Union Operating Engineer

CBRE Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a Union Operating Engineer in Chicago to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for an assigned property. The role focuses on preventive maintenance, repairs, and supporting the facilities team.

The position requires Local 399 membership, a journeyman or EPA Universal license, and 4–5 years of related experience. Work hours are Monday–Friday, 2pm–10pm, with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade school diploma considered.
• Journeyman or EPA Universal License required.
• Local 399 union member.
• 4–5 years of related experience; in lieu of diploma, combined experience and education considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems for the building.
• Maintain heating equipment, chillers, DX units, pumps, cooling towers, and fan coil units.
• Inspect and repair field conditions; perform necessary adjustments and repairs.
• Repair doors, ceilings, hand rails, floors, and other structural items throughout the property.
• Repair plumbing fixtures including toilets, urinals, and lavatories.
• Inspect engine room, fan room, cooling tower equipment, pumps, and generators.
• Replace lamps and signage; document activities for supervisor.
• Respond to emergencies (fire, evacuation, equipment failure) and report promptly.
• Complete safety training and assist customers with inquiries as needed.
• Share knowledge with team; coach others and model CBRE values.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade School Diploma

Journeyman or EPA Universal License

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for an assigned property.

This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for providing support, preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment and systems.

Shift is Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm and Local 399 union membership required.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building.
• Maintain heating equipment, chillers, DX units, pumps, cooling towers, fan coil units, etc.
• Verify field conditions and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.
• Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, and floors and other general repairs, adjustments, and installations throughout the property.
• Perform repairs to plumbing fixtures. This includes water closets, urinals, flush valve assemblies, lavatories, etc.
• Inspect engine room equipment, fan room equipment, cooling tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pumps, sump pumps, and ejector pumps.
• Replace lamps, light fixtures, reinstall or replace signage.
• Document and report activities to supervisor.
• Respond immediately to emergency situations. This includes fire, evacuation, equipment failure, etc.
• Complete all required Safety Training as scheduled and answer customer inquiries in a timely fashion.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of standard principles and techniques/procedures to accomplish complex assignments and provide innovative solutions.
• Coach others and share in-depth knowledge of own job discipline and broad knowledge of several job disciplines within the function.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build consensus and convince others to reach an agreement.
• Impact a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams.
• Work within broad guidelines and policies. Explain difficult or sensitive information.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 4-5 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred. Journeyman or EPA Universal License required. Local 399 Member.
• Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
• Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
• Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.

*Should any element of this Job Description conflict with the provisions of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement will prevail.

Disclaimers

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.