Operating Engineer

About the Role

The Operating Engineer is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across assigned properties. This role ensures a clean, safe working environment and performs routine assessments, preventive and corrective maintenance, painting, and housekeeping. Key duties include performing all building system repairs, monitoring equipment performance, managing energy usage, and responding promptly to emergencies. The engineer documents activities, follows all codes and safety regulations, and completes required training while maintaining a professional appearance. • Perform plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work for assigned buildings • Maintain heating equipment, chillers, DX units, pumps, cooling towers, fan coil units, VAV and air distribution systems • Monitor and adjust mechanical/pneumatic equipment, steam stations, gauges, valves, thermostats and diffusers to ensure comfortable building environments • Verify field conditions and execute required repairs or adjustments • Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, floors and perform general property repairs and installations • Repair plumbing fixtures such as water closets, urinals, flush valves and lavatories • Conduct preventive maintenance per C&W standards, including filter changes, coil cleaning, condenser flushing, bearing greasing, belt inspection, motor bearing replacement, pulley alignment, and cooling tower upkeep • Inspect and service engine rooms, fan rooms, cooling towers, motors, pumps, generators, fire pumps, sump and ejector pumps; replace lamps and signage and ensure areas are clear of debris • Verify emergency exit signs and lights operate correctly and maintain clear egress routes; perform fire and life safety inspections per NFPA and company standards • Document activities and report to supervisor • Respond immediately to emergencies such as fire, evacuation, equipment failures, and address customer concerns • Follow all applicable codes, regulations, agency directives and practice safe work habits • Adhere to C&W uniform dress code and maintain a neat appearance on and off property • Frequently crouch, reach and bend to install or move equipment • Move between departments, floors and properties to perform work

Key Responsibilities

• ▸plumbing
• ▸electrical
• ▸hvac
• ▸preventive maintenance
• ▸equipment monitoring
• ▸emergency response

What You Bring

The position operates primarily in a professional office setting but requires regular travel between properties, often in varying weather conditions. Standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers are used daily. The role demands physical stamina, including the ability to stoop, stand, climb, lift at least 50 lb, and maneuver equipment in tight spaces. Clear communication, reading of technical documents and schematics, and frequent movement across floors and departments are also required. • Complete required C&W safety training annually • Demonstrate technical proficiency, initiative, flexibility, multitasking and a sense of urgency • Hold a high school diploma or GED; apprenticeship or trade school education preferred • Possess 5+ years of experience operating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in commercial properties • Maintain appropriate trade licenses or permits (e.g., journeyman electrician, refrigeration certificate, high‑pressure boiler or steam license) • May require Universal Technician certification for CFCs based on market requirements • Hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record • Use basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel and Word • Experience with operation, maintenance and repair of HVAC, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems and water systems • Knowledge of energy management systems and techniques • Thorough knowledge of building systems operations, maintenance and repair; ability to work extended shifts, on‑call or overtime as needed • Ability to stoop, stand, climb and lift at least 50 lb of equipment safely • Communicate clearly and read oral and written information effectively • Utilize vision to read printed material, drawings and schematics

Requirements

• ▸hvac
• ▸journeyman
• ▸refrigeration
• ▸excel
• ▸energy mgmt
• ▸5+ years

Benefits

Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and the employee may be the sole maintenance staff on certain shifts, requiring extended hours and on‑call availability. Cushman & Wakefield offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitive pay, and adherence to equal‑opportunity and ADA accommodation policies.

Work Environment

Field