Senior Building Systems Engineer - AvalonBay Communities : Job Details

Senior Building Systems EngineerPosition Type:Full timeState: MassachusettsCity: BostonZip Code:02210OverviewAvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we've established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term.Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.The RoleThe Senior Building Systems Engineer is responsible for providing technical assistance and troubleshooting for building systems across a real estate portfolio. This role includes improving equipment reliability, supporting preventive maintenance, managing capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, and evaluating building assets for process enhancements. The associate will work closely with portfolio directors, on-site maintenance teams, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvements.Essential Job Functions:Community Support

• Provide engineering and technical support for onsite teams, including system troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and process improvements.
• Assist with selecting equipment and managing vendor services.
• Address recurring or significant building system issues and recommend improvements.

Mechanical Evaluations

• Perform or assist with evaluations of community assets, identify opportunities for improvements, and make recommendations for building system efficiency.
• Identify and recommend building repair or improvement projects.

CapEx Project Management

• Manage capital expenditure projects focused on major system design changes, reliability improvements, and process changes.
• Oversee project execution from planning to closeout.

Redevelopment, Investments & CapEx Technical Support

• Review and provide feedback on mechanical system upgrades for redevelopment projects.
• Develop equipment specifications for building system projects and assist in investment decisions related to acquisitions or dispositions.

New Construction Support

• Participate in new development reviews for building systems, equipment selection, and maintenance logistics.
• Support commissioning, startup, training, and acceptance of building systems.

Retail/Other Services Support

• Assist with technical aspects of retail services, such as system coordination, solar installations, EV charging, and FIOS installations.

Acceptance Support

• Provide technical support during the building commissioning process, from system acceptance to startup training for maintenance teams.

Quality Improvements

• Identify areas for product and process improvement related to equipment durability.
• Maintain records of issues and implement changes to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Reliability

• Conduct root cause analysis on equipment failures, analyze data, and recommend maintenance methods to improve reliability and reduce costs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license and auto insurance.
  • Ability to obtain local mechanical certifications (preferred).

• Experience:
  • 8+ years of engineering support in the real estate industry (preferred).
  • Experience with high-rise, midrise, and garden-style buildings.
  • 5+ years in capital project management, budgeting, and execution.
  • Familiarity with MEP systems, HVAC, fire safety systems, building envelope systems, and energy management.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong customer service orientation and troubleshooting skills.
• Advanced understanding of building systems including HVAC, chillers, boilers, and energy systems.
• Analytical skills for identifying reliability improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Experience with hands-on system troubleshooting and equipment repair.
• Ability to mentor and train team members on building system operations and maintenance.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to frequently lift objects up to 75 pounds, as well as climb, stoop, kneel, and crawl.
• Mobility and flexibility to navigate complex building systems and mechanical areas.

Working Environment:

• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, mechanical parts, high places, fumes, airborne particles, and toxic chemicals.
• Frequent interaction with central HVAC systems, cooling towers, and other mechanical equipment.

This role can be based in Boston, MA or Fort Lauderdale, FLHow AvalonBay Supports YouWe know that our teams are the beating heart of our success and we're committed to showing our appreciation.We offer:Comprehensive benefits - health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock purchase plan and more. Click on Benefits ( for information.Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.Associate recognition (a company-wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization - including destination awards, 'AvalonBay's Very Best' recognition program and others!).A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes.A culture built on purpose and our core values - A Commitment to Integrity, A Spirit of Caring, and A Focus on Continuous Improvement.Additional InfoAvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated. With this we know we can do great things.AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics or testing), citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice (