Lead Operating Engineer, Commercial Office Building

Douglas Emmett; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Emmett seeks a seasoned Building Operations Engineer to maintain, operate, and inspect building systems across its Los Angeles office portfolio. The role emphasizes hands-on with building infrastructure, vendor coordination, and adherence to safety standards.

You will manage inventories, review contractor work, assist in budgets, and respond to emergencies while ensuring professional conduct and compliance with dress code.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in office building operations.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Basic computer skills, particularly with Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with City/County building codes and safety standards.
• Appropriate professional or vocational certifications to work on building systems (mechanical, HVAC, life/safety or electrical).
• Ability to handle multiple projects and make decisions.
• Professional demeanor and dress code compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate and inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Obtain bids or proposals for maintenance contracts and capital projects; review submittals and assist in contractor selection.
• Assist in annual budgeting for building systems, repairs, utilities and capital projects.
• Prepare monthly variance reports when applicable.
• Undertake special projects as directed by the Property Manager.
• Research cost-effective methods for operating and maintaining building systems; respond quickly to emergencies.

Skills

Building operations

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing

Communication skills

Excel

Time management

Education

Technical certification or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL OPERATIONS

• Maintain, operate and inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical in keeping with industry practice, manufacturer recommendations and Engineering Standard Operating Procedures. Hands on application +50% of time.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all equipment, tools, and supplies applicable to the maintenance of the property.
• Obtain bids or proposals for equipment maintenance contracts, repair work, and capital projects. Review submittals with Property Manager, and other personnel as necessary. Make recommendations for scope of work and contractor selection.
• Assist Property Manager in the preparation of annual budget, particularly in the areas of building systems, repair and maintenance, service contracts, utilities, and capital projects.
• When applicable, assist in preparation of monthly variance reports.
• Special projects as directed by Property Manager.
• Research and make recommendations to Property Manager for more cost-effective and efficient methods of operating and maintaining building systems
• Respond quickly to building emergencies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct supervisory responsibilities. Indirect reports include Apprentice Engineer, Utility Engineer and Day Porter.
• Evaluate and make recommendations to Property Manager regarding the quality of work performed by contractors and vendors. Also review and approve maintenance and repair invoices for payment.
• Assist Property Manager in the hiring, mentoring and termination of engineering and janitorial staff.

TECHNICAL PREREQUISITES

• 5+ years of related experience in office building operations.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Basic computer skills, particularly with Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with City of Los Angeles Building & Safety Codes and South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules.
• Appropriate professional or vocation certifications to work on building systems including mechanical, HVAC, life/safety or electrical systems.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and make decisions.
• Projects a professional image by meeting all dress code standards. Uniform to be provided.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and professional demeanor interacting with building management, tenants and vendors. Team player attitude.

Company Description

Douglas Emmett operates approximately 18 million square feet of Class A office space and over 5,000 luxury apartment units in nine highly desirable submarkets in Los Angeles County, six of which are located in Los Angeles' Westside - Brentwood, Century City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the Olympic Corridor, and Westwood - and three submarkets in the San Fernando Valley - Sherman Oaks/Encino, Warner Center/Woodland Hills, and Burbank. The Company's Honolulu office portfolio is located in the downtown central business district with multifamily properties in nearby suburban communities.

The Company utilizes the same focused business strategy that was implemented by its founding principals - managing, developing, redeveloping, and acquiring multifamily and commercial real estate in high barrier-to-entry submarkets that exhibit strong economic characteristics such as population and job growth, as well as inherent supply constraints, such as limited developable land due to natural and political barriers. The Company strives to capitalize on the experience of its seasoned management team to create continued value.

Company Description

Douglas Emmett operates approximately 18 million square feet of Class A office space and over 5,000 luxury apartment units in nine highly desirable submarkets in Los Angeles County, six of which are located in Los Angeles' Westside - Brentwood, Century City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the Olympic Corridor, and Westwood - and three submarkets in the San Fernando Valley - Sherman Oaks/Encino, Warner Center/Woodland Hills, and Burbank. The Company's Honolulu office portfolio is located in the downtown central business district with multifamily properties in nearby suburban communities.

The Company utilizes the same focused business strategy that was implemented by its founding principals - managing, developing, redeveloping, and acquiring multifamily and commercial real estate in high barrier-to-entry submarkets that exhibit strong economic characteristics such as population and job growth, as well as inherent supply constraints, such as limited developable land due to natural and political barriers. The Company strives to capitalize on the experience of its seasoned management team to create con