Operating Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Operating Engineer supports the Assistant and/or Chief Engineer and Senior Facilities Manager with the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and efficient operation of building systems and equipment at assigned client facilities. The role performs timely routine operation, inspection, maintenance, and repairs of HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related systems to support efficient, safe operation, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life. The position also inspects and repairs interior and exterior property areas, including walls, flooring, fixtures, roofing, and lighting. The Engineer is expected to follow C&W’s Code of Conduct and company policies, comply with applicable codes and safety procedures, maintain required licenses, and respond to emergencies and client callbacks. Schedules are generally typical business hours but vary by location and client needs; shift work, on-call duties, overtime, and after-hours or weekend support may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least four years of technical experience in building engineering, including HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical work, equipment repair and maintenance, and system design and application.
Valid state driver’s license.
Valid Universal-level EPA Section 608 certification for CFC- and HFC-based refrigerants, or a similar combination of education and experience.
Maintain any trade license or permit required for the assigned location, such as a Journeyman or Master Electrician, City, Operator, or Steam Engineer license.
Experience operating, maintaining, and performing basic repairs on HVAC systems, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems, compressors, gas lines, and water systems.
Knowledge of energy management systems, techniques, and operations.
Thorough knowledge of building systems operations, maintenance, and repair.
Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with tenants, clients, and vendors.
Basic computer skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word; ability to use a smartphone or tablet, upload PDF files and documents, and join online meetings.
Oral and written communication proficiency, organizational skills, technical proficiency, problem-solving and analysis skills, and a sense of urgency.
Ability to work schedules that may include shifts, on-call duties, overtime, and after-hours or weekend support based on client needs.
Satisfactory completion of applicable employment conditions, including identity and work-eligibility documentation, drug testing, criminal background check, DMV record check for driving-related roles, education verification, and reference checks.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an apprentice program or trade school.

Responsibilities

Perform preventive maintenance and repair work orders on facility mechanical, electrical, lighting, and other installed systems and components.
Maintain, operate, and repair HVAC systems, electrical distribution equipment, plumbing systems, building interiors and exteriors, and related grounds at assigned client buildings.
Perform major HVAC repairs, including replacement of compressors, condensers, evaporator coils, and condenser coils.
Perform major plumbing replacements and repairs, including domestic water piping, steam traps, sewage lines, and bathroom fixtures.
Perform electrical repairs, including conduit installation and bending, cable pulling, electrical panel maintenance, motor maintenance, and predictive maintenance.
Conduct facility inspections and due diligence, reporting conditions that may affect client occupancy or operations.
Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, heaters, pumps, valves, lines, refrigerant systems, air compressors, water distribution equipment, electrical motors and engines, building automation systems, sanitary sewer systems, sump pumps, trash compactors, and kitchen equipment (excluding tenant-owned equipment).
Maintain elevators except where specialized contractors service them.
Recommend ongoing improvements to the preventive maintenance program.
Maintain stock and inventory control.
Keep management informed about building operations by compiling and submitting monthly reports.
Comply with applicable codes, regulations, governmental requirements, company directives, and safety procedures; maintain good housekeeping and safe work areas.
Identify hazards and use appropriate methods and PPE to address them.
Respond effectively to emergencies, including light travel during emergency events when needed.
Maintain required federal, state, or local licenses for assigned locations and complete scheduled annual C&W safety training.
Follow the C&W uniform dress code and maintain a neat, clean appearance during working hours.
Perform general maintenance such as restroom repairs, lamp replacement and light-fixture cleaning, ceiling-tile removal, minor furniture and floor repairs, door-hardware maintenance, equipment painting, HVAC filter replacement, cleaning mechanical spaces and equipment, handyman work with hand tools, and fire-extinguisher replacement.
Perform other operational tasks and duties as assigned.
Support after-hours and weekend building activities as required, respond to client callbacks, and work extended periods without relief during priority or emergency situations when needed.