Lead Operating Engineer

JLL•New York, NY

2d•$110,000 - $120,000•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: As a Lead Engineer at JLL, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the operational excellence of critical facility infrastructure while leading a high-performing engineering team. Working alongside the Chief Engineer, you will oversee the daily supervision of engineering staff, ensuring the seamless execution of preventative maintenance programs, equipment repairs, and facility upgrades. Your responsibilities extend beyond technical oversight to include the management of building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, hydraulic systems, and life safety equipment—all essential to creating safe, efficient, and reliable environments for building occupants. At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way for our clients, ourselves, and our fellow employees, and this role is central to delivering on that promise. You will coordinate emergency repairs, manage vendor relationships, oversee project execution, and champion a culture of safety and compliance across all operations. We believe the most effective teams are built when everyone is empowered to thrive, and in this role, you will mentor your team, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement in all aspects of facility management.

Requirements

Proven experience in facility engineering operations, including hands-on maintenance and repair of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of building life safety systems, including fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, pull stations, and emergency egress equipment.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise, train, and motivate engineering staff.
Working knowledge of CMMS platforms (such as MCIM, Corrigo, or similar systems) for work order management and preventative maintenance tracking.
Solid understanding of safety regulations, OSHA standards, and fire prevention protocols, with experience leading safety training programs.
Ability to prioritize and coordinate emergency repairs, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt quickly to changing operational demands.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Technical certifications or licenses relevant to facility engineering, such as HVAC certification, boiler operator license, or electrical licenses.
Experience working in commercial real estate environments or corporate facilities, particularly with high-profile clients.
Familiarity with energy management systems, building automation systems, and sustainability initiatives.
Background in project management or coordination of capital improvement projects.
Experience managing vendor relationships and subcontractor oversight to ensure quality and compliance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced reporting within CMMS platforms.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate engineering department staff in the execution of preventative maintenance programs, repairs, and installations across the facility.
Schedule and prioritize emergency repair activities based on urgency and available personnel, ensuring minimal disruption to building operations.
Conduct regular equipment inspections to assess condition, verify compliance with maintenance standards, and identify opportunities for proactive intervention.
Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to team members on mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, safety procedures, and best practices.
Coordinate facility projects as requested by clients, managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication to ensure successful delivery.
Oversee the implementation of quality assurance programs for all engineering work, ensuring adherence to operational standards and client expectations.
Lead safety training initiatives and enforce general safety and fire prevention regulations throughout the facility, fostering a safety-sensitive culture among staff and subcontractors.
Manage site operations and permitting processes, including work permits, hot work permits, roof access permits, and other compliance documentation.
Utilize building CMMS systems (such as MCIM or Corrigo) to track work orders, maintenance schedules, and asset performance data.