Lead Operating Engineer

Amentum; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Amentum in Arlington, VA seeks a Lead Operating Engineer to ensure safe, reliable operation of Central Plant equipment and building systems. The Lead Engineer provides technical leadership and oversees engineering operations on site.

The role requires a licensed 3rd Class Stationary Engineer, active security clearance, and at least five years in facilities engineering. You will mentor staff, coordinate contractors, and support mission-critical operations.

Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance required.
• DC 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Boiler Engineer License required.
• Minimum of five years in engineering services or central plant operations.
• Experience with boilers, HVAC, and electrical equipment.
• Ability to diagnose issues and perform repairs independently.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain Central Plant equipment for reliability.
• Act on behalf of the Chief Engineer during absences.
• Oversee boilers, HVAC, pumps, generators, electrical systems.
• Ensure safety regulations and procedures are followed.
• Perform preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Respond to failures and diagnose root causes.
• Maintain logs and regulatory documentation.
• Coordinate work by contractors and vendors.
• Provide training and guidance to engineering staff.
• Assist with facility improvement projects and upgrades.
• Support mission-critical operations to ensure continuous plant performance.

Skills

Security clearance

Leadership

Communication

Independent diagnosis

Education

DC 3rd Class Boiler License

Tools

CMMS

BAS

Job description

Amentum delivers world-class solutions through the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of our people. We partner with our customers to solve complex challenges and are committed to fostering a workplace where employees can grow, succeed, and make a difference. We are currently seeking a Lead Operating Engineer.

The Lead Engineer reports directly to the Chief Engineer and serves in the Chief Engineer's capacity when required. This position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all Central Plant equipment and building mechanical systems. As the senior engineering professional on site, the Lead Engineer provides technical leadership, oversees engineering operations, and ensures compliance with all applicable safety regulations, codes, and operational standards.

The Lead Engineer is a licensed 3rd Class Stationary Engineer with extensive experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems. This individual works with a high degree of independence while providing guidance and oversight to junior engineering staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain all Central Plant equipment to ensure optimum performance and reliability.
• Act on behalf of the Chief Engineer during absences or as delegated.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of boilers, HVAC systems, pumps, generators, electrical distribution systems, and associated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental requirements, and facility operating procedures.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance activities to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Respond to equipment failures and emergency situations, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation.
• Coordinate and oversee work performed by contractors and vendors as required.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to engineering staff.
• Assist with planning and implementing facility improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
• Support mission-critical operations by ensuring continuous and efficient plant performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance (required).
• Valid District of Columbia 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer License (required).
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Engineering Services, facilities engineering, central plant operations, or related industrial/mechanical environments.
• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining boilers, HVAC systems, and other complex building mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Strong knowledge of applicable safety practices, regulations, and industry standards.
• Ability to diagnose equipment issues and perform complex repairs independently.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in mission-critical, government, healthcare, laboratory, or large commercial facilities.
• Previous supervisory or lead engineering experience.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Compensation Details:

$109,000-$115,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.