Operating Engineer

JLL; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Building Engineer to keep client facilities safe, efficient and compliant. You’ll manage responsive maintenance, preventive care, and on-call duties, working hands-on with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.

You’ll operate building management systems, coordinate with contractors, support events, and serve as a point of contact for tenants and clients, balancing technical work with strong customer service.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience in building operations or facilities maintenance.
• Hands-on experience with electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems in commercial buildings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms.
• Strong customer service orientation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Physical ability to lift heavy objects and work on lifts and ladders.

Responsibilities

• Respond to tenant service requests and complete work orders in a timely manner.
• Perform preventive maintenance on building equipment and systems.
• Operate and monitor building management systems to optimize performance and energy use.
• Conduct safety checks and document activities compliant with codes and standards.
• On-call rotation for after-hours emergencies and system outages.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for repairs and projects.
• Support client meetings and events ensuring building readiness.
• Troubleshoot issues across multiple building systems and implement solutions.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and parts and coordinate procurement.

Skills

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Plumbing systems

Customer service

Communication

Independence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMS platform

MS Office

Building management systems

Job description

What this job involves:

As a Building Engineer at JLL, you’ll be at the heart of keeping our clients’ facilities running smoothly and efficiently. This role places you on the front lines of building operations, where you’ll manage everything from responsive maintenance and preventive care to emergency situations and tenant relations. You’ll work hands-on with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems while operating building management systems to ensure optimal performance across all critical infrastructure. Beyond the technical aspects, you’ll serve as a trusted point of contact for tenants and clients, responding to service requests, supporting events, and maintaining the high standards our clients expect. At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way - for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees - and in this role, you’ll do exactly that by ensuring buildings operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. This position requires someone who can balance technical expertise with exceptional customer service, work independently while collaborating with contractors and vendors, and respond to the dynamic needs of a commercial property environment. You’ll participate in a rotating on-call schedule, champion safety initiatives, and contribute to energy management strategies that make a real difference in how buildings perform.

Building Engineer

As a Building Engineer at JLL, you’ll be at the heart of keeping our clients’ facilities running smoothly and efficiently. This role places you on the front lines of building operations, where you’ll manage everything from responsive maintenance and preventive care to emergency situations and tenant relations. You’ll work hands-on with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems while operating building management systems to ensure optimal performance across all critical infrastructure. Beyond the technical aspects, you’ll serve as a trusted point of contact for tenants and clients, responding to service requests, supporting events, and maintaining the high standards our clients expect. At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way - for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees - and in this role, you’ll do exactly that by ensuring buildings operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. This position requires someone who can balance technical expertise with exceptional customer service, work independently while collaborating with contractors and vendors, and respond to the dynamic needs of a commercial property environment. You’ll participate in a rotating on-call schedule, champion safety initiatives, and contribute to energy management strategies that make a real difference in how buildings perform.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Respond to and complete tenant service work orders through our CMMS platform, addressing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance needs within priority code timeframes while keeping clients informed throughout the process
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on building equipment and systems, including filter changes, lubrication, belt inspections, and connection checks to ensure optimal performance and longevity
• Operate and monitor building management systems to maintain proper functioning of all critical systems, identifying opportunities for energy savings and implementing efficiency improvements
• Conduct regular inspections of building systems and safety equipment to ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and safety standards while maintaining detailed documentation of all activities
• Respond to emergency situations and after-hours BMS alerts on a rotating on-call basis, handling fire alarms, power outages, and life safety issues while providing timely updates to senior management
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to complete repairs and projects, managing relationships effectively to ensure quality work and timely completion
• Support client meetings and special events, including after-hours coverage, by ensuring all building systems are prepared and functioning properly
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues across multiple building systems, determining root causes and implementing appropriate solutions independently or through vendor coordination
• Maintain inventory of equipment, tools, and spare parts while coordinating procurement needs to ensure readiness for maintenance activities

Required qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in building operations or facilities maintenance
• Hands-on experience with electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems in commercial building environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance management systems
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with tenants, clients, and team members
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision while being proactive and self-motivated
• Physical capability to lift and move heavy objects, work on lifts and ladders, and remain on your feet for extended periods
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and participate in rotating on-call schedule
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience operating building management systems and understanding of HVAC controls
• Background working in critical environment facilities such as data centers or laboratories
• Knowledge of energy management principles and experience implementing efficiency initiatives
• Familiarity with safety programs including good catch/near miss reporting and safety audits
• Experience supporting corporate events and providing white-glove service in Class A office environments
• Track record of building positive relationships with tenants and maintaining high satisfaction scores