Alan Castro
Stafford,VA
Summary
Chief Engineer with 34+ years of experience in operations and maintenance of Class A to C commercial real estate facilities. Expertise in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, with a proven track record of reducing costs, enhancing system efficiencies, and leading diverse engineering teams. Adept in preventive maintenance, energy conservation programs, capital planning, and vendor management. Dedicated leader and mentor with strong communication and organizational skills.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
7
7
Certification
Work History
Director of Engineering
The Bernstein Companies
09.2005 - Current
- Lead engineering operations across a portfolio of commercial office properties.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive preventive maintenance programs.
- Created annual operating budgets and five-year capital plans.
- Oversaw construction and renovation projects, collaborating with contractors and project teams.
- Introduced energy efficiency initiatives, aligning with DC BEPS regulations and reducing utility costs.
- Initiated cost-saving strategies, reducing R&M spending by 62.52% over 7 years.
- Developed custom spreadsheets for meter readings, equipment and tool inventory, and daily logs.
- Conducted property inspections and ensured compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Participated in hiring processes and trained new engineering staff.
Assistant Chief Engineer
Louis Dreyfus
08.2004 - 09.2005
- Supported the Chief Engineer in developing preventive maintenance and budget plans.
- Operated a central plant servicing 1 million sq. ft., including:
- (4) 600-ton Trane Centravacs, plate frame heat exchanger
- 1,000+ VAV/fan-powered boxes, (40) AHUs, (38) Liebert units
- (2) Diesel Caterpillar generators (3,250 kW)
- Managed building systems through Trane Tracer Summit EMS.
- Coordinated equipment commissioning with mechanical contractors.
Engineer
Hines Interests
06.2000 - 08.2004
- Operated and maintained central plant for 1.25 million sq. ft. property:
- (3) 1,250-ton Centravacs, (1) 1,500-ton steam absorber
- (1) 1,000-ton plate frame exchanger, (8) AHUs
- 1,200+ VAV/fan-powered boxes
- Managed UPS and emergency systems, including 1,500 batteries and (4) 1,750 kW generators.
- Performed repairs on Trane units, Liebert systems, steam traps, and PRVs.
- Monitored systems using Siemens Apogee EMS.
Engineer
Regent Wall Street Hotel
11.1997 - 06.2000
- Maintained central plant with (2) 250-ton electric chillers, (2) 400-ton gas absorbers.
- Conducted repairs on over 900 VAV/fan-powered boxes and Liebert units.
- Monitored HVAC via Johnson Controls Metasys EMS.
- Performed general troubleshooting and repairs in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Education
Trane Tracer Summit Training -
01.2004
Mona Electric: Building Wiring - Electrical Blueprint Reading, Switchgear Protection, Generator Systems, Green Building Training
Siemens Apogee Training -
01.1999
Johnson Controls Metasys Training -
01.1999
Leslie Steam Station Training -
01.1998
IUOE Local 94 Apprentice Program -
01.1994
St. John’s University -
01.1991
Skills
- Preventive Maintenance Planning
- Capital Project Oversight
- Energy Efficiency Initiatives (DC BEPS Compliance)
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Plumbing Systems
- Building Automation (Trane, Siemens, Metasys)
- Budgeting and Cost Reduction
- Vendor and Contractor Coordination
- Microsoft Word & Excel Proficiency
Certification
- D.C. 3rd Class Steam Engineer
- N.Y.C. Operating Engineer
- CFC Universal Certification
- N.Y.C. Low PSI Boiler License
- N.Y.C. Standpipe and Sprinkler Certification
- N.Y.C. Fire Pump License
- N.Y.C. Air Compressor License
Additional Accomplishments
- Saved nearly $1M in R&M costs over 7 years by reducing outsourcing and insourcing technical work.
- Instructor at IUOE Local 99 for Chief Engineer, Building Automation & Controls, and Apprentice courses.
- Recognized for leadership and mentoring of engineering teams.
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsPaid sick leaveTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid time offWork from home optionHealthcare benefits401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekCareer advancementTimeline
Director of Engineering
The Bernstein Companies
09.2005 - Current
Assistant Chief Engineer
Louis Dreyfus
08.2004 - 09.2005
Engineer
Hines Interests
06.2000 - 08.2004
Engineer
Regent Wall Street Hotel
11.1997 - 06.2000
Mona Electric: Building Wiring - Electrical Blueprint Reading, Switchgear Protection, Generator Systems, Green Building Training
Siemens Apogee Training -
Johnson Controls Metasys Training -
Leslie Steam Station Training -
IUOE Local 94 Apprentice Program -
St. John’s University -
Trane Tracer Summit Training -
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