Perform duties related to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, drywall / carpentry, pressure washing, and any other maintenance needs.

Troubleshoot water leaks, electrical problems, noises, vibrations, odors, etc.

Perform unscheduled and emergency repairs as required.

Assist with operations to maintain workflow and meet schedules.

Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems, and the need for additional materials and supplies.

Operate and maintain fire‑life‑safety systems including sprinklers, smoke exhaust fan systems, damper controllers, variable frequency drives, control centers, and security systems.

Operate, maintain and test run emergency power generation systems and log readings.

Complete management reports and forms as required.

Ensure all PM tasks are logged in the work‑order system with dates, notes, and outcomes.

Report deferred PM tasks immediately to the General Manager.

Develop, maintain, and revise a formal preventive maintenance (PM) schedule for all building systems.

Identify and report any deferred maintenance or system concerns to the General Manager.

Create, implement, and maintain engineering SOPs and checklists for routine operations, emergency procedures, and specialized maintenance tasks.

Ensure all engineering staff follow SOPs and checklists consistently and accurately.

Review engineering documentation weekly to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.

Safety & Emergency Response

Inspect and immediately repair any safety issues such as trip hazards, fires, and floods.

Prepare applications for county permits.

Ensure all required building licenses, certifications, and inspections (including elevators, emergency equipment, generator) remain current and compliant.

Serve as the primary point of contact for after‑hours and building emergencies and be onsite promptly as required.

Develop and execute emergency, fire, and earthquake evacuation procedures.

Maintain and test emergency equipment on schedule.

Ensure all staff are trained quarterly on emergency response.

Maintain emergency supply inventory.

Hold safety meetings per OSHA requirements.

Vendor & Project Management

Schedule, supervise, and evaluate all onsite vendor work to ensure compliance with contracts, building protocols, and scope of work.

Track, follow up on, and close out vendor work, including required documentation, inspections, approvals, and sign‑off.

Document deficiencies and elevate concerns to the General Manager within 24 hours.

Ensure all vendors comply with building access protocols.

Act as the primary manager for janitorial vendors : scheduling, monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with scope, conducting quality checks, and escalating unresolved issues.

Prepare scopes, obtain bids, and recommend contractor selection for building projects.

Monitor progress and quality of repairs, upgrades, and system modifications.

Collaborate with the General Manager on capital projects and system improvements.

Resident & Customer Service

Respond professionally to homeowner requests and concerns.

Provide clear explanations of maintenance issues and timelines.

Conduct engineering orientations for new owners to explain systems, access, and responsibilities.

Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, board, and staff.

Maintain clear, professional and timely communication with residents and team regarding maintenance issues.

Supervisory Duties

Pre‑screen and interview prospective candidates for open positions in the Maintenance Department.

Train and supervise new and existing employees.

Terminate employees only with People, Strategy and Operations involvement, in accordance with Management Company policies and procedures.

Provide guidance and job development to employees on work practices, performance, and policies / procedures.

Review and approve time‑off requests and timesheets via the payroll system according to deadlines provided by the Pay Manager.

Conduct annual performance appraisals for employees and recommend salary increases.

Performance Expectations

Close non‑emergency work orders within 72 hours, or provide documented updates.

Ensure the interior and exterior appearance of the property is consistently maintained, including gates, loading docks, garages, common areas, and building exterior.

Provide same‑day written reports for leaks, floods, fires, system failures, or major incidents.

Submit the Monthly Engineering Report no later than the 3rd business day of each month.

Maintain an organized, auditable record of all preventive maintenance tasks.

Participate in monthly board meetings and other required meetings to communicate issues, integrate activities, obtain approvals, and stay informed of new requirements, policies, and regulations.

Ensure all work orders and documentation are entered in the system the same day work begins.Hold team members accountable for performance, professionalism, and communication standards.

Requirements

Education and / or Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high‑rise.

High school diploma required.

Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering.

Knowledge of building systems required (plumbing, HVAC, security, pool equipment, boilers, electrical, etc.).

Fire‑life‑safety director certificate preferred.

Language Skills

The candidate must have good written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing.

Specific Skills / Knowledge

Good verbal communication skills.

Good customer service skills.

Knowledge of computer systems (Outlook, Word, Excel, C3).

Superior knowledge of engineering operations and mechanical maintenance.

Work Environment

The work environment is a typical office building. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Availability

Available during regular business hours of Monday – Friday 9 : 00 am – 5 : 00 pm and on‑call as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Seabreeze is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates the diversity of our team. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation such as an ASL interpreter, please contact Vy Nguyen at (949) 334‑8166.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

#J-18808-Ljbffr