Operating Engineer

JLL; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Costa Mesa, CA seeks an Operating Engineer to be the technical backbone of facility operations, maintaining and repairing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and BAS systems

You will perform preventive maintenance, analyze performance data, and document findings in CMMS, coordinating with management and clients to ensure reliability and safety. Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM with on‑call rotation as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with two years trades schooling in electrical, refrigeration, and HVAC.
• Universal Technician certification for CFCs is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repairs on commercial HVAC systems including chillers, towers, air handlers, pumps, motors, and BAS.
• Inspect facilities, analyze system performance data, diagnose issues with test equipment, document findings, and propose improvements.
• Troubleshoot heating, cooling, and humidification systems; monitor with BAS to prevent failures.
• Execute preventive maintenance on doors, gates, material handling equipment, fire safety systems, and eyewash stations; document in CMMS.
• Collaborate with facility management and clients to address service requests and resolve cross-shift issues.
• Maintain electrical systems, low/medium voltage distribution, lighting, and plumbing installations.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

BAS

CMMS

MEP drawings

Education

High School diploma or GED + 2 years trades schooling

Universal Technician for CFCs

Tools

CMMS

BAS

RTU data analysis

Job description

Operating Engineer – JLL

This Operating Engineer role positions you as the technical backbone of facility operations, where your expertise directly impacts the performance and reliability of critical building systems. You'll serve as the go-to specialist for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex facility equipment spanning electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Your specialized knowledge combined with cross-functional capabilities enables you to tackle diverse technical challenges while driving energy efficiency and minimizing downtime. This is your opportunity to make a measurable impact on facility performance in a dynamic environment where your problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency directly support JLL's operational excellence and client satisfaction.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• You'll perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs on commercial HVAC systems including chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, pumps, motors, and building automation systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• You'll conduct thorough facility inspections, analyze system performance data, diagnose issues using specialized test equipment, and document findings while recommending strategic improvements to building management teams.
• You'll troubleshoot and resolve heating, cooling, and humidification system problems, leveraging Building Automation Systems to monitor equipment performance and proactively address operational concerns before they escalate into costly failures.
• You'll execute preventive maintenance programs across diverse equipment including automatic doors, gates, material handling equipment, fire safety systems, and emergency eyewash stations while maintaining meticulous records in CMMS software.
• You'll collaborate closely with facility management teams and clients to address service requests promptly, maintaining high customer satisfaction standards while taking ownership of cross-shift issues and ensuring complete resolution.
• You'll manage electrical systems maintenance including low and medium voltage power distribution and lighting systems, along with plumbing installations and repairs to support seamless facility operations.
• You'll ensure strict compliance with all safety regulations, hazardous materials protocols, and JLL safety standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment through proper tool inventory management and comprehensive Job Hazard Assessments.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be U.S. Citizen with valid state driver's license and clean driving record, with availability for on-call responsibilities to support critical facility operations.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent with two years of trades schooling in electrical system design, refrigeration, and HVAC systems.
• Universal Technician certification for CFCs (required regulatory credential for refrigerant handling).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial, industrial, or manufacturing facility maintenance, specifically working with HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems.
• Proven experience utilizing CMMS/PM software programs and Building Automation Systems (BAS) with demonstrated ability to monitor and evaluate RTU performance data for optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings and technical schematics for accurate troubleshooting and installation work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document technical findings, collaborate effectively with management teams, and interface professionally with clients.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specialized experience with chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and water treatment systems for large-scale commercial facilities.
• 7+ years of commercial HVAC experience with exposure to complex, large-scale building systems and advanced troubleshooting scenarios.
• Proficiency with technology tools including computers, iPad devices, Microsoft Office suite, SLACK, email platforms, and Zoom for digital work management and remote communication.
• Demonstrated track record of proactive maintenance planning that minimizes equipment downtime and extends asset lifecycles through strategic intervention.
• Experience working in mission-critical environments where system reliability and uptime are essential business requirements.
• Physical capability for demanding facility work including frequent walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, stooping, and overhead work; ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, use ladders up to 30 ft safely, and climb ladders while carrying approximately 20 lbs of tools and equipment.

Location:

Costa Mesa, CA

Work Shift:

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Rotating on-call weekend support may be required based on operational needs.

Salary:

$43.75 - $47.00