Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facilities Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Facilities Engineer, you will be the technical cornerstone of our operations, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of our physical infrastructure. You are a hands-on problem-solver and a strategic planner, responsible for everything from the day-to-day functionality of critical building systems to leading long-term capital improvement projects. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, project management acumen, and a deep commitment to operational excellence. You will collaborate across departments to create a secure, productive, and sustainable environment that supports our company's mission and growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Facilities Engineer / Facilities Engineer I
Senior Maintenance Technician
Facilities Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Construction/MEP)

Advancement To:

Senior Facilities Engineer
Facilities Manager / Site Manager
Director of Facilities / Director of Plant Operations
Senior Project Manager, Global Facilities

Lateral Moves:

Project Engineer
Reliability Engineer
EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the maintenance, operation, and reliability of all building infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical power distribution, plumbing, and fire protection systems to ensure maximum uptime and performance.
Develop, implement, and optimize comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) programs for all critical facility equipment and systems, utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Lead and manage complex, facility-related projects from conception and design through to completion, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management.
Oversee and direct the work of external vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring strict compliance with safety standards, contractual obligations, and quality of work.
Conduct regular and thorough facility inspections and audits to proactively identify potential issues, code violations, safety hazards, and opportunities for operational improvement.
Ensure the facility remains in full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, ADA, and building codes, and act as the point of contact for regulatory agencies.
Respond to, troubleshoot, and resolve urgent facility issues and equipment failures, performing detailed root cause analysis (RCA) to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
Develop, manage, and track the annual facilities operating budget (OpEx) and contribute to the long-range capital expenditure (CapEx) plan.
Analyze utility consumption data (electricity, water, gas) and implement energy conservation initiatives to reduce operational costs and enhance environmental sustainability.
Maintain a complete and accurate library of facility documentation, including blueprints, as-built drawings, equipment manuals, permits, and maintenance records.
Serve as a key technical authority and point of contact for all facilities-related inquiries and emergencies, providing timely and effective solutions to stakeholders.
Manage space planning, office reconfigurations, lab build-outs, and personnel moves to accommodate organizational changes, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Develop, document, and maintain emergency response procedures and business continuity plans for the facility.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies and systems to enhance facility efficiency, safety, sustainability, and reliability.
Train and mentor facilities technicians and junior staff on standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and technical best practices.
Manage and troubleshoot building security and life safety systems, including access control, CCTV, and fire alarms, in collaboration with the security and EHS teams.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to enhance operational effectiveness and streamline facility processes.
Oversee the programming and management of Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) to effectively monitor and control building environments and optimize energy usage.
Support the procurement process for parts, supplies, and services required for facility maintenance and capital projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Prepare and present detailed reports on facility performance metrics, maintenance activities, project status, and budget tracking for senior management.
Champion a "safety-first" culture throughout the facility, actively participating in and leading EHS committee meetings and initiatives.

Secondary Functions

Support the capital budget planning process by providing technical input and cost estimations for future projects.
Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement teams to enhance overall business operations.
Provide after-hours on-call support on a rotational basis for critical facility emergencies.
Mentor junior engineers and maintenance technicians, fostering technical growth within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

HVAC Systems: Deep understanding of commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including chillers, boilers, and air handling units.
Electrical Systems: Proficiency with low and medium voltage power distribution, UPS, generators, and switchgear.
-Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS): Hands-on experience with systems from providers like Siemens, Johnson Controls, or Schneider Electric.
CMMS Software: Expertise in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., Maximo, eMaint, Fiix) for asset management and work order tracking.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage projects from scope to close-out, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor management. PMP certification is a strong plus.
AutoCAD: Ability to read, interpret, and modify engineering drawings and facility layouts.
Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local building codes.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Formal training or experience in methodologies to identify and solve fundamental problems.
Vendor & Contractor Management: Skill in negotiating contracts, writing scopes of work (SOW), and managing contractor performance.
Energy Management: Experience conducting energy audits and implementing conservation measures.
Plumbing & Fire Protection: Working knowledge of industrial plumbing, fire sprinkler systems, and fire alarm panels.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead technicians, manage contractors, and influence decision-making across departments without direct authority.
Time Management: Superior organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Collaboration: A team-player mentality with a track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams (EHS, IT, Operations, R&D).
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to planning, execution, and documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or a related technical field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Engineering or Business Administration (MBA).
Professional certifications such as P.E. (Professional Engineer), PMP (Project Management Professional), or CEM (Certified Energy Manager).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering, plant engineering, or corporate real estate management.

Preferred: Experience in a regulated, high-availability environment such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centers, or semiconductor fabrication is highly desirable.