Chief Engineer, Central Utility Plant

JLL•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Chief Engineer, Central Utility Plant (CUP) for a premier hospital client account, you will lead the critical utility generation and distribution infrastructure that serves as the heartbeat of the clinical campus. This role has ultimate oversight of the central plant, including high-pressure steam boilers, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, cogeneration systems, and emergency power generation. Your expertise ensures the uninterrupted delivery of thermal and electrical utilities essential for patient care and life-safety operations.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of experience operating and maintaining large central utility plants, with at least 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a hospital, healthcare, or high-reliability industrial setting.
A valid First-Class Stationary Engineer license or equivalent state/local high-pressure boiler and refrigeration operator certifications.
Extensive technical knowledge of high-pressure steam systems, chilled water loops, industrial water treatment, cogeneration (CHP) systems, and computerized Building Automation Systems (BAS).
Demonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements governing plant operations, including ASME, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, and Joint Commission standards.
Proven ability to manage complex mechanical and thermal calculations to optimize plant thermodynamics and efficiency.
Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to lead technical teams through emergency diagnostic and recovery situations under high-pressure conditions.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical discipline.
Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) or Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) designation.
Experience with smart-plant automation, IoT-driven predictive maintenance, or digital twins.
A track record of driving significant decarbonization or energy-reduction initiatives within a CUP.
Experience with the commissioning, startup, and testing of newly installed industrial chillers, boilers, or cogeneration units in a live hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Direct the safe and efficient 24/7 operation, maintenance, and water chemistry of high-pressure steam boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, and auxiliary CUP equipment.
Lead and develop a high-performing team of plant operators and stationary engineers, ensuring we support each other's wellbeing and champion inclusivity and belonging across teams.
Actively mentor staff, provide clear technical guidance, and encourage professional development.
Monitor plant efficiency, fuel consumption, and utility distribution, optimizing plant operations to reduce carbon footprints and lower operating costs.
Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing boilers, pressure vessels, emissions, fuel storage, and water discharge.
Manage the plant's predictive and preventative maintenance programs utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to maximize plant reliability and minimize downtime.
Coordinate closely with hospital leadership and clinical operations to plan and execute critical utility distribution shutdowns and major equipment changeovers with zero impact on clinical operations.
Respond immediately to plant emergencies, troubleshooting equipment failures and implementing recovery protocols to maintain uninterrupted utility services to the hospital.
Oversee plant operational budgets, manage utility vendor contracts, and supervise external contractors working on major plant capital improvement projects.