Chief Engineer

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching

Medical, Dental & Vision care

Paid parental leave

PTO & Holidays

Daily Pay

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated in Kernersville, NC seeks a seasoned Chief Engineer to lead all engineering and maintenance operations for an industrial facility. You will oversee electrical and HVAC systems, drive maintenance strategies, and implement AI-driven predictive maintenance to maximize uptime.

The role requires strong leadership, safety compliance, and the ability to manage vendor relationships and budgets while guiding cross-functional teams through complex operational challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive engineering experience in an industrial setting.
• Extensive electrical systems experience, including high-voltage distribution, motor controls, PLCs.
• HVAC expertise in industrial environments, including chillers, boilers, AHUs, cooling towers, and ventilation systems.
• At least 3–5 years in a supervisory or leadership role managing engineering teams.
• Familiarity with CMMS and preventive maintenance software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all engineering and maintenance operations across the facility, including preventive and corrective maintenance planning, scheduling and execution.
• Oversee operation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and industrial infrastructure.
• Develop maintenance strategies to maximize uptime, extend asset life and reduce costs.
• Leverage AI-driven predictive maintenance tools and data analytics for failures prediction and optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement via smart building technologies and digital monitoring systems.
• Respond to emergencies and equipment failures to minimize production disruptions.
• Maintain documentation and use CMMS for reporting and data-driven decisions.

Skills

Electrical systems

HVAC systems

Leadership

CMMS

Predictive maintenance

Data analytics

Safety procedures

Automation & controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

HVAC certifications

Tools

CMMS software

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Job description

Chief Engineer Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee all engineering operations and maintenance activities for our industrial facility. This leadership role requires a hands‑on professional with extensive electrical and HVAC expertise who can ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability of all building systems and equipment.

Operations Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage all engineering and maintenance operations across the facility, including planning, scheduling, and execution of preventive and corrective maintenance programs.


• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and other critical industrial infrastructure.


• Develop and implement maintenance strategies that maximize equipment uptime, extend asset life, and minimize operational costs.


• Leverage AI-driven predictive maintenance tools and data analytics to anticipate equipment failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and improve operational efficiency.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by exploring and implementing smart building technologies, automation solutions, and digital monitoring systems.


• Respond to emergency situations and equipment failures, implementing rapid solutions to minimize production disruptions.


• Be available to respond to critical facility emergencies and equipment failures during off-hours, weekends, and holidays as needed to ensure business continuity.


• Maintain accurate documentation of all maintenance activities, equipment specifications, and safety procedures.


• Utilize CMMS and digital reporting platforms to track maintenance activities, generate performance reports, and support data-driven decision-making.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor the engineering team, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.


• Lead, coach, and develop engineering staff and technicians, providing performance feedback, career development opportunities, and technical training.


• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous learning within the engineering team.


• Conduct regular team meetings to align on priorities, communicate updates, and address operational and technical challenges.


• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members in coordination with HR and facility leadership.


• Model cross-functional teamwork and encourage team members to embrace innovative technologies, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.

Vendor and Contractor Management

• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, installations, and service agreements.


• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.


• Oversee vendor performance, contract compliance, and service level agreements to ensure delivery meets established standards.


• Ensure that vendor procurement processes comply with JLL and client procurement guidelines as well as industry best practices.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all work complies with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA standards, electrical codes, and environmental requirements.


• Champion a proactive safety culture by conducting safety training, leading safety initiatives, and ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.


• Implement and monitor hazard control practices, conduct regular safety audits, and drive continuous improvement in safety performance.


• Ensure all Critical Environment Management (CEM) requirements and industry compliance standards are consistently met.

Financial and Strategic Management

• Manage the engineering department budget, including labor, materials, and capital improvement projects.


• Analyze financial data and operational metrics to identify cost-saving opportunities, operational efficiencies, and areas for performance improvement.


• Provide regular financial reporting, variance analysis, and budget forecasts to senior leadership and clients.


• Develop business cases for capital projects, equipment upgrades, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with facility management, operations teams, and client stakeholders to ensure engineering operations support organizational goals and client expectations.


• Deliver exceptional customer service by anticipating client needs, addressing concerns promptly, and maintaining consistent communication.


• Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients and senior leadership on facility engineering matters, providing strategic recommendations and insights.


• Conduct regular business reviews and performance meetings to ensure alignment on goals, expectations, and service delivery.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and thought leadership by staying current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and engineering best practices.


• Champion energy conservation initiatives, sustainability programs, and operational efficiency projects.


• Explore and implement AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, space utilization analytics, and system performance monitoring.


• Lead change management initiatives and operational transformation projects to enhance facility performance and client value.


• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management to support strategic initiatives, operational objectives, and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

Essential Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive engineering experience in an industrial setting


• Extensive electrical systems experience, including high-voltage distribution, motor controls, PLCs, and industrial power systems


• Proven HVAC expertise in industrial environments, including chillers, boilers, air handling units, cooling towers, and process ventilation systems


• At least 3-5 years in a supervisory or leadership role managing engineering teams

Technical Requirements:

• Thorough understanding of industrial electrical systems, codes, and safety practices


• Deep knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC design, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance


• Proficiency with building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems


• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, including pumps, compressors, and hydraulics


• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and preventive maintenance software

Certifications and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience)


• Valid electrical license or certification highly preferred


• HVAC certifications (EPA Universal, CFC certification) required


• Additional certifications such as Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM), or similar credentials are advantageous

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with energy conservation initiatives and sustainability programs.


• Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.


• Knowledge of industrial process equipment and production support systems.


• Professional certifications such as CFM (Certified Facility Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), PE (Professional Engineer), or equivalent.


• Experience implementing AI-driven solutions, smart building technologies, IoT sensors, or advanced automation platforms in industrial or facility operations.


• Track record of successfully leading change management initiatives, operational transformation projects, and large-scale capital improvement programs.


• Experience managing multi-site engineering operations or supporting geographically dispersed facilities.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities with excellent communication skills.


• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities and analytical thinking.


• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.


• Commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance.


• Budget management and cost control expertise.


• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance tactical execution with long-term planning and innovation.


• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across cross-functional teams, diverse stakeholder groups, and senior leadership.


• Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.


• Adaptability and openness to leveraging emerging technologies, including AI applications for facility optimization, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.


• Comfort with digital tools, data analytics platforms, and technology-driven decision-making to drive informed business outcomes.


• Customer-centric mindset with focus on delivering exceptional service and building trusted advisor relationships.


• High energy and resilience, with ability to flourish in fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environments.

Location: On-site – Kernersville, NC

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health.

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions


• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care


• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary


• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays


• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle ("JLL") is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process, you may email us at [e-mail]. This email is only to request an accommodation.

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.