17 Building Maintenance Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Maintaining a building is a big job. It takes a skilled individual to keep all the systems in a building running smoothly and efficiently. That’s where a building maintenance engineer comes in. This individual is responsible for the upkeep of all the systems in a building, from the electrical and plumbing systems to the heating and cooling.

If you’re looking for a job in this field, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some common interview questions. In this guide, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with plumbing, electrical and other technical systems?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your comfort level with working on complex systems. Your answer should show that you have experience working with these types of systems and can do so safely. If you don’t have direct experience, consider describing a time when you had to learn how to work with a new system or technology.

Example: “I’ve worked with plumbing, electrical and other technical systems for many years now. I feel confident in my ability to troubleshoot problems and make repairs to these systems. In fact, I recently helped a colleague who was having trouble with their electrical system. They were unsure about what they needed to do to fix the issue, but I was able to explain the problem and help them find an electrician.”

What are some of the most common building maintenance issues you’ve dealt with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level and how you’ve handled similar issues in the past. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure and attention to detail.

Example: “In my last position as a building maintenance engineer, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the building’s maintenance needs. One of the most common issues we faced was water damage due to leaks. We had several instances where we needed to replace damaged drywall or carpeting, which required me to oversee the installation process while also making sure that everything was done according to code.”

How would you handle a situation where you need to make a repair or replacement that requires the building to be vacated?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to make decisions that affect large groups of people. Use examples from past experiences where you helped evacuate a building or area and how you communicated with those affected by your decision.

Example: “In my last role, we had an issue with one of our elevators that required us to close off access to it for repairs. I met with the building manager to discuss what needed to be done and when we would need to vacate the elevator. We decided to shut down the elevator during non-business hours so that no employees were inconvenienced. During business hours, we used other available elevators in the building to accommodate everyone who needed to use them.”

What is your process for inspecting the building for potential problems and issues?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what steps you take to ensure that buildings are safe for tenants. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you inspect a building, identify potential problems and develop solutions.

Example: “I first start by inspecting the entire building structure, including all of the walls, floors, ceilings and windows. I also check the heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical wiring. After this initial inspection, I then focus on specific areas where there may be issues or concerns. For example, if I notice water damage in one area of the ceiling, I will inspect other parts of the ceiling to see if there is any additional damage. If so, I will repair it immediately.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a problem and implemented a solution that improved the efficiency of a building’s systems.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, try to provide an example that highlights your ability to analyze a situation and implement a solution that improves efficiency or productivity.

Example: “In my last role as a building maintenance engineer, I noticed that our air conditioning system was running at full capacity during the summer months when it wasn’t hot outside. This led me to investigate further, where I found that we were using too many units for each floor of the building. After speaking with the facility manager, I learned that they had ordered extra units because they thought they needed them. However, after reviewing the company’s budget, we decided to return two of the units and use only one unit per floor instead. This saved the company thousands of dollars annually on their energy bill.”

If you saw a potential safety issue, how would you address it?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are aware of safety regulations and procedures. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation while also making sure you follow all applicable laws and regulations.

Example: “If I saw a potential safety issue, I would first try to determine if it was actually an issue or just something that needed repair. If it is indeed a safety issue, I would immediately report it to my supervisor so they can address it with the appropriate people. For example, if there were exposed wires in one of the buildings, I would tell my supervisor about it and then work with them to find out who needs to fix it.”

What would you do if you saw coworkers or tenants violating building policies?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others and enforce policies. In your answer, try to show that you can be firm but also respectful when enforcing rules or regulations.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood the policy myself before addressing my coworkers or tenants. Then, I would explain why they are violating the rule and give them a chance to comply. If they still didn’t follow the policy after my warning, I would document their behavior and inform my supervisor of the situation. Depending on the severity of the violation, my supervisor might decide to issue a formal warning or even terminate an employee’s contract.”

How well do you communicate with other building maintenance professionals?

Building maintenance professionals often work in teams, so employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate with your colleagues. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you worked well with others and the outcome of that situation.

Example: “I have always been good at communicating with my team members. In fact, I find it easier to explain things verbally than in writing. This has helped me build strong relationships with my coworkers, which makes our jobs more enjoyable. One time, I was working on a project with another building maintenance engineer. He had some ideas about how we could improve the project, but he wasn’t sure if they were feasible. I explained why they weren’t possible, and he understood.”

Do you have experience using building management software?

This question can help interviewers learn about your experience with the tools you use to complete your work. Use your answer to share what software you’ve used in the past and how it helped you perform your job duties. You can also mention any other software that may be helpful for this role if you’re familiar with it.

Example: “I have worked with several different types of building management software, including BMS, CMMS and PMS. I find these programs very useful because they allow me to track all aspects of a building’s maintenance needs. For example, when I was working at my last company, I used PMS software to create a database of all the equipment in our facilities. This allowed me to keep track of which items needed repairs or upgrades.”

When is it appropriate to call a professional for a repair?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process and how you interact with other professionals. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and attention to detail.

Example: “I would call a professional for repairs when I notice something that’s not working properly or if the building owner asks me to do so. In my experience, it’s best to let someone else handle the repair work unless I’m confident in my ability to complete the task myself. For example, I once worked at a property where the air conditioning wasn’t working. The owner asked me to fix it, but I didn’t feel comfortable doing the job on my own. Instead, I called an HVAC technician who was able to fix the issue.”

We want to increase energy efficiency. What changes would you make to the building?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of energy efficiency and how you would apply it to a building. Use examples from previous experience or explain what you would do if you had no prior experience.

Example: “I would first conduct an energy audit to see where we are using the most energy. Then, I would make changes to the lighting system by replacing all incandescent bulbs with LED lights. Next, I would replace old heating and cooling systems with more efficient ones. Finally, I would install sensors that turn off lights when rooms aren’t in use.”

Describe your process for completing a task efficiently and effectively.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you complete projects. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific task or project that you completed in the past and explain how you organized your time and resources to get it done efficiently.

Example: “When I start a new task, I first make sure to understand what my goals are for completing the project. Then, I plan out all of the steps I need to take to complete the project and create a timeline for when each step should be completed. Finally, I delegate tasks to other team members as needed so we can all stay on track with our deadlines.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a building maintenance position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want someone who is passionate about their work and has a strong background in building maintenance. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are qualified for the position. Consider including any certifications or training you have that relate to the job.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have five years of experience working as a building maintenance engineer. During my time at my previous company, I worked with many different types of buildings. This gave me valuable insight into how to maintain all kinds of structures. I also have several certifications in HVAC systems, which makes me well-suited for this role.”

Which building maintenance tools are you most skilled at using?

This question can help the interviewer determine your skill level and experience with various tools. You can answer this question by naming a few of the most important tools you use in your daily work, such as:

Programming software Building management systems Computer-aided drafting (CAD) programs Spreadsheets Example: “I’m skilled at using all types of programming software, including C#, Java and Python. I also have extensive experience with building management systems, which allow me to monitor energy usage and other metrics within buildings. In my previous role, I used computer-aided drafting programs to create blueprints for new construction projects. Finally, I’ve always been good at using spreadsheets to track data.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a building maintenance engineer?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a building maintenance engineer. Use this question as an opportunity to explain why you are passionate about this career and how you plan to make a positive impact in your community.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a building maintenance engineer is ensuring that my clients’ buildings are safe for their employees and customers. I am committed to making sure that all of our facilities have up-to-date safety features, such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems, so that we can prevent any accidents from happening. I also believe that communication is key when working with different departments within a company. I always strive to collaborate with other engineers and managers to ensure that everyone has access to the information they need.”

How often should building maintenance checks be performed?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you perform maintenance checks and whether your company’s policies align with industry standards. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific time frame or provide an example of when you performed building maintenance checks in the past.

Example: “In my previous position as a building maintenance engineer, I performed monthly building maintenance checks on all buildings within our portfolio. This helped ensure that we were able to identify any issues before they became more serious and ensured that our facilities were operating at peak performance.”

There is a leak in the water supply system. What is your immediate action?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you prioritize tasks and react in emergency situations. Your answer should include steps you would take to solve the issue, as well as what actions you would take to prevent it from happening again.

Example: “The first thing I would do is shut off the water supply valve. Then, I would check for any signs of leakage or damage on the pipes. If there are no visible signs of leaks, I would then inspect the entire system for any other possible problems. After that, I would call my supervisor to inform them about the leak and ask for their advice.”