*****THIS ROLE IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD*****
Job Description
The Lead Engineer serves as the senior technical lead for Central Plant and building engineering operations, reporting directly to the Chief Engineer. This position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation, maintenance, and repair of Central Plant equipment and critical building systems. The Lead Engineer provides day-to-day leadership to engineering staff, supports mission-critical facility operations, and assumes the responsibilities of the Chief Engineer in their absence. Working with a high degree of independence, the Lead Engineer oversees complex mechanical, electrical, and utility systems, ensures compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and supports the continuous operation of facility infrastructure.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Leadership and Supervision
- Act on behalf of the Chief Engineer during periods of absence, supporting operational decision-making and staff oversight.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to engineering and maintenance personnel.
- Coordinate daily work assignments, priorities, and schedules for engineering staff.
- Monitor workforce performance and ensure adherence to operational standards and procedures.
Central Plant Operations
- Operate, monitor, and oversee all Central Plant equipment to ensure continuous and efficient facility operations.
- Maintain reliable operation of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, generators, and associated distribution systems.
- Monitor system performance, identify operating deficiencies, and implement corrective actions to optimize efficiency and reliability.
- Perform startup, shutdown, and operational adjustments of critical plant equipment.
- Analyze operating conditions and make recommendations for process improvements and energy efficiency initiatives.
Maintenance and Repair
- Perform and oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities on facility equipment and infrastructure.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility system failures.
- Coordinate repairs and equipment restoration activities to minimize operational disruptions.
- Review maintenance records, work orders, and system performance data to identify maintenance trends and reliability improvements.
- Ensure tools, spare parts, and maintenance resources are available to support operational requirements.
- Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, building codes, and facility operating procedures.
- Conduct routine inspections of plant equipment and building systems to identify safety concerns and operational risks.
- Support safety programs including lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and emergency preparedness activities.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action programs.
Facility Operations Support
- Respond to equipment failures, utility interruptions, and emergency situations affecting facility operations.
- Coordinate with facility management, contractors, and customers regarding operational requirements and maintenance activities.
- Maintain accurate operational logs, maintenance records, and engineering documentation.
- Support capital improvement projects, equipment replacements, and system upgrades.
- Assist with commissioning, testing, and acceptance of new equipment and facility systems.
Minimum Qualifications
- US Citizen
- Secret Clearance Required
- At least 5 years of experience in Engineering Services to include experience operating and maintaining Central Plant equipment and complex building mechanical systems.
- Bachelor's degree in relevant technical discipline
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating and maintaining Central Plant equipment and complex building mechanical systems.
- Proven experience in building engineering, facility operations, or plant operations within large commercial, institutional, industrial, or government facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems.
- Experience leading or mentoring engineering and maintenance personnel.
Required Certifications
3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Boiler Engineer License(DC)
