Facilities Maintenance Engineer

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Engineer, this position will perform, assist and manage repairs and preventative maintenance on the interior and exterior of the building, infrastructure and equipment. This position will be active in projects that will range from administration organizational projects to minor tenant improvement construction management projects that may last from one week to one year.

Acts as liaison with outside maintenance contractors and provides direction for completion of necessary work. Maintains high-pressure air systems, vacuum systems, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and DI water system. Oversees and assists with the general maintenance, installation, and relocation of equipment and furniture. '

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists in the continued operation, maintenance and repair of the central plant electrical, mechanical and structural and control systems including chillers, exhaust fans, air handlers, pumps, steam system and other equipment.
• Completes work order requests for general maintenance items in a timely and efficient manner. Assists with work orders that require extra coordination, vendor communication, parts and tool sourcing.
• Work directly with Operations, EH&S, and other administrative groups to appropriately plan and schedule various projects.
• Actively identifies problems or potential situations and works with the Assistant Chief Engineer to determine the course of action necessary.
• Assists in writing, maintaining and implementing new policies and procedures.
• Actively researches and makes recommendations on system improvements for the purpose of better efficiency and/or cost savings.
• Supervises preventative maintenance, service, and repair of laboratory equipment. Including CO2 manifold delivery system, air compressors, DI water system, vacuum system, environmental rooms, BSC’s, pumps, ice machines, centrifuges, refrigerators, and freezers and other equipment used in research operations.
• Oversees all contracted maintenance. Performs daily and monthly inspections and/or testing of DI water system, emergency generator, safety equipment, air conditioning and heating units.
• Performs routine repair and maintenance of the interior and exterior of the building. Including floors, walls, ceiling, doors, drains, restrooms, lunchrooms, laboratories, electrical, plumbing, lighting, parking lot.
• Manages tenant improvement projects, including the project scope, coordinating, and supervising of contractors.
• Maintains logs, records and service manuals.
• Responds to equipment and building alarms during and after operational hours.
• Works with Operations on furniture purchases, space coordination, scheduling and installation.
• Performs other duties and manages special projects needed by Operations.

Required Experience and Education

Minimum 5 years prior experience in Building Engineering. Must demonstrate ability to read blueprints, tech manuals and manufacturer's data. Must have computer skills and be familiar with MS Office and Facilities Preventative Maintenance program AMMS.

Basic level AutoCAD experience is a plus. Must have working knowledge of diagnostic equipment and machine shop tools. Should also have a working knowledge of Cal-OSHA, HazMat, building and fire codes.

Skills, Abilities and Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Satisfactory completion of the post-offer physical required.
• Must be willing to sign an employee confidentiality agreement.
• Regular, reliable, on-time attendance and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed and adjust work schedule based on workload and deadlines.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and ability to run errands for the Institute.
• Must participate in 24/7 on call rotation schedule and arrive at Institute within one hour of notification.
• Must have the flexibility to work an 8-hour shift starting as early as 4am and as late as 2pm. Shift start time may change based on workload and project schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to use and work on step stool/ladder and work from heights.
• Must have manual dexterity in both hands.
• Must be able to bend down and/or stoop repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Must be able to pull carts that could require a rolling starting force of 125lbs.
• Must be able to open doors and pull loaded supply carts through them.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds easily

LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.

With over 30 different countries represented, diversity is respected and celebrated at LJI. We are committed to ensuring a safe and compassionate environment that is equal, just, and fair. Science and discovery benefit from a diversity of talents, a diversity of approaches, and a diversity of perspectives. The La Jolla Institute’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative is designed to help us identify areas at the Institute that need improvement so we can together create an environment that is inclusive, provides equal opportunities, and opens doors that propel our research for human health.

La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.