Lead Operating Engineer

What this job involves

As the Lead Operating Engineer, you'll serve as a working shift supervisor responsible for the day-to-day oversight and direct supervision of shift operating engineers during your assigned shift. Serving as the on-shift point of contact for all engineering operations, you'll ensure continuity of operations, coordinate shift handoffs, and maintain the safe and efficient functioning of all building systems. Operating under the direction of the Chief Engineer, you'll be accountable for the performance, scheduling, and guidance of the operating engineering team on shift while providing technical leadership and ensuring compliance with all safety protocols and operational standards. This role requires strong technical expertise across mechanical systems, building automation, and critical facilities operations combined with the leadership skills to guide, mentor, and hold shift teams accountable. You'll balance hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities, ensuring your team delivers exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate brings extensive facilities engineering experience, strong problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to lead teams through routine operations and emergency situations while fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Directly supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of shift operating engineers during the assigned shift, serving as the on-shift point of contact for all engineering operations and ensuring seamless team coordination
• Provide oversight and management of the engineering department staff within the facility at the discretion of the Chief Engineer, including delegation of preventative maintenance programs and repair activities to appropriate team members
• Coordinate shift handoffs to ensure full continuity of operations between shifts, including communicating outstanding work orders, equipment status, and any active incidents or alarms to incoming shift leadership
• Schedule emergency repair activities according to priority and the abilities of assigned shift personnel while managing resources effectively to minimize downtime
• Ensure shift staff and any subcontractors working on shift meet client requirements and adhere to all site protocols and standards of performance while maintaining strong accountability
• Support the Chief Engineer in performance oversight of shift operating engineers, providing feedback and identifying training needs to support continuous team development
• Maintain knowledge of building CMMS systems and ensure accurate, timely entry of all work orders, maintenance records, and inspection logs to support operational visibility
• Apply working knowledge of Computerized Maintenance and Management Systems (CMMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), and Building Control Systems (Direct Digital Control (DDC)) to support efficient operations
• Maintain knowledge of, and experience with, the location and function of building life safety systems including controls panels, smoke/duct detectors, sprinkler systems, pull stations, strobe lights, horns, fire doors, and related equipment
• Coordinate facility projects as requested by customers or directed by the Chief Engineer, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope
• Manage site operations and permits including one-facility, work, hot work, roof, and other applicable permits, ensuring all regulatory and safety requirements are met
• Provide engineering support for the development of complex utility/electrical/mechanical switching scripts and procedures (e.g., Method of Procedures (MOPs), Emergency Operations Procedures (EOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Change Management processes)
• Ensure general safety and fire prevention regulations are enforced and safe working habits are promoted throughout the facility and across all shift activities
• Lead safety training initiatives on shift, ensuring compliance with safety indoctrination training and continuing safety education requirements while establishing a safety-sensitive culture within the shift team
• Follow Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics for the buildings under responsibility and support achievement of 100% uptime and customer service level agreement (SLA) compliance
• Field complaints and concerns from client employees, tenants, and groups within the critical facilities and escalate appropriately while maintaining professional customer service

Required Qualifications

• A High School diploma or GED equivalent, or technical training/degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field
• 7–10 years (or more) of experience in facilities operations, maintenance, and engineering with demonstrated progression in responsibility and technical expertise
• Technical knowledge and understanding of critical environments, including R&D facilities, production sites, HVAC, uninterruptible power supplies, computer room air conditioning, and associated infrastructure
• Proficient in computer applications and software such as MS Office and email with ability to learn and utilize CMMS and BAS platforms
• The ability to think strategically and successfully articulate and communicate an effective vision for best-in-class performance of critical facilities
• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills to solve technical problems and deal with a variety of options in varying situations
• The ability to make effective presentations on relevant topics to employees and/or management with confidence and clarity
• Experience reviewing engineering designs and providing operational support in highly complex environments
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with ability to provide clear direction, hold teams accountable, and mentor junior engineers
• Demonstrated commitment to safety with ability to establish and maintain a strong safety culture on shift
• The ability to ensure that all work management processes, programs, and requirements are well understood and followed at all times

Preferred Qualifications

• Operating Engineer (BOC) or other applicable licenses demonstrating technical competency and regulatory compliance
• Universal CFC (EPA 608) license and an Electrical license preferred for facilities with refrigeration and electrical systems
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS), Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, and CMMS platforms such as Maximo, FMX, or similar
• Knowledge of energy management and sustainability programs, processes, procedures, and metrics with ability to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with regulatory inspections including environmental audits, OSHA inspections, and similar compliance activities
• Familiarity with quality assurance programs and responsibility for implementing quality standards across maintenance and repair operations
• Experience coordinating with contractors and managing vendor relationships to ensure high-quality service delivery
• Experience in critical facilities operations such as data centers, laboratories, manufacturing, or mission-critical environments