Lead Operating Engineer

What this job involves

The Lead Operating Engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for overseeing maintenance operations, vendor coordination, and engineering initiatives across complex building systems. This role includes leadership of the maintenance team, primary oversight of building management systems (BMS), and direct support for projects and continuous improvement efforts. You will serve as the engineering group liaison, deliver hands‑on technical support, and remain accountable for completing all assigned tasks while developing team members. This position is essential for supporting high-performance building operations and the growth of the engineering team.

Lead Operating Engineer – JLL

The Lead Operating Engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for overseeing maintenance operations, vendor coordination, and engineering initiatives across complex building systems. This role includes leadership of the maintenance team, primary oversight of building management systems (BMS), and direct support for projects and continuous improvement efforts. You will serve as the engineering group liaison, deliver hands‑on technical support, and remain accountable for completing all assigned tasks while developing team members. This position is essential for supporting high-performance building operations and the growth of the engineering team.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Supervise and coordinate the maintenance team to ensure quality delivery of preventive and reactive maintenance for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other building systems
• Serve as BMS Lead, overseeing operation, control strategies, optimization, troubleshooting, integration, and system tuning
• Manage vendor relationships and direct external contractors to achieve compliance, timeliness, and safety standards
• Facilitate communication and project alignment within the engineering group, coordinating technical updates and collaborative troubleshooting
• Provide hands‑on technical support for advanced system troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs while driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Train and mentor maintenance team members, focusing on technical development, compliance with safety protocols, and professional growth
• Oversee accurate documentation of maintenance activities, inspection reports, compliance tracking, and CMMS system utilization

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in commercial building maintenance with leadership responsibilities and internal engineering group coordination
• Broad technical skills in HVAC, BMS, electrical, and mechanical system troubleshooting
• Strong proficiency with diagnostic equipment and system optimization tools
• Ability to interpret system drawings, schematics, and schedules
• Experience in vendor management and project support in a complex building environment
• Able to work in diverse environments including rooftops, mechanical rooms, and confined spaces
• Capable of lifting and handling equipment as required

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification or equivalent
• Additional certifications in building automation, energy management, or system optimization
• Experience with LEED, sustainability programs, and project management

Location: Highland Heights, OH

At JLL, we are collectively shaping a brighter way — for our clients, ourselves and our fellow employees. We choose to take the more inspiring, innovative, and optimistic path on our journey toward success. What sets JLL apart is our culture of collaboration, locally and across the globe, which allows us to create transformative solutions for the real estate industry. We support each other's wellbeing and champion inclusivity and belonging across teams.

JLL is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.