Maintenance Engineer – Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical/General Maintenance

Kaiva Services is seeking a Maintenance Engineer – Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical/General Maintenance in Seaside, California.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Engineer is responsible for leading the daily execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities within an occupied commercial or institutional facility. This working supervisor performs hands-on maintenance while directing assigned technicians to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contract requirements, applicable codes, and customer expectations.

The position requires advanced plumbing expertise, solid HVAC maintenance and troubleshooting skills, intermediate electrical troubleshooting skills, and general building maintenance experience including painting, flooring repairs, and minor carpentry.

This is a self-starter position. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the facility's maintenance needs, plan and prioritize their own workload, and act without waiting for direction. On-site supervision is limited, so we are looking for someone who proactively identifies problems, follows them through to resolution, and keeps the Project Manager informed, rather than someone who needs to be assigned each task.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plumbing (Approximately 45% of tasking)

• Lead and perform installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of commercial plumbing systems.
• Diagnose and repair water supply, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, domestic hot water, and fixture-related issues.
• Repair leaks, valves, faucets, flush valves, toilets, sinks, water heaters, pumps, and piping systems.
• Clear drains using appropriate mechanical equipment.
• Install and replace plumbing fixtures and accessories.
• Perform preventive maintenance on plumbing equipment.
• Ensure plumbing work complies with applicable building and plumbing codes.
• Coordinate planned shutdowns and emergency plumbing repairs.

HVAC (Approximately 25% of tasking)

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on commercial HVAC systems, including packaged rooftop units, split systems, air handlers, fan coil units, exhaust fans, boilers, and VAV boxes.
• Diagnose and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation issues, including compressors, condensers, evaporator coils, blower motors, belts, bearings, dampers, actuators, and thermostats.
• Replace filters, belts, and other consumable components on scheduled intervals.
• Troubleshoot HVAC electrical controls, contactors, relays, capacitors, and low-voltage control circuits.
• Monitor and adjust building automation system (BAS/DDC) setpoints, schedules, and alarms.
• Check refrigerant pressures and charge, and recover and handle refrigerants in accordance with EPA Section 608 requirements.
• Maintain hydronic heating and chilled water components, including pumps, valves, and water treatment checks.
• Maintain indoor air quality and occupant comfort, and respond to hot/cold and ventilation complaints.
• Coordinate with HVAC subcontractors and vendors on major repairs, equipment replacements, and warranty work.

Electrical (Approximately 20% of tasking)

• Troubleshoot and repair commercial electrical systems up to 480V where qualified.
• Replace receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, ballasts, LED drivers, and associated components.
• Perform electrical preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshoot lighting control systems and building electrical equipment.
• Assist with emergency electrical service restoration.
• Utilize electrical test equipment including multimeters and circuit tracers.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA electrical safety standards and NFPA 70E practices.

General Construction and Facility Maintenance (Approximately 10% of tasking)

• Perform interior and exterior painting.
• Repair drywall, ceiling tiles, doors, hardware, flooring, and finishes.
• Complete minor carpentry and building repairs.
• Install signage, shelving, partitions, and miscellaneous building components.
• Perform general maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Support facility improvement projects.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Coordinate work priorities with the Project Manager and Federal Facility Manager.
• Review completed work for quality and contract compliance.
• Assist with scheduling preventive maintenance activities.
• Respond to emergency service calls and coordinate after-hours responses when required.
• Promote a safe work environment and enforce company safety policies.
• Maintain accurate work documentation using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Take initiative to identify deficiencies, recommend improvements, and resolve issues without waiting to be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 7 years of commercial or institutional maintenance experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a lead or supervisory maintenance role.
• Strong commercial plumbing experience.
• Working knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and equipment.
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (Universal or Type II preferred).
• Working knowledge of commercial electrical systems.
• Experience with general building maintenance and repairs.
• Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and maintenance manuals.
• Experience using CMMS software.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• US Citizen and able to pass background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman Plumber or HVAC License.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification.
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS/DDC controls).
• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour certification.
• Electrical certification or documented commercial electrical experience.
• Backflow prevention certification.
• Lift and aerial work platform certification.
• Experience supporting federal, military, healthcare, higher education, or other mission-critical facilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Strong understanding of plumbing systems and equipment.
• Working knowledge of HVAC refrigeration cycles, airflow, controls, and heating systems.
• Working knowledge of commercial electrical distribution systems.
• Ability to self-manage and prioritize multiple work orders in a fast-paced environment without day-to-day direction.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise and motivate maintenance personnel.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, take ownership of assigned facilities, and proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Climb ladders and stairs, and access rooftops to service HVAC equipment.
• Work in confined spaces, mechanical rooms, and attic or ceiling spaces.
• Stand, kneel, bend, crouch, and reach for extended periods.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Respond to emergency maintenance calls outside normal business hours when required. This is not a common occurrence.

Work Environment

This position operates in occupied federal institutional facilities. Work includes exposure to mechanical equipment, HVAC and refrigeration systems, electrical systems, plumbing infrastructure, construction activities, and varying weather conditions while maintaining a safe and professional work environment.

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Plumbing Systems Expertise
• HVAC Systems Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Preventive Maintenance
• Work Order Management
• Customer Service
• Safety Compliance
• Problem Solving
• Team Development
• Time Management
• Quality Assurance
• Communication
• Self-Starter / Initiative