Empire State Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased top of tier modernized amenitized and well-located office retail and multifamily assets. ESRTs flagship Empire State Building the Worlds Most Famous Building features its iconic Observatory ranked the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisors 2025 Travelers Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As of September30 2025 ESRTs portfolio is comprised of approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet of office space 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 743 residential units. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at and by following ESRT on FacebookInstagramTikTokX and LinkedIn.
POSITION SUMMARY
ESRT is seeking a Chief Engineer who will work closely with the Property Manager and management team in the oversight of the building technical operations and project work and in meeting all requirements of the Landlord. The Chief is fully responsible for supervising the building engineer staff maintenance of the building equipment preventive maintenance of all building equipment overseeing associated outsourced building contracts overseeing and responding to Tenant service calls providing support for all building leasing and marketing TI projects as required expediting other special projects as directed by the Property Manager and responding to all building emergencies.
RESPONSBILITIES
Building Operations & Tenant Coordination:
Serve as the building engineering representative and liaison with tenants and property management ensuring building services are delivered in accordance with lease obligations and ESRT standards.
Maintain positive tenant relationships by ensuring timely response to tenant requests coordinating repairs and documenting work through the buildings work order system.
Identify and report common area maintenance deficiencies and ensure appropriate corrective action is initiated.
Perform regular inspections of common areas backofhouse spaces and mechanical and electrical rooms; generate work tickets as required.
Fire Life Safety & Compliance:
Maintain a current Fire Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness (F89) as required.
Maintain Fire Departmentrequired logs and documentation for fire alarm sprinkler and standpipe systems.
Ensure compliance with all fire life safety emergency and building procedures as established by ESRT and the managing agent
Test inspect and maintain emergency equipment and systems in proper working order.
Building Systems & Preventive Maintenance:
Oversee the safe efficient and reliable operation of HVAC electrical plumbing fire life safety and related building systems
Direct and monitor preventive maintenance programs for all mechanical and electrical equipment using the buildings computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
Maintain accurate current and historical preventive maintenance records for all building systems
Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to minimize downtime and service disruption
Partner with other Chiefs to address gaps in inspections PM completion or regulatory compliance.
Construction Renovations & Controls:
Review and coordinate tenant construction and renovation activities to ensure compliance with approved plans and building standards.
Procure review and maintain architectural mechanical and electrical drawings including asbuilt plans and CAD documentation
Inspect construction and renovation work and prepare mechanical and electrical punch lists as
Coordinate and supervise controlsrelated projects including procurement design and implementation
Ensure tenant construction activities protect building infrastructure finishes and tenant property coordinate restoration and cleanup upon completion
Contractor & Vendor Management:
Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning scope development plan reviews and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets including equipment condition lifecycle status and replacement strategies.
Supervise and monitor contractors subcontractors and vendors performing work in the building
Ensure subcontracted work complies with applicable codes regulations and ESRT best practices
Evaluate recommend and monitor mechanical and service contractors including bid review and performance oversight
Maintain a current directory of approved contractor and vendor contact information
Coordinate proper disposal of materials and waste in accordance with building and regulatory requirements
Energy & Sustainability:
Monitor building energy usage and assist with the development and implementation of energy management strategies
Identify operational efficiency improvements aimed at reducing equipment wear energy consumption and emissions
Review and report on opportunities for preventive maintenance energy savings and costcontrol measures
Management & Administration:
Supervise and coordinate activities of engineering staff using the buildings CMMS platform (e.g. Building Engines or equivalent)
Ensure engineering staff are properly equipped trained and operating safely
Assign track and close work orders daily; ensure timely communication with tenants regarding delays or deferred work
Maintain a written listing of open tasks and provide clear work instructions to engineering staff
Participate in the interview training scheduling evaluation and performance counseling of engineering staff as required and in accordance with union agreements
Review and approve time sheets and overtime; utilize payroll and reporting systems such as ADP and Excel
Budgeting & Reporting:
Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning scope development plan reviews and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets including equipment condition lifecycle status and replacement strategies.
Prepare and submit regular operational and activity reports to property management
Assist with the preparation of annual operating maintenance and capital budgets
Monitor expenditures and provide explanations for variances between approved budgets and actual expenses
Prepare purchase orders and procure parts and supplies in accordance with company policies and approved budget guidelines
Maintain inventory of buildingowned tools equipment and supplies
Cooling Tower & Specialty Systems:
Inspect service maintain and repair cooling towers chillers and associated electrical and mechanical components
Ensure compliance with cooling tower maintenance programs reporting and regulatory requirements
Obtain and maintain required certifications (including Category 7G as applicable) for cooling tower maintenance programs and chemical application
Safety Ethics & Professional Standards:
Maintain awareness and adherence to all building safety emergency and security procedures
Control engineering operations and response activities during emergency situations
Promote a safe ethical and drugfree workplace
Maintain professional appearance conduct and courteous working relationships with tenants contractors and colleagues
Act as a cooperative member of the management and building operations team
Leadership & Organizational Development
Serve as a visible leader and trusted resource for engineering teams across the portfolio.
Act as an intermediary between building engineering teams and management helping translate strategy into execution.
Demonstrate a proactive leadership approach identifying opportunities for improvement rather than reacting to failures.
Show a clear desire to grow within the organization and contribute to the long-term success of ESRTs engineering platform.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
You are a highly motivated individual with a passion for engineering who possesses the necessary skills needed in this role. You are a leader and can keep management updated on a daily basis. You are able to supervise a team of engineers and provide them with a list of responsibilities and instructions for which they are to complete. You have strong communication skills and the ability to communicate with both tenant and colleagues. You are organized and able to keep track of any issues that need to be fixed such as tenant or mechanical issues.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
Technical Skills:
Demonstrated training and/or handson experience in multiple building trades.
Ability to operate maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems including heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment
Working knowledge of electrical systems and related subsystems
Experience with building control systems including pneumatic electric electronic and solidstate direct digital control (DDC) systems
Knowledge of plumbing pressure piping hydronic and other pressurized piping system
Familiarity with fire alarm systems life safety systems air distribution (ductwork) and VAV systems
Ability to safely use tools equipment and test instruments to measure analyze troubleshoot maintain and repair electrical and HVAC systems
Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) including platforms such as Johnson Controls Honeywell Tridium Alerton Automated Logic Distech Schneider Electric or similar systems
Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs applicable to building systems
Basic proficiency in the use of computer systems and related software
Management & Communication Skills:
Working knowledge of supervisory and management practices including time management and performance oversight
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English with supervisors coworkers vendors and management
Ability to prepare professional written documentation including reports memoranda logs and records
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) College or university credits or degree in applicable discipline preferred
Minimum (5) years experience in the various disciplines of operating engineering electrical power and HVAC systems with two or more years with personnel management experience
A current engineers license (or equivalent) that is either issued or recognized and accepted by the jurisdiction in which the employee is actively engaged
EPA CFC Certification
Refrigeration (Q-01)/Operators Certificate of Fitness
Fire Life Safety Director (F-89) and Emergency Action Plan Certificate of Finesses
Category 7G Certified Applicator License
(G7) Category 7G Certified Applicator License (Pesticide) required or expected to be obtained
S-12/S-13 qualified or expected to be obtained.
Fireguard/Torch (F-60)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position
Ability to work off the ladder
Ability to work in tight environments
Ability to carry up to 50 pounds
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
At ESRT like our tenants our employees come from everywhere. We foster a collaborative work environment that captures top talent and cultivates the best ideas. As a Great Place to Work Certified employer we are committed to maintaining our positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow and addition ESRT employees embody ourCompany Culture & Success Factors-
Adaptable you are a self-starter whos able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently
Dynamic you are solutions-oriented aim to improve processes and implement efficiency and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT
Dependable you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work
Passionate you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude
Curious you consistently look for new ways to work smarter not just harder
Ethical you treat others with respect act with integrity in how you perform your work and embrace our collaborative culture
Positive you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through
BENEFITS
Local 94 Benefits as per Collective Bargaining Agreement
$68 - $72 an hour
#LI-DNI
ESRT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because they drive curiosity innovation and the success of our business. We do not discriminate based on race religion color creed national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression reproductive choices age marital status veteran status disability status pregnancy parental status caregiver status genetic information political affiliation or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including hiring promotion demotion compensation training working conditions transfer job assignments benefits layoff and termination. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship for the Company are available for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.
Required Experience:
Chief
COMPANY SUMMARYEmpire State Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased top of tier modernized amenitized and well-located office retail and multifamily assets. ESRTs flagship Empire State Building the Worlds Most Famous Building features it...
COMPANY SUMMARY
Empire State Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased top of tier modernized amenitized and well-located office retail and multifamily assets. ESRTs flagship Empire State Building the Worlds Most Famous Building features its iconic Observatory ranked the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisors 2025 Travelers Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As of September30 2025 ESRTs portfolio is comprised of approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet of office space 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 743 residential units. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at and by following ESRT on FacebookInstagramTikTokX and LinkedIn.
POSITION SUMMARY
ESRT is seeking a Chief Engineer who will work closely with the Property Manager and management team in the oversight of the building technical operations and project work and in meeting all requirements of the Landlord. The Chief is fully responsible for supervising the building engineer staff maintenance of the building equipment preventive maintenance of all building equipment overseeing associated outsourced building contracts overseeing and responding to Tenant service calls providing support for all building leasing and marketing TI projects as required expediting other special projects as directed by the Property Manager and responding to all building emergencies.
RESPONSBILITIES
Building Operations & Tenant Coordination:
Serve as the building engineering representative and liaison with tenants and property management ensuring building services are delivered in accordance with lease obligations and ESRT standards.
Maintain positive tenant relationships by ensuring timely response to tenant requests coordinating repairs and documenting work through the buildings work order system.
Identify and report common area maintenance deficiencies and ensure appropriate corrective action is initiated.
Perform regular inspections of common areas backofhouse spaces and mechanical and electrical rooms; generate work tickets as required.
Fire Life Safety & Compliance:
Maintain a current Fire Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness (F89) as required.
Maintain Fire Departmentrequired logs and documentation for fire alarm sprinkler and standpipe systems.
Ensure compliance with all fire life safety emergency and building procedures as established by ESRT and the managing agent
Test inspect and maintain emergency equipment and systems in proper working order.
Building Systems & Preventive Maintenance:
Oversee the safe efficient and reliable operation of HVAC electrical plumbing fire life safety and related building systems
Direct and monitor preventive maintenance programs for all mechanical and electrical equipment using the buildings computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
Maintain accurate current and historical preventive maintenance records for all building systems
Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to minimize downtime and service disruption
Partner with other Chiefs to address gaps in inspections PM completion or regulatory compliance.
Construction Renovations & Controls:
Review and coordinate tenant construction and renovation activities to ensure compliance with approved plans and building standards.
Procure review and maintain architectural mechanical and electrical drawings including asbuilt plans and CAD documentation
Inspect construction and renovation work and prepare mechanical and electrical punch lists as
Coordinate and supervise controlsrelated projects including procurement design and implementation
Ensure tenant construction activities protect building infrastructure finishes and tenant property coordinate restoration and cleanup upon completion
Contractor & Vendor Management:
Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning scope development plan reviews and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets including equipment condition lifecycle status and replacement strategies.
Supervise and monitor contractors subcontractors and vendors performing work in the building
Ensure subcontracted work complies with applicable codes regulations and ESRT best practices
Evaluate recommend and monitor mechanical and service contractors including bid review and performance oversight
Maintain a current directory of approved contractor and vendor contact information
Coordinate proper disposal of materials and waste in accordance with building and regulatory requirements
Energy & Sustainability:
Monitor building energy usage and assist with the development and implementation of energy management strategies
Identify operational efficiency improvements aimed at reducing equipment wear energy consumption and emissions
Review and report on opportunities for preventive maintenance energy savings and costcontrol measures
Management & Administration:
Supervise and coordinate activities of engineering staff using the buildings CMMS platform (e.g. Building Engines or equivalent)
Ensure engineering staff are properly equipped trained and operating safely
Assign track and close work orders daily; ensure timely communication with tenants regarding delays or deferred work
Maintain a written listing of open tasks and provide clear work instructions to engineering staff
Participate in the interview training scheduling evaluation and performance counseling of engineering staff as required and in accordance with union agreements
Review and approve time sheets and overtime; utilize payroll and reporting systems such as ADP and Excel
Budgeting & Reporting:
Provide technical oversight and subject-matter expertise for large repair and maintenance (R&M) initiatives and capital projects across the portfolio.
Participate in project planning scope development plan reviews and constructability assessments to ensure alignment with ESRT standards.
Support the development and execution of long-term capital planning including 5- and 10-year engineering capital forecasts.
Maintain working knowledge of major building systems across portfolio assets including equipment condition lifecycle status and replacement strategies.
Prepare and submit regular operational and activity reports to property management
Assist with the preparation of annual operating maintenance and capital budgets
Monitor expenditures and provide explanations for variances between approved budgets and actual expenses
Prepare purchase orders and procure parts and supplies in accordance with company policies and approved budget guidelines
Maintain inventory of buildingowned tools equipment and supplies
Cooling Tower & Specialty Systems:
Inspect service maintain and repair cooling towers chillers and associated electrical and mechanical components
Ensure compliance with cooling tower maintenance programs reporting and regulatory requirements
Obtain and maintain required certifications (including Category 7G as applicable) for cooling tower maintenance programs and chemical application
Safety Ethics & Professional Standards:
Maintain awareness and adherence to all building safety emergency and security procedures
Control engineering operations and response activities during emergency situations
Promote a safe ethical and drugfree workplace
Maintain professional appearance conduct and courteous working relationships with tenants contractors and colleagues
Act as a cooperative member of the management and building operations team
Leadership & Organizational Development
Serve as a visible leader and trusted resource for engineering teams across the portfolio.
Act as an intermediary between building engineering teams and management helping translate strategy into execution.
Demonstrate a proactive leadership approach identifying opportunities for improvement rather than reacting to failures.
Show a clear desire to grow within the organization and contribute to the long-term success of ESRTs engineering platform.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
You are a highly motivated individual with a passion for engineering who possesses the necessary skills needed in this role. You are a leader and can keep management updated on a daily basis. You are able to supervise a team of engineers and provide them with a list of responsibilities and instructions for which they are to complete. You have strong communication skills and the ability to communicate with both tenant and colleagues. You are organized and able to keep track of any issues that need to be fixed such as tenant or mechanical issues.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
Technical Skills:
Demonstrated training and/or handson experience in multiple building trades.
Ability to operate maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems including heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment
Working knowledge of electrical systems and related subsystems
Experience with building control systems including pneumatic electric electronic and solidstate direct digital control (DDC) systems
Knowledge of plumbing pressure piping hydronic and other pressurized piping system
Familiarity with fire alarm systems life safety systems air distribution (ductwork) and VAV systems
Ability to safely use tools equipment and test instruments to measure analyze troubleshoot maintain and repair electrical and HVAC systems
Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) including platforms such as Johnson Controls Honeywell Tridium Alerton Automated Logic Distech Schneider Electric or similar systems
Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs applicable to building systems
Basic proficiency in the use of computer systems and related software
Management & Communication Skills:
Working knowledge of supervisory and management practices including time management and performance oversight
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English with supervisors coworkers vendors and management
Ability to prepare professional written documentation including reports memoranda logs and records
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) College or university credits or degree in applicable discipline preferred
Minimum (5) years experience in the various disciplines of operating engineering electrical power and HVAC systems with two or more years with personnel management experience
A current engineers license (or equivalent) that is either issued or recognized and accepted by the jurisdiction in which the employee is actively engaged
EPA CFC Certification
Refrigeration (Q-01)/Operators Certificate of Fitness
Fire Life Safety Director (F-89) and Emergency Action Plan Certificate of Finesses
Category 7G Certified Applicator License
(G7) Category 7G Certified Applicator License (Pesticide) required or expected to be obtained
S-12/S-13 qualified or expected to be obtained.
Fireguard/Torch (F-60)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position
Ability to work off the ladder
Ability to work in tight environments
Ability to carry up to 50 pounds
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
At ESRT like our tenants our employees come from everywhere. We foster a collaborative work environment that captures top talent and cultivates the best ideas. As a Great Place to Work Certified employer we are committed to maintaining our positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow and addition ESRT employees embody ourCompany Culture & Success Factors-
Adaptable you are a self-starter whos able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently
Dynamic you are solutions-oriented aim to improve processes and implement efficiency and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT
Dependable you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work
Passionate you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude
Curious you consistently look for new ways to work smarter not just harder
Ethical you treat others with respect act with integrity in how you perform your work and embrace our collaborative culture
Positive you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through
BENEFITS
Local 94 Benefits as per Collective Bargaining Agreement
$68 - $72 an hour
#LI-DNI
ESRT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because they drive curiosity innovation and the success of our business. We do not discriminate based on race religion color creed national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression reproductive choices age marital status veteran status disability status pregnancy parental status caregiver status genetic information political affiliation or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including hiring promotion demotion compensation training working conditions transfer job assignments benefits layoff and termination. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship for the Company are available for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.
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