Sr. Mechanical Building Engineer - Critical Environment

JLL; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Senior Mechanical Building Engineer to oversee advanced mechanical systems for data centers and critical facilities. You will lead operations, troubleshoot complex HVAC and cooling infrastructure, and mentor engineers to uphold uptime and energy efficiency.

You will apply deep mechanical knowledge to design and implement optimized cooling strategies, coordinate major projects, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards across mission-critical environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in critical facility mechanical engineering (HVAC, plumbing, production equipment).
• 3+ years in data center or raised floor environments with complex cooling requirements.
• EPA 608 Certification and refrigeration expertise.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and maintenance of critical mechanical infrastructure including HVAC, chillers, CRAC/CRAH, and cooling towers.
• Oversee complex chilled water systems, pumps, valves, piping networks, and filtration for mission-critical ops.
• Diagnose equipment failures via root-cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and coordinate system upgrades and integrations with cutting-edge technologies.

Skills

HVAC systems

Chillers

Data center environments

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Technical communication

Project coordination

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Universal EPA 608 Certification

Tools

CMMS

Job description

As a Senior Mechanical Building Engineer at JLL, you will serve as the technical cornerstone for advanced mechanical systems that sustain today's most critical data center and facility environments. This senior-level role combines deep mechanical engineering expertise with hands‑on operational leadership, positioning you as the go‑to expert for complex HVAC systems, chillers, cooling infrastructure, and environmental control systems.
At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way - for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees, and your technical mastery will be essential in ensuring mission-critical uptime and operational excellence. You'll lead sophisticated troubleshooting initiatives, mentor junior engineering staff, and drive innovative solutions that optimize both performance and energy efficiency. We embrace more innovative ways of working and prioritize opportunities to strengthen and advance your career, providing you with the platform to apply cutting‑edge mechanical engineering principles while managing large‑scale infrastructure projects. This role offers the perfect blend of technical challenge and leadership responsibility, allowing you to shape the future of critical facility operations while advancing your professional expertise.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Lead comprehensive operations and maintenance of critical mechanical infrastructure including HVAC systems, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, cooling towers, and air handling systems
• Oversee complex chilled water systems, pumps, valves, piping networks, and filtration systems to maintain optimal environmental conditions for mission‑critical operations
• Execute advanced diagnostics and root cause analysis on sophisticated mechanical equipment failures, implementing sustainable solutions
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to design and implement cooling solutions optimized for high‑density server environments and evolving technology demands
• Serve as the primary escalation point for Level 1 and Level 2 mechanical issues requiring advanced technical expertise and critical problem‑solving
• Develop and execute comprehensive preventive maintenance schedules that ensure 100% uptime and peak performance across all mechanical infrastructure
• Analyze mechanical system performance data and implement optimization strategies that reduce Power Usage Effectiveness and enhance sustainability
• Mentor and guide junior mechanical technicians and engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional development within the team
• Coordinate complex mechanical infrastructure projects including system upgrades, expansions, and integration of cutting‑edge technologies

Required qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on technical experience in critical facility mechanical engineering with expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and production equipment
• At least 3 years of specialized experience in data center or raised floor environments with complex cooling requirements
• Advanced technical knowledge of CRAC/CRAH systems (Liebert preferred), chillers, and comprehensive cooling infrastructure operations
• Current Universal EPA 608 Certification demonstrating expertise in refrigeration and environmental compliance
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities for diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical system challenges
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience with ability to guide technical teams and drive operational excellence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for creating technical documentation, training programs, and stakeholder reporting
• Physical capability to lift up to 80 pounds, work at heights up to 30 feet, and operate in extreme temperature conditions and confined spaces
• Availability for emergency response calls, holiday coverage, and varied schedules as critical operations demand

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical education with focus on HVAC and building systems
• Specialized expertise in Central Utility Plant Operations and advanced building automation systems integration
• Professional mechanical engineering license or industry‑recognized advanced technical certifications
• Comprehensive experience with computerized maintenance management systems for large‑scale facility operations
• Knowledge of fire and life safety systems integration with mechanical equipment and emergency protocols
• Proven experience with energy management systems and successful implementation of sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact