Operating Engineer

JLL; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking an Operating Engineer to help keep world-class facility operations running smoothly in premier commercial properties. You will be the technical expert ensuring HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and safety systems operate reliably every day.

You’ll diagnose problems before they become emergencies, optimize equipment performance to save energy costs, and work with contractors to maintain and document maintenance across multiple building systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• 2-4 years hands‑on experience maintaining and repairing commercial building systems in facilities management, property operations, or similar environments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operation of building systems, diagnose malfunctions, and implement corrective actions.
• Technical competency in at least one major building system with working knowledge of others.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot facility systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, fire safety, and building controls to ensure optimal performance and compliance with standards.
• Manage facility services activities including purchasing, inventory control, coordinating with outside contractors, and maintaining maintenance records.
• Maintain a safe work environment by handling hazardous materials and keeping areas clean and organized; respond to urgent equipment failures with repairs to minimize downtime.
• Demonstrate technical expertise across building systems and adapt to varied work environments including mechanical rooms and rooftops.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Task prioritization

Decision making under pressure

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CMMS

BAS

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

What this job involves:

Join JLL as an Operating Engineer and become the backbone of world-class facility operations. In this hands‑on role, you'll be the technical expert who ensures critical building systems run smoothly and efficiently every day. You'll diagnose problems before they become emergencies, optimize equipment performance to save energy costs, and maintain the safe, comfortable environments that enable our clients' businesses to thrive. This position offers the opportunity to develop deep technical expertise across multiple building systems while working with cutting‑edge equipment in premier commercial properties. If you're a skilled tradesperson who takes pride in keeping complex systems running at peak performance and enjoys solving technical challenges, this role puts your talents to work where they truly matter.

Operating Engineer JLL

What this job involves:

Join JLL as an Operating Engineer and become the backbone of world-class facility operations. In this hands‑on role, you'll be the technical expert who ensures critical building systems run smoothly and efficiently every day. You'll diagnose problems before they become emergencies, optimize equipment performance to save energy costs, and maintain the safe, comfortable environments that enable our clients' businesses to thrive. This position offers the opportunity to develop deep technical expertise across multiple building systems while working with cutting‑edge equipment in premier commercial properties. If you're a skilled tradesperson who takes pride in keeping complex systems running at peak performance and enjoys solving technical challenges, this role puts your talents to work where they truly matter.

What your day to day will look like:

• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting facility systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, fire safety, and building controls to ensure optimal performance and compliance with applicable standards. You'll perform preventative maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspecting, calibrating, and replacing components to maximize equipment efficiency and extend system life. Recording equipment readings, monitoring system performance, and making necessary adjustments to maintain proper operation while identifying potential issues before they escape.
• Managing facility services activities including purchasing and inventory control for parts and supplies, coordinating with outside contractors to ensure quality work at competitive pricing, and maintaining accurate maintenance records. Conducting routine inspections of tools and instruments, ensuring all equipment is properly calibrated and ready for use.
• Maintaining a safe work environment by properly storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous materials according to departmental policies, keeping work areas clean and organized, and identifying potential safety hazards with recommendations for mitigation. You'll respond to urgent equipment failures with effective troubleshooting and repairs to minimize downtime.
• Demonstrating technical expertise in your primary craft area while applying multi-skilled knowledge across other building systems to complete diverse work assignments efficiently. This role requires physical capability to work in varied conditions including mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent educational credential
• U.S. citizenship required
• 2-4 years of hands‑on experience maintaining and repairing commercial building systems in facilities management, property operations, or similar environments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze the operation of commercial or industrial mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, accurately diagnose malfunctions, and implement effective corrective actions
• Technical competency in at least one major building system (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or central utility plant operations) with working knowledge of others
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• EPA 608 Type II Certification (minimum) for refrigerant handling; EPA 608 Universal Certification strongly preferred
• Two years of trade school education in electrical system design, refrigeration, HVAC, or related technical disciplines
• Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, work order management, and reporting
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or building automation systems (BAS)
• Familiarity with relevant building codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices for commercial facility operations.

Work Shift:

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM