JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
What This Job Involves
The Lead Operating Engineer is responsible for both hands-on technical work and supervisory duties in the daily operations, maintenance, and optimization of building systems within commercial real estate facilities.
This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, balancing time between performing and overseeing maintenance activities, troubleshooting equipment issues, mentoring engineering staff, and coordinating administrative tasks with property management teams. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys being actively involved in facility operations while guiding a team and ensuring overall building performance.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Hands-On Engineering
- Perform troubleshooting, repairs, and adjustments on HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems.
- Conduct regular inspections and hands-on diagnostics of chillers, boilers, pumps, air handling units, and other mechanical equipment.
- Operate and monitor Building Automation Systems (BAS) and energy management platforms to maintain optimum performance.
- Replace and calibrate sensors, motors, belts, filters, and other parts as needed.
- Respond promptly to tenant service calls, emergency situations, and system alarms.
- Maintain and organize tools, equipment, and inventory for efficient use.
Operations Management
- Supervise day-to-day facility operations across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, security, and mechanical systems.
- Assign and review work orders, ensuring timely completion and quality standards.
- Monitor systems performance, proactively identifying improvement opportunities.
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor operating engineers and maintenance technicians.
- Develop work schedules, assign tasks, and ensure coverage for 24/7 operations.
- Coach team members on troubleshooting methods, safe work practices, and technical skills.
Maintenance and Repairs
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs.
- Coordinate emergency repairs and manage vendor relationships.
- Oversee service contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed scope and quality.
Compliance and Safety
- Ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and local building codes.
- Keep accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and compliance documentation.
- Lead safety drills and emergency response training.
Project Coordination
- Collaborate on capital improvement projects and system upgrades.
- Provide technical input for budgets and planning.
- Coordinate with contractors and consultants during major works.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering preferred but not required.
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in building operations, facilities management, or a related engineering field.
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, controls, and building automation.
- Familiarity with electrical distribution, plumbing systems, fire safety, and mechanical operations.
- Experience with CMMS, Microsoft Office, and safety protocols.
Certifications
- Valid stationary engineer license or equivalent certification as required by the local jurisdiction.
- HVAC, electrical, or other relevant trade certifications preferred.
- First Aid/CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.
Core Competencies
- Excellent troubleshooting skills for complex technical issues.
- Strong communication and leadership abilities.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varied environmental conditions.
- Comfortable working at heights, in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Location:
On-site –Columbus, OH
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:
401(k) plan with matching company contributions
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.
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Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.
For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.
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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.
Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at HRSCLeaves@jll.com. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.
Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.
