Chief Engineer

JLL•Santa Clara, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the operational management and effective daily leadership of the engineering team at client diagnostic facilities in Pleasanton and Santa Clara, CA. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of machinery and building systems while maintaining the annual approved budget. You will lead a diverse engineering team, manage vendor relationships, and protect client assets through reliability-based maintenance and best practices. The primary objective is to achieve 100% uptime and deliver the highest level of professionalism in meeting client needs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring building engineering systems continue to perform their intended function in a regulated, mission-critical environment.

Requirements

7+ years of facility-related work experience, including demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in a regulated environment
Associate Degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent work experience demonstrating comparable technical knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of maintenance processes, HVAC systems, fluid handling, and electrical systems in critical facility environments
Operating Engineers license (SMA) or equivalent professional certification
Valid Type L state license or current licensing for Life Safety equipment as required by local regulations

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Universal Technician for CFCs (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment)
Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (SAP/CMMS preferred) for work order management and asset tracking
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for reporting, documentation, and communication purposes
Familiarity with energy efficiency directives and sustainable facility operations practices
Experience managing union labor relations and contractor relationships in a facility management context
Background supporting capital projects including utility coordination, connection/isolation work, and asset integration
Knowledge of high-risk program management including Unfired Pressure Vessels, Fire Protection systems, Elevators, and Hazardous/Toxic Gas monitoring systems
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated facility environments

Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain critical building systems including refrigeration (ammonia chillers), HVAC, boilers, pumps, valves, and ventilation equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability
Implement and manage reliability-based maintenance programs, executing equipment inspections and monitoring to maximize uptime and prevent system failures
Supervise and lead engineering and maintenance staff, providing mentorship, hands-on training, and professional development in maintenance procedures and safety protocols
Oversee contractor activities within the facility, ensuring work quality, system restoration, and adherence to Critical Facility Work Authorization (CFWA) and Safe Work Authorization (SWA) processes
Manage compliance documentation and implement all Site Selected SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) services, maintaining 100% regulatory compliance
Participate in the After-Hours Support Program to respond to facility emergencies, alarms, and critical equipment failures outside normal business hours
Act as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for stakeholders regarding unscheduled maintenance, small projects, and facility-related inquiries