Lead Operating Engineer

JLL; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking a seasoned facilities operations and maintenance leader in St. Louis to drive reliability of critical building systems.

You will oversee an engineering team, manage preventive and corrective maintenance, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while delivering top-level client satisfaction. The role blends hands-on technical leadership with strategic planning, including developing annual maintenance plans, coordinating with contractors, and guiding staff through training to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with critical building systems (mechanical, electrical, fire safety, BMS).
• Strong background in raised floor critical environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance programs and work order systems.
• Understanding regulatory compliance for critical facilities.
• Ability to respond to emergencies with technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead O&M on assigned shift, directing service requests with minimal disruption.
• Operate and monitor HVAC, UPS, generators, chillers, BMS.
• Provide training and develop shift engineers and technicians.
• Develop annual maintenance plans and capital improvement strategies.
• Process work orders for preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Respond to emergencies with real-time guidance.
• Conduct facility inspections to assess operations and performance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and up-to-date documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Building systems

HVAC

Preventive maintenance

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Energy management

Work order systems

Project management

Job description

What this job involves:

This position leads operations and maintenance activities for critical building systems, managing a high-performing engineering team to ensure maximum infrastructure availability and client satisfaction. The role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, overseeing both preventive and corrective maintenance programs while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Lead operations and maintenance on assigned shift, monitoring performance and directing service requests with minimal disruption to building operations
• Operate and monitor critical system equipment including HVAC, UPS systems, generators, chillers, and building management systems
• Provide technical training and support to shift engineers and maintenance technicians while fostering team development
• Implement and oversee preventative maintenance programs, including scheduling, task delegation, and parts ordering
• Process work orders for preventative and corrective maintenance, consulting with staff to identify materials and complete documentation
• Respond immediately to operational emergencies and system failures, providing real-time technical guidance and problem resolution
• Conduct regular facility inspections to assess effectiveness of operations, maintenance programs, and personnel performance
• Develop annual maintenance plans and capital improvement strategies for infrastructure upgrades and equipment replacements
• Ensure regulatory compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws while maintaining up-to-date building documentation and drawings

Requirements:

• Extensive experience with critical building systems including mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and building management systems
• Strong background in raised floor critical operating environments and associated best practices
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and coordinating with contractors
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance programs and work order management systems
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements for critical facilities
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency situations and provide technical consultation
• Experience with energy management and sustainability practices

Preferred:

• Participation in professional trade organizations and continuing education programs
• Experience with Critical Environment Management programs
• Background in construction support, commissioning, and project management
• Knowledge of CFCR notification and CFIR processes
• Experience implementing continuous improvement processes in operations and maintenance