Chief Engineer - job 1 of 3

As the Chief Engineer at ABM, your primary responsibilities include overseeing maintenance and repair activities related to mechanical and electrical systems within the facility. You will manage HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and perform building inspections. Additionally, you’ll respond to client requests, handle work orders, order parts, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

To qualify for the Chief Engineer role at ABM, candidates should possess experience that aligns with the specific facility's requirements. Ideally, ABM seeks applicants with over three years of progressive operations experience in a similar role. Strong coaching and training skills, along with the ability to work with various engineering systems, are also essential for success.

The salary range for the Chief Engineer position at ABM is between $40 and $45 hourly. This pay reflects the importance and complexity of the role, and offers may vary depending on the applicant’s education, experience, skills, and market alignment.

ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package for Chief Engineers, which includes health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, and various other perks that support our frontline team members. For more detailed information, you can check ABM’s 2025 Employee Benefits document.

The Chief Engineer at ABM should possess a range of engineering skills applicable to maintenance programs and operations of diverse systems, including HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems. This role requires a logical approach to problem-solving and the capability to develop maintenance programs and solutions that ensure both operational reliability and safety.

When answering this question, express your ability to assess the urgency and importance of tasks. Explain your strategy for organizing responsibilities, perhaps mentioning tools like project management software or prioritization matrices to ensure all deadlines and project deliverables are met effectively.

In your response, share specific examples of your hands-on experience with HVAC systems. Discuss your familiarity with their operation, maintenance procedures, and any troubleshooting you’ve performed. Highlight how this experience contributes to your role as a Chief Engineer at ABM.

A great approach is to reflect on a common challenge, such as coordinating with multiple departments or managing diverse systems under pressure, and how your experience prepares you to handle such challenges. Share any strategies you've developed to effectively navigate these challenges.

Discuss your familiarity with safety standards and regulations in the engineering sector, emphasizing your commitment to creating a safe work environment. Mention specific actions you’ve taken in previous roles to ensure compliance, like regular safety audits and staff training.

When discussing team management, outline your approach to mentoring and coaching your staff. Share how you foster a culture of learning by providing ongoing training sessions and creating feedback loops for continuous improvement.

Frame your response using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Outline the problem you faced, the steps you took to resolve it, and the positive outcome that resulted. This helps illustrate your technical expertise and problem-solving capacity.

Here, focus on your communication skills and conflict-resolution strategies. Discuss how you listen to all parties, remain calm, and work collaboratively to find a mutually agreeable solution, emphasizing your dedication to customer service.

Mention specific software programs you've used, focusing on tools that are relevant to the Chief Engineer role. Discuss how your proficiency with programs like MS Word, Excel, and maintenance management systems enhances your efficiency.

Emphasize your commitment to ongoing professional development. This can include attending conferences, participating in training sessions, subscribing to industry publications, or joining relevant professional organizations.

Discuss the strategies you implement to enhance operational efficiency, such as reviewing processes for improvement, leveraging technology, and promoting teamwork. Offer examples of how you've successfully optimized operations in the past.