Lead Operating Engineer

About the role

The Lead Operating Engineer supervises and directs maintenance personnel in the installation, repair, and maintenance of all base building and critical system machinery and equipment within a healthcare facility environment. Responsibilities include supervising, scheduling, and coordinating the activities of the operating team while ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and regulatory standards. This role involves expanding the capabilities of the operations staff through hands-on training, overseeing preventative maintenance programs, and managing contracted maintenance work. The position also serves as backup to the Operations Manager and plays a key role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant healthcare facility operation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the maintenance staff, monitor performance of assigned responsibilities, and perform or direct all maintenance department service requests to ensure work is accomplished efficiently with minimal disruption
• Provide hands-on training and supervision to expand operations staff capabilities, including demonstrating proper use of tools, teaching basic maintenance and safety procedures, and recommending relevant outside engineering courses
• Supervise and implement the preventative maintenance program, including scheduling tasks with minimum service disruption, ordering parts and equipment required for repairs, and maintaining inventory
• Check malfunctioning equipment, determine corrective action required to restore satisfactory operating condition, and facilitate root cause analysis
• Direct the performance of contracted maintenance work, ensuring timely completion, overseeing equipment warranty obligations, and securing equipment manuals and drawings from installers/contractors
• Ensure availability of adequate operating inventory of tools and supplies by preparing purchase order requests, developing sources for stock materials, and performing periodic supply checks
• Recommend and estimate facilities repairs and improvements for inclusion in the annual budget while implementing at least one cost savings action annually relating to energy or utility consumption

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Visually inspect machinery and buildings
• Frequently walk up and down stairs for inspections and emergency procedure practice or implementation
• Climb ladders up to 40 feet and lift 60 lbs repeatedly
• Detect emergency alarms (auditory and/or visual)
• Perform equipment inspections requiring getting on hands and knees to reach difficult-to-access areas
• Hold a valid US Driver’s License

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma
• 5+ years of experience in facility/plant engineering maintenance
• Thorough understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory surveys
• Exposure to HVAC, fluid handling/pumping, fluid filtering, mechanical systems, welding, and electrical systems engineering and operation with multi-skills in a minimum of two craft areas
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to communicate well in both oral and written reports and possess excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency in basic computer application software such as MS Office and Email
• Valid US Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of trade or vocational schooling or apprenticeship in electrical, piping/plumbing, refrigeration, or HVAC
• Familiarity with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS preferably "360 Facility")
• Understanding of Building Automation System (BMS)
• Experience training and developing maintenance personnel
• Knowledge of hazardous materials storage, usage, and disposal compliance requirements
• Experience with warranty management and contractor oversight