How to Be Building Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Building Engineer is an important role in the construction industry as they are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of a building. They are responsible for performing a wide range of tasks such as inspecting and maintaining all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, identifying potential safety hazards, making sure the building meets all local building codes, and performing emergency repairs. As a result of the Building Engineer's work, the building is more secure and reliable, allowing occupants to feel safe and comfortable.

Furthermore, the Building Engineer ensures that the building complies with all regulations which helps to protect the environment and prevent costly fines. having a Building Engineer is an essential part of any successful construction project as they are essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of any given building.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related field, is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Building Engineer. Most employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, as well as those who have taken additional courses in Building Systems Engineering.
Obtain a Professional Engineering License. In some states, Building Engineers must be licensed as Professional Engineers (PEs). Requirements for obtaining a PE license vary by state, but typically include passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, completing four years of work experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Gain Work Experience. After obtaining a bachelor's degree and Professional Engineering license, Building Engineers should gain hands-on experience in their field. This can be done via internships, apprenticeships, or through full-time positions.
Get a Certification. Many organizations offer certifications for Building Engineers that can be beneficial to their career. Examples of certifications include Certified Building Engineer (CBE) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM). These certifications provide Building Engineers with an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions.
Stay Up to Date. Building Engineers should stay up to date on new technologies and regulations in their field. This can be done through continuing education courses, reading industry publications, and attending industry conferences.

To become a reliable and competent Building Engineer, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the principles of engineering, construction and architecture. Knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and maintenance protocols must be studied and understood. it is important to have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality workmanship.

This can be achieved through formal education, apprenticeships and on-the-job training. With the combination of these skills and experience, a Building Engineer can become an invaluable asset to any team or organization.

You may want to check Building Automation Technician, Building Operations Specialist, and Building Maintenance Worker for alternative.

Job Description

Manage building maintenance and repair projects
Oversee building engineering services and processes
Schedule and coordinate preventive maintenance plans
Monitor building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations
Develop and implement energy efficiency plans
Design and implement building renovation projects
Provide technical support for building occupants
Troubleshoot building equipment and systems
Oversee the installation of new equipment and systems

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and analyze problems, develop solutions and implement corrective action.
Troubleshooting Skills: Ability to diagnose and repair problems in a timely manner.
Communication Skills: Ability to interact with staff, customers, vendors and other contractors.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work in a team environment, coordinate tasks and delegate responsibilities.
Time Management Skills: Ability to manage time efficiently while completing multiple tasks.
Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate records.
Customer Service Skills: Ability to respond to customer requests in an efficient and courteous manner.
Attention to Detail: Ability to identify potential hazards and repair issues with precision.
Safety Knowledge: Knowledge of safety regulations, equipment operation and safety procedures.

Good building engineers must possess a range of technical and interpersonal skills in order to be successful. Being able to understand complex systems, including electrical, mechanical, and plumbing is essential. knowledge of materials and building techniques is vital for completing projects and ensuring that structures are built to code.

Good communication skills are also necessary for working with colleagues and clients, as well as for providing clear instructions for others to follow. Collaboration is also important for working with architects, designers, and other professionals on the project. Finally, problem solving and troubleshooting skills are essential for quickly and efficiently addressing any issues that arise.

All of these skills, when combined, make for a successful building engineer.

Building Inspector Trainee, Building Contractor, and Building Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Building Engineer?
What qualifications do you have that make you a suitable candidate for this position?
How would you prioritize the tasks associated with building engineering?
Describe your experience in dealing with emergency situations, such as power outages or flooding.
What kind of maintenance and repair work have you done in the past?
How would you handle a situation where a tenant is not satisfied with your work?
What challenges have you encountered in your previous building engineering roles?
How do you stay up-to-date on current building engineering trends and technologies?
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed while performing maintenance and repairs?
What do you think makes a good Building Engineer?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. a design and drafting software used to create 2D and 3D models (eg: creating detailed mechanical drawings).
Building Information Modelling (BIM). a 3D modeling system used to plan and manage the construction process (eg: designing a new building).
Building Envelope Analysis Software. software used to analyze the thermal performance of a building (eg: calculating energy use).
HVAC Design Software. software used to design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (eg: calculating airflow through ducts).
Structural Analysis Software. software used to analyze the structural integrity of a building (eg: analyzing the effects of wind loads).
Estimating Software. software used to estimate material costs and project timelines (eg: budgeting for a renovation project).
Project Management Software. software used to manage every aspect of a project (eg: tracking progress and assigning tasks).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

We also have Building Custodian, Building Manager, and Building Control Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). A system used to regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality of a building, as well as controlling the flow of air.
Electrical Engineering. The field of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and operation of electrical systems.
Plumbing. The installation and maintenance of piping systems used to provide water to a building and remove wastewater.
Structural Engineering. The field of engineering that deals with the analysis and design of structures and their components.
Building Materials. Materials used in the construction of a structure, such as wood, steel, concrete, and brick.
Building Codes. Regulations set forth by local governments that must be followed when constructing a building.
Building Maintenance. The practice of keeping a building in good condition through regular repair, inspection, and cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Building Engineer? A1: A Building Engineer is a professional responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of building systems, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other mechanical systems. Q2: What qualifications are necessary to become a Building Engineer? A2: To become a Building Engineer, one must typically have at least a high school diploma and several years of experience in the fields of engineering, building maintenance, or construction. Additional certifications may be necessary depending on the state or local jurisdiction. Q3: What are some of the duties of a Building Engineer? A3: A Building Engineers duties typically include inspecting buildings and their systems for problems, performing routine maintenance and repairs, responding to emergency repairs, and ensuring that building codes and safety regulations are met. Q4: How much does a Building Engineer typically make? A4: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Building Engineers as of May 2020 was $63,386. Q5: What are some potential career paths for a Building Engineer? A5: Potential career paths for a Building Engineer include becoming an HVAC Technician, an Electrical Technician, a Plumbing Technician, a Facilities Manager, or even a Building Inspector.