Chief Engineer

Summary The Chief Engineer is responsible for a wide variety of tasks. This person is charged with effective daily leadership and administration of the engineering team with the objectives of safely and effectively operating machinery and systems and quickly and professionally responding to the needs of the tenants and the Data Center Manager. The Chief Engineer is also responsible for protecting and improving the value of the owner’s assets and ensuring that data center machinery and systems meet or exceed their rated life.

Must be a member of IUOE local #399 Principal Duties and Responsibilities Task will include but not be limited to:

• Assures accurate time records of Operating Engineers and submits to payroll by processing deadlines.  Tracks and justifies overtime worked by Operating Engineers, assuring that costs are well within budget parameters.
• Inspects physical conditions of data centers and equipment at least monthly. Prepares work orders for repairs and requisitions for replacement of equipment, as necessary. Reports deficiencies and action plan to solve problems to General Manager.
• Recommends measures to reduce or eliminate fire, safety, and environmental hazards.
• Cooperates with police, fire and civil defense authorities about problems affecting the data center(s). Orders and directs fire drills and emergency procedures. Devises fire protection programs and organizes and trains property team to carry out established procedures.
• Assists Facility Manager in coordination of tenant construction and capital improvements.  Reviews project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, objectives, and test equipment, nature of technical problems and possible solutions such as redesign or substitution of material or parts. Cautions contractors regarding complaints about excessive noise, disorderly conduct or misuse of property.
• Maintains efficient use of energy in operating each data center by using sound energy management practices in the documented daily sequence of operations. Trains members of the team in the fundamentals of energy management. Works closely with general contractors and design engineers to incorporate automated systems with construction plan and identifies low cost/no cost energy conservation program.
• Ensures that the engineering team follows the property accounting procedures including the accurate completion of purchase orders, receiving reports, and service acknowledgments and the use of three competitive bids for all projects exceeding client(s)’ guidelines.
• Performs and oversees tests of data center systems. Records test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and makes recommendations for changes in operations or test method.
• Assures proper recording of equipment readings, settings and status changes and noteworthy operating occurrences in appropriate logbooks.
• Recommends, justifies, develops and coordinates installation of projects which enhance the value of the client(s)’ asset(s).
• Ensures the availability of adequate operating inventory of tools, equipment and supplies for the engineering team.  This includes developing sources, evaluating suppliers, conducting quarterly vendor quality meetings as part of the Valued Vendor Program, performing periodic checks of inventories and creating purchase specifications and bid packages.
• Competitively bids and prepares all MEP service contracts to ensure high quality and cost- effective services.
• Assists the Facility Manager in developing/revising and coordinating implementation of emergency procedures manuals, contractor rules and regulations and tenant design criteria.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the lead operating engineers and operating engineers.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the policies enumerated with Jones Lang LaSalle and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees.
• Planning, assigning, and directing work.
• Appraising performance.
• Rewarding and disciplining employees.
• Addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Requirements: Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Five to seven years of JLL engineering experience or equivalent industry experience
• Three to five years supervisory experience or experience as a Lead Engineer.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of data center HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automation, and life safety/fire protection systems.
• Must have a thorough understanding of all data center related codes and standards.
• Must be able to professionally interact with tenants and contractors.
• Moderate knowledge of a variety of manual trades such as carpentry, electromechanical repair, etc.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or governmental regulations and codes.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before small groups of tenants or fellow employees.

Other Skill and Abilities

• Ability to use drawings, specifications, shop math and various measuring or testing instruments.
• Working knowledge or the capability of developing proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Microsoft Access and any other software packages recommended.
• Demonstration of leadership ability, presentation capabilities and organization skills.

Preferred Requirements:

• Corrigo Experience.
• MCIM / Salesforce Experience.
• Zendesk Experience.
• Service Now Experience.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, stooping, and working/extending overhead, including:
• Lifting a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Climbing stairs and navigating rooftops to access equipment.
• Using ladders up to 30 ft and working from heights.
• Ability to Climb a ladder with a 300-lb weight limit.
• Must be able to work different schedules.
• Must be able to work Holidays.
• Must be able to respond to site emergencies.

Customer Environment Description

• A leading global data center developer and operator specializing in delivering state-of-the-art digital infrastructure solutions across the globe. With more than 50 high-performance mission-critical facilities worldwide, the company ensures the continued operation of digital infrastructure for nearly 800 customers, including approximately 200 Fortune 1000 companies.
• Demanding customer and fast-paced environment, serving some of the largest companies in the world.
• JLL operates 40 sites for the customer that includes campuses and individual data centers. We provide operational support including operating engineers, chief operating engineers, facility managers, and regional managers.
• JLL has been supporting the customer since 2021. The relationship has continued to grow as the customer’s business has grown. We continue to support current locations and assist in establishing new sites across the United States.
• We continue to struggle meeting the KPIs set forth by the customer, particularly when it comes to incidents. With an increased focus on training and adequate staffing models, we will be able to meet our obligations and exceed expectations. Our goal is to continue a fruitful relationship that allows us to grow with the customer. This will provide many opportunities for our employees and allow our customer to scale their business.

Location : Aurora, IL

About JLL We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We’re using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.

Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we’re honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together.