Union Operating Engineer: Building Systems & HVAC

CBRE Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a Union Operating Engineer in Chicago to operate and maintain MEP systems for a property. The role supports preventive maintenance, repairs, and responsive service within a facilities team.

Required are a High School Diploma or trade school, 4–5 years of relevant experience, Journeyman or EPA Universal License, and Local 399 Union membership. The position involves safety training, on-site coordination with other teams, and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma required; experience or combination with education considered.
• Willingness to exercise judgment based on multiple sources of information.
• Strong organizational skills and inquisitive mindset essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform plumbing, electrical, or HVAC tasks for the building.
• Maintain heating equipment, chillers, DX units, pumps, and related systems.
• Inspect equipment rooms and pumps; replace lamps and signage as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and document activities for supervisor.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Judgment & analysis

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

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 Union Member required.
• 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.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Our Values in Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

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.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.