Job Title
Lead Operating Engineer
Job Description Summary
The Lead Operating Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire (MEPF) systems within a mission critical facility. This role leads a team of operating engineers, ensures uptime targets are met, and serves as the primary technical authority on shift for critical infrastructure.
Job Description
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee day-to-day operation, monitoring, and maintenance of critical systems: UPS, generators, switchgear, PDUs, CRAC/CRAH units, chillers, cooling towers, BMS/EPMS, and fire suppression systems
Assist with or conduct the daily operations and maintenance of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire systems, emergency power systems and general maintenance requirements for the buildings.
Perform preventive maintenance duties, including changing filters, lubricating motors, replacing lamps, ballasts and fixtures, Inspecting and adjusting belts, replacing motor bearings, aligning shafts, and other inspections and maintenance recommended by equipment manufacturers.
Supervise a team of operating engineers, ensuring tasks are completed on time and workmanship is OEM or better.
Respond to and lead resolution of critical facility incidents, ensuring minimal downtime and proper root cause analysis
Develop, review, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Methods of Procedure (MOPs), and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs)
Recommend improvements to the preventive maintenance program on an ongoing basis.
Maintain stock and inventory control.
Manage vendor/contractor work, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
Monitor building management systems (BMS) and electrical power monitoring systems (EPMS) for anomalies
Ensure compliance with safety regulations (OSHA, NFPA 70E, local codes) and company policies
Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation of equipment performance and incidents
Respond immediately to emergency situations (fire, evacuation, equipment failure, etc.) and customer concerns.
Serve as escalation point during off-hours/on-call rotations
Comply with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives as related to building operations and practice safe work habits.
Complete all required C&W Safety Training as scheduled annually.
Comply with C&W Uniform Dress Code while working and maintain a neat and clean appearance while on the property at times other than working hours.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency (oral and written)
Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities under pressure
Organization Skills
Technical Proficiency
Decision Making
Problem Solving/Analysis
IMPORTANT EDUCATION
High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred.
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field preferred.
IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE
5+ years of related trade experience in operating mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in a commercial property setting or mission critical facility preferred.
Strong knowledge of electrical distribution, generators, UPS systems, and HVAC/mechanical cooling systems.
Relevant certifications preferred: Universal CFC, CDCP/CDCS, NFPA 70E, EPA 608, or similar.
Experience with BMS/EPMS platforms (e.g., Niagara, Tridium, Schneider).
Ability to read and interpret electrical/mechanical schematics and blueprints.
Previous experience with managing and utilizing CMMS systems.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License, City Licenses, Operators License, Steam Engineers License, etc.
Possess a valid “Universal” level certification for CFC and HFC based refrigerants (EPA Section 608); to service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone depleting refrigerants to the atmosphere or any similar combination of education and experience
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record with periodic checks
Basic Computing Skills in Outlook, Excel & Word
Experience in operation, maintenance and basic repair of HVAC, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems, compressors, water systems, etc.
Knowledgeable in energy management systems, techniques and operations.
Thorough knowledge in all building systems operations, maintenance and repair
may be only maintenance staff member on duty during certain shifts; may be required to work extended periods of time without relief when responding to priority/emergency situations (including overtime type assignments); may require shift work and/or on call duties
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Regularly required to travel outside between properties in varying weather conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Must have ability to stoop, stand, climb, frequently lift a minimum of 50 lbs. of equipment (pumps, tools, ladders) and safely install rigging/lifting devices
Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine
Involves movement between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work
Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
Ability to read and understand information presented orally and in writing
Regularly required to utilize vision abilities, allowing reading of printed material, drawings, and schematics
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $32.69 - $38.46
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”
