Operating Engineer

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.

Operating Engineer JLL

What this job involves:

As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission-critical infrastructure in research and specialized facilities where precision, safety, and uptime are paramount. This role puts you in charge of complex building systems that support cutting edge research and operations—from emergency power systems and HVAC to fire suppression and building automation. You'll work in a high-stakes environment where your technical expertise and operational discipline directly impact business continuity and client confidence. This position offers the opportunity to work with sophisticated equipment, solve challenging technical problems, and be part of a team that ensures seamless facility operations 24/7. Your contributions keep critical environments running flawlessly, protecting both people and vital research operations.

What your day to day will look like:

• Operating and monitoring critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including generators, UPS systems, chillers, HVAC equipment, and building automation systems to ensure continuous, reliable performance in research and mission-critical environments.
• Conducting routine equipment rounds, collecting operational data, and analyzing system performance to identify potential issues before they impact facility operations, documenting findings in the computerized maintenance management system.
• Executing preventive and corrective maintenance on both critical and non-critical equipment, including hands-on repair work such as motor rebuilds, pump seal replacements, valve installations, and electrical troubleshooting to maintain optimal system reliability.
• Coordinating with third-party contractors during maintenance activities, ensuring all work meets safety standards and compliance requirements while maintaining operational awareness of critical systems.
• Responding immediately to emergency situations, equipment alarms, and customer concerns, applying formal conduct of operations protocols to safely restore systems and minimize downtime.
• Managing fire alarm systems operations including enabling and disabling control panels during maintenance activities, ensuring life safety systems remain functional and compliant.
• Maintaining accurate work order documentation, ordering necessary materials and parts for repairs, and keeping workspace clean and organized according to safety regulations and hazardous materials handling procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of experience in critical environment operations, maintenance, and/or engineering
• Minimum of four years of hands-on experience in electrical and HVAC trades, including work with rooftop units and commercial HVAC systems.
• Minimum of four years of experience operating and maintaining backup power systems including generators and uninterruptible power systems (UPS).
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in commercial or critical facilities environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including technical reports and documentation.
• Fundamental technical skills in critical infrastructure systems including emergency/standby generators, automatic transfer switches, uninterruptible power systems, power distribution units, and battery backup systems.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and software including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, email, and other standard business productivity tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS) including console operations, programming, and troubleshooting of HVAC controls and monitoring systems.
• Industry certifications such as EPA Universal Refrigeration Certification, electrical licensure, or specialized training in critical facilities management (CFPS, CEM, or similar credentials).
• Background working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, data center, or research laboratory environments with understanding of cleanroom operations, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with fire detection and suppression systems including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and clean agent systems, with ability to perform testing and maintenance activities.
• Active participation in professional trade organizations or completion of continuing education programs related to facilities engineering, demonstrating commitment to staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Basic plumbing and piping skills including experience with process piping, laboratory gas systems, or specialized water treatment systems used in research environments.
• Experience with predictive maintenance techniques and technologies such as vibration analysis, thermography, or oil analysis to identify equipment issues before failure occurs.

Location:

Onsite – This position requires regular on-site presence at the assigned research facility to monitor and maintain critical systems.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

66,400.00 – 70,000.00 USD per year

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –San Diego, CA

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.

JLL Privacy Notice

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 .

For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.

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 Show email . 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.

Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

California Residents only

If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our  Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.