Operating Engineer

Colin McKenzie Consulting; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Colin McKenzie Consulting seeks an Operating Engineer to oversee maintenance and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems for a portfolio of commercial and office buildings in the Greater Los Angeles area. You will manage preventive maintenance, energy management, and daily testing, while coordinating with tenants, vendors, and staff to maximize efficiency and safety.

Strong reading of blueprints and English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and at least five years of commercial real estate facilities and engineering experience.
• EPA certification and appropriate professional or vocational certifications for building systems.
• Experience with HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, life safety, and high and low voltage electrical systems.
• Familiarity with Los Angeles Building and Safety Codes, SCAQMD rules, OSHA and LEED requirements, and fire safety and Regulation 4 testing.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and complex instructions, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong computer skills and a professional approach to working with tenants, management, vendors, and colleagues.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, operate tools, and carry up to 75 pounds unassisted.
• Availability to travel between properties locally and domestically.
• Spanish fluency is a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
• Manage preventive maintenance, equipment inventories, operating logs, and daily water treatment testing.
• Adjust building systems and energy management settings to maximize efficiency and energy savings.
• Respond to tenant and building staff service requests.
• Obtain and evaluate bids for maintenance contracts, repairs, and capital projects, recommending contractors and scopes of work.
• Review HVAC, plumbing, and electrical plans for tenant construction.
• Maintain the capital improvement schedule and conduct annual property inspections.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, SCAQMD, hazardous chemical requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate and oversee vendors, collaborate with fellow engineers and day porters, and support special projects.

Skills

HVAC systems expertise

Reading blueprints & schematics

English communication

Tenant relations

Energy management

Education

High school diploma or GED

EPA certification or building systems certifications

Job description

The Operating Engineer oversees the maintenance and repair of an assigned portfolio of commercial and office buildings in the Greater Los Angeles market, ensuring safe, efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and company standards within established budgets.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
• Manage preventive maintenance, equipment inventories, operating logs, and daily water treatment testing.
• Adjust building systems and energy management settings to maximize efficiency and energy savings.
• Respond to tenant and building staff service requests.
• Obtain and evaluate bids for maintenance contracts, repairs, and capital projects, recommending contractors and scopes of work.
• Review HVAC, plumbing, and electrical plans for tenant construction.
• Maintain the capital improvement schedule and conduct annual property inspections.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, SCAQMD, hazardous chemical requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate and oversee vendors, collaborate with fellow engineers and day porters, and support special projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least five years of commercial real estate facilities and engineering experience.
• EPA certification and appropriate professional or vocational certifications for building systems.
• Experience with HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, life safety, and high and low voltage electrical systems.
• Familiarity with Los Angeles Building and Safety Codes, SCAQMD rules, OSHA and LEED requirements, and fire safety and Regulation 4 testing.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and complex instructions, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong computer skills and a professional approach to working with tenants, management, vendors, and colleagues.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, operate tools, and carry up to 75 pounds unassisted.
• Availability to travel between properties locally and domestically.
• Spanish fluency is a plus, but not required

Compensation: $48.08 to $55.29 per hour, equivalent to approximately $100,000 to $115,000 annually based on 40 hours per week. This is a nonexempt position with overtime paid separately.

The information above is intended to provide an overview of the role. A detailed job description will be shared during the interview process.