Deputy Chief Engineer (Job ID: 2025-3599) - The Brookings Institution

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

Facilities Operations includes business services and building maintenance. Business Services provides office facilities management to assist in maintaining a clean, efficient and ergonomic office environment. The Building Maintenance staff provides a comfortable and safe work environment through operation and maintenance of the physical plant and grounds, building management and periodic renovation.

Position Location:This position requires full-time in-person work on site and is not eligible for any regular remote work. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Deputy Chief Engineer assists in managing, supervising, and coordinating the work of building engineers, facilities assistants, and contractors as assigned by the Chief Engineer and the Director of Facilities Operations (DFO). In collaboration with the Chief Engineer, provide staff, guests, and tenants a secure, climate-controlled work environment. Working under limited supervision, monitor building systems, operations and performance. Utilize advanced technical skills to perform complex preventive maintenance and corrective repair of buildings, industrial systems, equipment and grounds. Assist with leadership of the engineering and maintenance team and perform hands-on engineer duties to provide the highest possible level of customer service to Brookings staff, guests and tenants by responding to service requests in a timely manner.

Engineering and Preventative Maintenance (50%)

• Responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the day-to-day management, operation and oversight of the Brookings physical plant including maintenance and operations of the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety equipment.
• Work closely with the Chief Engineer to evaluate and optimize daily energy usage of Brookings systems and infrastructure. Make daily decisions on programming of system equipment based on changing weather conditions and staff usage of space.
• Visually inspect the mechanical, HVAC equipment in the three buildings daily. Respond in a timely manner to all tenant calls concerning the daily operation of the HVAC systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance duties such as air and water filter replacements, bearing lubrication, inspection and replacement of warn belts, cleaning of mechanical equipment and upkeep of machine room spaces in accordance with industry best practices.
• Perform simple repairs to plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems as well as basic carpentry, painting and physical space maintenance as needed.
• Participate in oversight of Brookings preventative maintenance program to ensure that all building equipment/systems are operating at their optimal performance and ensuring the maximum useful life of the equipment.
• Order maintenance and repair supplies and materials as needed. Coordinate team efforts to maintain, clean and organize tools, parts and equipment used in the daily performance of duties.
• Assist Chief Engineer in monitoring the work performed by engineering and maintenance staff. Continuously observe and report that work is complete, equipment is fully functional and physical spaces are in appropriate working condition.

Service Requests (20%)

• Assume primary responsibility for responding to service requests for maintenance and repairs as assigned by the automated service ticketing system (ConnectUs) as well as those assigned by Chief Engineer and DFO by email request.
• Routinely monitor ticketing system assigning task to facilities staff, making notes and updating/closing out service requests.
• Act as primary point-of-contact for clientele to discuss projects, identify any limitations that may exist, liaise with Facilities staff in discerning the best path for the performance of the task and follow up with client to ensure completion and satisfaction with results.
• Work closely with supervisors to always maintain the highest possible level of customer service with successful completion and timely closure of service requests.

Vendor Management (15%)

• Work closely with Chief Engineer and Director, Facilities Operations in navigating vendor relationships including, but not limited to, determining scope of work, evaluating proposals for work, negotiating pricing, facilitating contract routing, checking invoices for accuracy and ensuring timely processing of invoices.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendor/service providers and act as primary POC for on-site work.
• Ensure that Brookings guidelines for on-site vendors are honored, that vendors continuously exhibit appropriate behavior and work is performed in a professional manner and to appropriate standards.
• Coordinate service contracts and emergency repair work to HVAC, plumbing, life safety, security, kitchen, and conference rooms in Brookings owned buildings when required.
• Routinely assess projects scopes and facilitate in determination of which projects to outsource and which to accomplish with in-house resources.

Capital Improvement Projects (10%)

• Participate in all phases of the evolution of capital improvement projects including identification of needed projects, determination of appropriate scope and timing/budget considerations, project development with architects/engineers, vendor selection and project execution.
• With Chief Engineer, review construction drawings; make notes, comments, and or corrections.
• Assist in the coordination of all on-site contractors ensuring building integrity and minimal disruption to staff and tenants (i.e. noise, dust elevator usage, etc.).
• Participate in the monitoring of construction projects to ensure the work is done properly and is completed on time. Field-verify the equipment is operating and installed properly before final invoice is approved. 

General/Personnel Management (5%)

• Assist in the hiring, management and training of building engineers and maintenance technicians so that they develop the capabilities necessary to performing their jobs with a high level of expertise and customer service.
• Work closely to maintain  clear and concise paths of communication with the Facilities leadership team including Manager of Facilities Operations, Chief Engineer and Associate Director and Director of Facilities Operations.
• Participate in the supervision of Facility staff and work closely with the Security team in the daily activities engaged to maintain a safe, secure working environment for all who enter the buildings. 
• Facilitate scheduling of after-hours and weekend on-call assignments as needed.
• Keep up to date licensing required by the District of Columbia Government (i.e. Class 6/Class 3 Building Steam Engineers License) as well as national regulations for various Life Safety codes, electrical codes, and plumbing codes in the three buildings.
• Respond twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to emergency situations at the Brookings Campus as required.
• This position is considered essential and the individual is required to be available during emergencies and special closings (often weather related) and available for working on site if the situation should require it.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college, trade school or university preferred. 5-7 years’ experience working with commercial HVAC and building automation systems. Experience with electrical work is highly preferred. Prior experience working with computer software/Building Automation Systems (BAS). Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite preferred. Must have a current DC 3rd or 6th Class Steam Engineers License or be able to obtain such within 6 months of hire date. This position is considered essential/non-exempt and the individual is required to be available during emergencies and special closings (often weather related), working on-site if the situation requires it. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Skilled at trouble shooting HVAC and building automation systems. Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated commitment to quality service. Able to work independently and effectively as part of a team. Strong problem solving and organizational skills. Ability to be “on call”, including providing own transportation during all hours. Excellent verbal communication. Adequate writing skills to communicate with staff, tenants and vendors via email and other electronic media.

Additional Information 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.