Operations Engineer

Cantor Fitzgerald; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cantor Fitzgerald operates Life Science Plaza in Houston, seeking an Operating Engineer to oversee building systems in a 24/7 environment. The role requires hands-on expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or central plant operations and the ability to troubleshoot alongside vendors.

The position is focused on maintaining safe, efficient systems, monitoring BAS, and performing preventive maintenance while coordinating with tenants and responding to service requests as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–5 years of commercial building operations experience preferred.
• Experience in medical, laboratory, or mission-critical facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems.
• Monitor central plant equipment like chilled water systems, pumps, cooling towers, and controls.
• Perform preventative maintenance per manufacturer and Newmark standards.
• Record equipment readings and complete CMMS work orders.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Respond to emergencies and tenant service requests.
• Escort vendors and ensure safety compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing/Piping

Central Plant Operations

BAS knowledge

Blueprints reading

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Operating Engineer – Job Description

Property: Life Science Plaza

Location: Houston, Texas

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operating Engineer is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all building systems at Life Science Plaza, a Class-A medical and life science facility operating in a 24/7 environment. This position requires strong technical expertise in at least one core trade (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing/Piping, or Central Plant Operations) while maintaining working knowledge across all major building systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and maintain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and life-safety systems.

• Monitor central plant equipment including chilled water systems, pumps, cooling towers, and controls.

• Perform preventative maintenance in accordance with manufacturer and Newmark standards.

• Record equipment readings and complete CMMS work orders accurately.

• Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement corrective actions.

• Respond to building emergencies including fire alarms, water leaks, and power interruptions.

• Escort and monitor vendors and contractors to ensure quality and safety compliance.

• Respond to tenant service requests in a timely and professional manner.

• Identify opportunities to improve system efficiency and reduce operating costs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• 2–5 years commercial building operations experience preferred.

• Experience in medical, laboratory, or mission-critical facilities preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License required.

• EPA Universal Certification preferred.

• SMT, SMA, BOMI, or equivalent certifications preferred.

• OSHA training preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

• Ability to read blueprints and technical manuals.

• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS).

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).

• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds.

• Frequent walking in large campus-style environments.

• Climbing ladders up to 30 feet and working from heights.

• Bending, kneeling, stooping, and working overhead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position supports a 24/7 operational facility.

• Shift work is required, including day, evening, and overnight rotations as assigned.

• Weekend and holiday work is required based on operational needs.

• Participation in on-call rotation for emergency response may be required.

• Work is performed in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and other industrial environments.