Operations Engineer

Hines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Hines seeks an Operations Engineer to operate and maintain building systems at our Houston campus. You will perform preventative maintenance on HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and related equipment, troubleshoot failures, and ensure building services run reliably.

You will also supervise maintenance work, adhere to policies, and participate in training. This on-site role requires physical fitness and the ability to work varied shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Two years commercial HVAC or related experience.
• Interact with employees, visitors, and contractors with poise and diplomacy.
• Understand policies and procedures of the company and of the assigned property.
• Successful completion of the Hines Engineering Training program phase for the Building Engineer position.
• Display proficiency in two or more categories of the Engineering Assessment Guidelines and possess ability to provide training.
• Proficient in computer skills to effectively administer and implement changing requirements within the engineering programs.
• Read and understand a variety of instructions, including equipment instruction manuals.
• Read and use all types of testing equipment, analog/digital meters, pressure and temperature devices, air flow and leak detectors.
• Knowledge and proper use of basic hand tools (socket sets, wrenches, pliers, etc.).
• Understand correct usage of power tools and safety equipment.
• Perform mathematical computations related to building operations for problem solving.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Maintain calm demeanor in emergency situations.
• Obtain city/state licenses or permits when applicable, e.g., EPA CFC Universal Certification and Boiler Operator permits.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance work on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC related equipment.
• Troubleshoot operations failures and re-establish building services under minimal supervision.
• Supervise maintenance work as needed.

Skills

Communication

Safety-conscious

Problem solving

Reading manuals

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma

Engineering Training program

Tools

HVAC tools

Testing equipment

Power tools

Job description

Overview

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

Responsibilities

As an Operations Engineer with Hines, you will operate and maintain all building equipment and systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform preventative maintenance work on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC related equipment.
• Troubleshoot operations failures and re-establish building services under minimal supervision.
• Supervise maintenance work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Two years commercial HVAC or related experience.
• Interact with employees, visitors, and contractors with poise and diplomacy.
• Understand policies and procedures of the company and of the assigned property.
• Successful completion of the Hines “Engineering Training” program phase for the Building Engineer position.
• Display proficiency in two (2) or more categories of the Engineering Assessment Guidelines and possesses ability to provide training in these areas.
• Proficient in computer skills to effectively administer and implement changing requirements within the engineering programs.
• Read and understand a variety of instructions, including equipment instruction manuals, furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Read and use all types of testing equipment, analog digital multi-meters, pressure and temperature indicating and recording devices, air flow measuring devices, and leak detection devices.
• Knowledge and proper use of basic hand tools (i.e., socket sets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and hammers, etc.).
• Understand correct usage of power tools (pneumatic, electric or engine drive), drill motors, saws, grinder, and impact wrenches, etc.
• Understand correct usage of all personal safety equipment.
• Able to perform mathematical computations related to building operations for problem solving building comfort and operation issues.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Maintain calm demeanor in emergency situations.
• When applicable*, obtain city and/or government licenses or permits, i.e.:
  • The EPA CFC Universal Certification Technician certificate
  • Boiler Operators permit
• If, upon hire or promotion to this position, an individual does not have the required permits or licenses, the individual will obtain those permits or licenses within six months of the promotion, or six months from the date eligible for the license or permit.
• *“When applicable” refers to meeting any minimum eligibility standards required by City or State authorities, (i.e., the State of Texas requires that an employee has 8,000 hours of experience before being eligible to sit for the State issued Maintenance Electricians License).
• Work indoors approximately 80% of the time and outdoors approximately 20% of the time.
• Use olfactory, auditory, and visual senses.
• Work standing all day.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. or more.
• Climb up and down stairs and ladders.
• Access remote work areas and confined spaces (i.e., crawl spaces, roofs).
• Use full range of manual dexterity (i.e., sitting, squatting, bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting).
• Meet the shift working requirements of the assigned property; shifts may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Work overtime as business needs deem appropriate.
• This position is fully on‑site and requires working from the assigned property five days per week.

Closing

At Hines, we believe the built world is ultimately about people. As one of the world’s largest privately held real assets firms, we bring nearly seven decades of investment, development, and management experience to work that shapes cities and communities around the world.

Our people make that possible. Across 29 countries, more than 4,600 colleagues bring different perspectives and expertise to Hines, with opportunities to take on meaningful responsibility, learn from leaders across the business, and build a career with room to evolve. We support that journey through professional development, competitive rewards, comprehensive benefits, and a culture grounded in trust and high standards.

Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.