Operating Engineer

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated is seeking an Operating Engineer in San Diego onsite to manage mission-critical infrastructure. You will oversee mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, power backups, and building automation to support high-stakes research environments.

The role requires at least four years in critical facilities with hands-on electrical/HVAC experience, plus strong documentation and safety practices. Onsite presence and collaboration with contractors are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of experience in critical environment operations, maintenance, and/or engineering.
• Minimum of four years of hands-on experience in electrical and HVAC trades, including rooftop units and commercial HVAC systems.
• Minimum of four years of experience operating and maintaining backup power systems including generators and uninterruptible power systems (UPS).
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in commercial or critical facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure continuous performance in research environments.
• Conduct routine rounds, collect data, and analyze system performance.
• Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on critical and non-critical equipment.
• Coordinate with third-party contractors and ensure safety and compliance.
• Respond to emergencies and restore systems safely to minimize downtime.

Skills

Critical environment ops

HVAC systems

Electrical trades

Fire suppression

Building automation

Emergency power

Documentation skills

Tools

CMMS

BMS

Job description

Operating Engineer JLL

What this job involves

As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission‑critical infrastructure in research and specialized facilities where precision, safety, and uptime are paramount. This role puts you in charge of complex building systems that support cutting edge research and operations—from emergency power systems and HVAC to fire suppression and building automation. You'll work in a high‑stakes environment where your technical expertise and operational discipline directly impact business continuity and client confidence. This position offers the opportunity to work with sophisticated equipment, solve challenging technical problems, and be part of a team that ensures seamless facility operations 24/7. Your contributions keep critical environments running flawlessly, protecting both people and vital research operations.

What your day to day will look like

• Operating and monitoring critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including generators, UPS systems, chillers, HVAC equipment, and building automation systems to ensure continuous, reliable performance in research and mission‑critical environments.
• Conducting routine equipment rounds, collecting operational data, and analyzing system performance to identify potential issues before they impact facility operations, documenting findings in the computerized maintenance management system.
• Executing preventive and corrective maintenance on both critical and non‑critical equipment, including hands‑on repair work such as motor rebuilds, pump seal replacements, valve installations, and electrical troubleshooting to maintain optimal system reliability.
• Coordinating with third‑party contractors during maintenance activities, ensuring all work meets safety standards and compliance requirements while maintaining operational awareness of critical systems.
• Responding immediately to emergency situations, equipment alarms, and customer concerns, applying formal conduct of operations protocols to safely restore systems and minimize downtime.
• Managing fire alarm systems operations including enabling and disabling control panels during maintenance activities, ensuring life safety systems remain functional and compliant.
• Maintaining accurate work order documentation, ordering necessary materials and parts for repairs, and keeping workspace clean and organized according to safety regulations and hazardous materials handling procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of experience in critical environment operations, maintenance, and/or engineering.
• Minimum of four years of hands‑on experience in electrical and HVAC trades, including work with rooftop units and commercial HVAC systems.
• Minimum of four years of experience operating and maintaining backup power systems including generators and uninterruptible power systems (UPS).
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in commercial or critical facilities environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including technical reports and documentation.
• Fundamental technical skills in critical infrastructure systems including emergency/standby generators, automatic transfer switches, uninterruptible power systems, power distribution units, and battery backup systems.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and software including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, email, and other standard business productivity tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS) including console operations, programming, and troubleshooting of HVAC controls and monitoring systems.
• Industry certifications such as EPA Universal Refrigeration Certification, electrical licensure, or specialized training in critical facilities management (CFPS, CEM, or similar credentials).
• Background working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, data center, or research laboratory environments with understanding of cleanroom operations, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with fire detection and suppression systems including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre‑action, and clean agent systems, with ability to perform testing and maintenance activities.
• Active participation in professional trade organizations or completion of continuing education programs related to facilities engineering, demonstrating commitment to staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Basic plumbing and piping skills including experience with process piping, laboratory gas systems, or specialized water treatment systems used in research environments.
• Experience with predictive maintenance techniques and technologies such as vibration analysis, thermography, or oil analysis to identify equipment issues before failure occurs.

Location

Location: Onsite – This position requires regular on‑site presence at the assigned research facility to monitor and maintain critical systems. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position

66,400.00 – 70,000.00 USD per year

Location

On‑site –San Diego, CA

Personalized benefits that support personal well‑being and growth

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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