Operating Engineer

JLL; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking an Operating Engineer with HVAC expertise to join our facilities operations team in Wilmington, NC. You will operate, maintain, and optimize commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable building environments.

This role requires hands-on troubleshooting, coordination with contractors, and use of CMMS and building automation platforms to monitor performance, ensure energy efficiency, and support sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience operating and maintaining commercial HVAC systems in large facilities.
• EPA Section 608 Universal refrigerant certification required.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret mechanical/electrical drawings.
• Experience with building automation platforms and CMMS.
• Strong communication and safety compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain commercial HVAC systems including chillers and air handling units.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs to optimize system performance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues.
• Analyze energy data to identify conservation opportunities and adjust schedules.
• Maintain CMMS logs and complete work orders per compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors for repairs or upgrades and ensure quality.

Skills

HVAC operations

Building automation systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

HVAC trade school / Associate degree

Tools

CMMS

Johnson Controls

Siemens

Tridium

Job description

What this job involves:

We are seeking a skilled Operating Engineer with specialized expertise in HVAC systems to join our facilities operations team. In this critical role, you'll be responsible for operating, maintaining, and optimizing commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable building environments. You'll serve as the technical expert for our HVAC infrastructure, leveraging your strong technical knowledge and proactive problem-solving abilities to support JLL's commitment to operational excellence, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Your work will directly impact tenant satisfaction, building performance, and our environmental goals.

Operating Engineer – JLL

What this job involves:

We are seeking a skilled Operating Engineer with specialized expertise in HVAC systems to join our facilities operations team. In this critical role, you'll be responsible for operating, maintaining, and optimizing commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable building environments. You'll serve as the technical expert for our HVAC infrastructure, leveraging your strong technical knowledge and proactive problem-solving abilities to support JLL's commitment to operational excellence, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Your work will directly impact tenant satisfaction, building performance, and our environmental goals.

What your day-to-day will look like:

Operate, monitor, and maintain commercial HVAC systems including chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, rooftop units, exhaust fans, VFDs and related equipment through hands-on oversight and building automation systems.

Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs to ensure optimal system performance and minimize downtime while maintaining temperature, humidity, and air quality within specified parameters.

Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues using technical knowledge and diagnostic tools, responding promptly to service calls, equipment alarms, and tenant comfort complaints.

Analyze system performance data to identify energy conservation opportunities, adjust equipment schedules and setpoints to optimize energy usage, and track utility consumption to support sustainability initiatives.

Maintain accurate logs of equipment operation, maintenance activities, and system performance metrics in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and complete work orders in accordance with compliance requirements.

Coordinate with contractors and vendors for specialized repairs or system upgrades, ensuring work meets quality standards and building requirements.

Follow established safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and participate in emergency preparedness planning and building evacuation procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience operating and maintaining commercial HVAC systems in large-scale facilities (100,000+ sq ft preferred) with demonstrated experience in central plant operations, air distribution systems, and building automation platforms.
• Valid HVAC certification as required by local jurisdiction and EPA Section 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification (required).
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC principles, thermodynamics, and psychrometrics with ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency with building automation systems (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Tridium, or similar platforms) and experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills with understanding of control circuits and experience with 3-phase 480v systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with facility management, tenants, and contractors in a professional environment.
• Physical ability to climb ladders, work in mechanical rooms and rooftops, and lift up to 50 pounds; valid driver's license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school training or associate degree in HVAC, mechanical systems, or related field.
• CFC certification or additional refrigeration credentials beyond EPA Section 608 Universal certification.
• Experience with energy management systems, utility monitoring platforms, and demonstrated ability to implement energy conservation measures.
• Knowledge of LEED operations, green building practices, and sustainability initiatives in commercial real estate.
• Advanced proficiency with specific CMMS platforms and ability to generate performance reports and analytics.

Location:

Wilmington, NC

Work Shift:

1st shift