Operating Engineer

About the Role

The Operating Engineer is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment and systems for assigned properties, with a particular focus on data center environments. Duties include maintaining a clean and safe work area, performing regular rounds and assessments, and executing day‑to‑day preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as painting and housekeeping tasks. The role operates within a professional office setting, utilizing standard office equipment and requiring travel between multiple properties in varying weather conditions. Depending on the shift, the Engineer may be the sole maintenance staff on duty and may be required to work extended hours, on‑call duties, and respond to emergencies without immediate relief. • Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building(s). • 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, control gauges, distributor panels, valves, thermostats, and diffusers. • Verify field conditions and perform necessary repairs or adjustments. • Monitor energy management systems. • Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, floors, and conduct general property repairs, adjustments, and installations. • Repair plumbing fixtures such as water closets, urinals, flush valve assemblies, and lavatories. • Conduct preventive maintenance per C&W standards, manufacturer recommendations, and industry best practices, including filter changes, coil cleaning, condenser flushing, bearing greasing, belt inspections, and chemical treatment monitoring. • Inspect engine rooms, fan rooms, cooling towers, motors, pumps, electric rooms, backup generators, fire pumps, sump pumps, and ejector pumps; replace lamps, light fixtures, and signage; ensure rooms are clean and free of obstructions. • Check emergency exit signs and lights, ensure clear access to emergency stairs and exits, and perform fire and life‑safety inspections per NFPA, local jurisdiction, and company standards. • Document and report activities to the supervisor. • Respond immediately to emergency situations such as fire, evacuation, equipment failure, and customer concerns. • Comply with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental directives, and practice safe work habits. • Complete all required C&W safety training annually. • Adhere to C&W uniform dress code and maintain a neat, clean appearance while on the property. • May be sole maintenance staff on certain shifts, requiring extended periods without relief and possible overtime, shift work, and on‑call duties. • Regularly crouch and reach to install or move equipment, bending at the waist or using legs and spine. • Move between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸hvac maintenance
• ▸plumbing repairs
• ▸electrical systems
• ▸preventive maintenance
• ▸energy monitoring
• ▸emergency response

What You Bring

• Technical proficiency. • Multi‑tasking. • Sense of urgency. • High school diploma or GED equivalent. • Graduate of an apprenticeship program or trade school preferred. • 5+ years of experience operating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial property setting. • Appropriate trade license/permit (e.g., Journeyman/Master Electrician, Refrigeration Certificate of Fitness, High Pressure Boiler License, High Pressure Steam Operator). • Potential certification as a Universal Technician for CFCs depending on market requirements. • Valid driver’s license with a good driving record, subject to periodic checks. • Basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word. • Experience with operation, maintenance, and basic repair of HVAC, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems, compressors, and water systems. • Knowledge of energy management systems, techniques, and operations. • Thorough knowledge of building systems operations, maintenance, and repair. • Ability to stoop, stand, climb, and lift at least 50 lb of equipment safely, using rigging/lifting devices. • Speak clearly for effective communication. • Read and understand oral and written information. • Utilize vision to read printed material, drawings, and schematics.

Requirements

• ▸hvac
• ▸energy management
• ▸journeyman
• ▸excel
• ▸5+ years
• ▸multi‑tasking

Benefits

Compensation ranges from $34.33 to $40.39 per hour, supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and paid time off. Cushman & Wakefield offers competitive pay that reflects geographic location, experience, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Work Environment

Onsite