Chief Engineer

JLL•San Bruno, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. What this job involves - The Chief Engineer is a high-stakes on-site leadership role responsible for serving as the technical anchor for the engineering team and the broader IFM family. This position requires a "leader-as-expert" who can stabilize a developing team, oversee the safe and efficient operation of diverse infrastructure systems—from modern labs to legacy campus buildings—and act as a polished advisor to client leadership.

Requirements

7+ years of related experience, especially as a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or similar
People management experience (leading a team)
Universal CFC EPA certification
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Sheets, Meet) and modern CMMS platform
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and use ladders up to 30 feet tall
Physical capability for frequent climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and driving
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Trade school education, union training, military service, or college degree
Experience managing "critical environments" (labs, manufacturing, or R&D facilities)
Knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and water treatment
Familiarity with energy management, sustainability practices, and lifecycle cost analysis
Project management skills
Experience in data-driven maintenance strategies, including the use of analytics to optimize labor allocation and predict equipment failure

Responsibilities

Lead by example and create a team culture where people own their work.
Set a high bar for quality and professionalism conduct to build department-wide credibility.
Analyze work order trends and CMMS data to identify systemic equipment failures and drive labor efficiency across high-volume workflows rather than relying on reactive repairs
Lead the diagnosis and resolution of complex mechanical and pneumatic issues across a diverse campus portfolio, including modern labs and legacy infrastructure, to ensure mission-critical uptime
Develop and implement preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance procedures that prioritize long-term asset health
Manage the engineering budget and lead the capital improvement planning process with a focus on ROI and risk mitigation
Select, schedule, and supervise contractors, holding them to strict performance and safety standards
Respond decisively to emergencies and service calls, making high-stakes technical decisions independently under pressure
Lead technical, safety, and operational process training programs to rapidly upskill the engineering team
Act as the primary technical advisor in client-facing meetings, translating complex infrastructure risks and engineering data into clear business strategies
Demonstrate the ability to lead difficult conversations and maintain a polished professional presence for senior-level stakeholder engagement