Operating Engineer 1

About the role

The Operating Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing critical facility systems and building equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations. This role requires hands-on expertise across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems while contributing to preventive maintenance initiatives that minimize downtime and improve equipment performance. The Operating Engineer plays an important role in maintaining energy efficiency, supporting building operations, and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards in a fast-paced commercial or industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical building systems to ensure optimal facility performance.
• Diagnose equipment and system issues using Building Automation Systems (BAS), blueprints, schematics, airflow measurements, and pressure readings.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVACR systems, chillers, electrical distribution systems, and other critical facility equipment to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
• Maintain low and medium voltage electrical systems, lighting systems, and related infrastructure while following established safety procedures and compliance standards.
• Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, automatic doors, gates, material handling equipment, fire safety systems, and emergency eyewash stations.
• Conduct daily startup and operational checks for boilers, fire pumps, compressors, water heaters, elevators, and other essential building systems.
• Complete general facility maintenance tasks including painting, hardware repairs, documentation updates, and CMMS work order management while supporting emergency response activities as needed.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship and a valid driver’s license.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent, plus two years of trade school education in electrical systems, refrigeration, HVAC, or related disciplines.
• Universal CFC Technician Certification.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in commercial, industrial, or manufacturing facility maintenance environments.
• Experience maintaining HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general building systems.
• Minimum 1 year of experience utilizing CMMS/PM software and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including all shifts and some weekends, based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, schematics, work orders, and construction drawings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced troubleshooting experience with BAS and complex facility systems.
• Experience working in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced or emergency conditions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to preventive maintenance documentation and operational detail.

Location

Costa Mesa, California

Schedule

This position supports a 24/7 operation, with opportunities available across multiple shifts:

• First Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Second Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Third Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Candidates should be flexible to support assigned schedules, including potential weekend coverage based on business needs.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $43.26 – $48.07 per hour