Chief Engineer

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Components of the new museum will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

The Campus and Experiences team is responsible for creating amazing brand experiences for live audiences and delivering excellent service and operations at NGS headquarters. The team is currently focused on the Base Camp renovation project, including all construction, content and design, revenue and operations planning, and overall budget and schedule management. They also produce and generate revenue through National Geographic Live and National Geographic’s Traveling Exhibitions programs.

How You’ll Contribute
Job Description Summary

The Campus & Experiences Division is seeking a Chief Engineer that is responsible for all maintenance and repair activity within the Base Camp portfolio as well as assigned projects. This role will oversee a diverse team consisting of Operating Engineers and Maintenance Mechanics in addition to journeyman level tradesmen including electricians, carpenters, and painters. This role demands a high level of proficiency and working experience in process standardization, management of program development and strategy, initiative management, complex building systems, building automation, project management, procurement best practices, budget management, and advanced administrative functions that include the use of technology and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). This is a leadership position that requires strategic thinking, exceptional problem-solving skills, continual improvement, and a commitment to technology and quality.

This position is considered essential and is on-call as needed, responding to emergencies and unscheduled operational issues in a timely manner. As Base Camp and the Museum of Exploration operate year-round on multiple shifts, flexibility to work different types of shifts is crucial. The regular work schedule of this position could include weekend, holiday, early-morning, and late-evening coverage.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Business Operations (45%)

• Provide subject matter expertise, senior technical guidance and oversight for all maintenance and repair activities. Ensure that all designs, specifications, and project deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee the planning, design, and execution of all maintenance, repair tasks and projects. This includes managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful delivery on time and within scope.

• Manage a Quality Assurance program and conduct regular audits and reviews to ensure adherence to departmental standards.

Team Development and Leadership (25%)

• Foster a culture of exceptional customer service, ensuring that services provided to internal and external customers are delivered with empathy and urgency.

• Will lead, mentor, and manage the team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team. Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify professional development opportunities for team members.

Strategy and Planning (20%)

• Assist in the development and execution of strategic and tactical initiatives in alignment with the Campus & Experiences team business goals. 

• Work collaboratively on the development and management of the department's budget and allocate resources effectively to maximize efficiency and achieve project goals.

• Stay current with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Lead efforts to drive innovation and improve company procedures, processes, and systems.

• Identify potential technical risks and develop mitigation strategies. 

Partnerships and Collaboration (10%)

• In consultation with other Departments, negotiate and oversee contracts with