Lead Operating Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As our Lead Operating Engineer, you are the hands-on leader and technical authority responsible for the heart of our facility. You will direct a team of skilled engineers and technicians to ensure the seamless, efficient, and safe operation of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and life safety systems. This role demands a proactive problem-solver with deep technical expertise and strong leadership qualities, who will drive our preventive maintenance programs, manage critical incidents, and uphold the highest standards of operational readiness. You are not just maintaining a building; you are ensuring the continuity of our business operations and the safety of everyone within our walls.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Operating Engineer
Lead HVAC Technician
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

Advancement To:

Chief Engineer
Assistant Facilities Manager
Director of Engineering

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Project Manager
Energy Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and supervise a team of operating engineers and maintenance technicians, including scheduling, training, performance management, and hands-on mentorship.
Operate, maintain, and perform advanced troubleshooting on all critical facility systems, including HVAC (chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handlers), electrical distribution (switchgear, UPS, generators), and plumbing systems.
Manage and optimize the Building Automation System (BAS/BMS) to ensure occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and proper system performance, making programming adjustments as necessary.
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program for all equipment using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Act as the primary point of contact and lead technician for after-hours emergency calls, coordinating response and ensuring timely resolution of critical system failures.
Manage relationships with third-party service vendors and contractors, including obtaining quotes, overseeing work quality, and ensuring compliance with site safety standards.
Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and codes, including OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local building and fire departments.
Conduct daily building tours, log and analyze equipment readings, and identify trends or anomalies that may indicate potential issues.
Oversee the facility's water treatment program for closed and open-loop systems to prevent corrosion, scale, and biological growth.
Lead the testing and maintenance of all fire alarm and life safety systems, including fire pumps, sprinklers, and emergency lighting, ensuring they are always in a state of readiness.
Manage the inventory of spare parts, tools, and critical supplies to minimize equipment downtime.
Prepare and maintain meticulous records, reports, and logs related to maintenance activities, system performance, and regulatory compliance.
Lead small-to-medium scale facility projects, from planning and budgeting to execution and commissioning.
Provide technical guidance and support to property management and other stakeholders on matters related to building operations.
Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for all critical equipment and scenarios.

Secondary Functions

Champion and implement energy conservation measures and sustainability initiatives to reduce the facility's operational costs and environmental footprint.
Assist the Chief Engineer or Facilities Manager in developing annual operating budgets and long-term capital expenditure plans.
Conduct safety training sessions for the engineering team and other building staff on topics such as Lockout/Tagout, arc flash, and confined space entry.
Support tenant improvement and capital projects by reviewing plans, coordinating shutdowns, and ensuring new installations are integrated into existing building systems.
Analyze utility consumption data to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Evaluate new maintenance technologies, tools, and software to enhance team productivity and operational effectiveness.
Participate in client or tenant meetings to address concerns, explain system operations, and report on facility performance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS): Advanced proficiency in operating and programming systems such as Johnson Controls Metasys, Siemens Desigo, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, or Trane Tracer.
HVAC Systems Expertise: Master-level knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC equipment, including centrifugal chillers, boilers, cooling towers, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and rooftop units (RTUs).
Electrical Systems Management: Strong understanding of medium-voltage electrical distribution, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), and emergency power generation.
CMMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., eMaint, Fiix, UpKeep, Corrigo) for work order management and preventive maintenance scheduling.
-Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of OSHA safety standards, EPA regulations (including refrigerant management), NFPA codes, and local building codes.
Life Safety Systems: Comprehensive experience with fire alarm panels (e.g., Simplex, Notifier), fire pumps, and sprinkler system testing and maintenance procedures.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing blueprints, diagrams, and schematics for troubleshooting and planning.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a technical team, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and high performance.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical skills to diagnose complex system failures under pressure and implement effective, lasting solutions.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey technical information to team members, management, tenants, and non-technical stakeholders.
Vendor Management: Skill in negotiating with, and overseeing the work of, external service providers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
Customer Service Orientation: A professional and responsive approach when interacting with building occupants, addressing their needs while managing facility priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by relevant trade school certifications and licenses.
Universal EPA 608 Certification.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical discipline.
Stationary Engineer License, Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or similar professional credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology
HVAC-R Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial building operations and maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Preferred: Experience in a mission-critical environment such as a data center, hospital, laboratory, or large Class-A commercial high-rise property is highly desirable.