Lead Operating Engineer

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer to support the operation, maintenance, and overall performance of an 89,000-square-foot Class A office and life science facility in St. Louis. This position will work as part of a two-person engineering team and requires someone who can operate independently, troubleshoot building systems, and provide a high level of service to tenants and clients.

This is a highly client- and tenant-facing role, so strong communication, professionalism, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills are essential. Candidates with previous experience in life science, laboratory, medical office, commercial, or industrial facilities are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building control systems.
• Perform general facility maintenance including painting, pressure washing, lighting and ballast replacement, plumbing repairs, locksmith work, and other maintenance activities as permitted by licensing requirements.
• Troubleshoot HVAC equipment, electrical systems, DDC controls, pneumatic controls, and other building systems.
• Assist with implementation and management of the facility's preventative maintenance program.
• Manage and complete assigned work orders and tenant service requests through the CMMS system.
• Respond professionally to tenant concerns, maintenance requests, and facility-related issues.
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining strong relationships with tenants, clients, vendors, and internal team members.
• Assist with training and supporting other engineering personnel to improve overall team capabilities.
• Support emergency response and on-call situations as required.
• Follow all site safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in ongoing technical, operational, and safety training.
• Perform additional facility and engineering projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of related facilities maintenance or engineering experience, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or general building maintenance.
• Previous experience in a commercial or industrial facility environment.
• Strong HVAC and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical systems, DDC controls, and pneumatic controls.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to professionally interact with tenants and resolve concerns or conflicts.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely work from ladders up to approximately 30 feet.
• Ability to frequently climb, bend, kneel, lift, and perform other physical requirements associated with facility maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting life science, laboratory, healthcare, or medical office facilities.
• Universal EPA 608 / CFC certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the first year.
• Trade school education, apprenticeship or union training, military technical training, or relevant college education.
• Experience working with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Previous experience working in a Class A commercial office environment.