Building Engineer Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Facilities Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of building systems within a commercial life science facility. This role ensures reliable performance of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and control systems that support critical laboratory operations. The Facilities Engineer will perform preventive and corrective maintenance, respond to facility issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain compliance, safety, and efficiency in all building systems.
Responsibilities
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot building systems including HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, steam, compressed air, and building automation systems (BAS).
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance tasks to ensure uptime of critical infrastructure.
• Support clean rooms, labs, walk-in freezers, and controlled environments requiring precise temperature and humidity control.
• Conduct inspections, monitoring, and testing of facility systems, ensuring compliance with codes, GMP, FDA, and safety regulations.
• Respond to service requests, alarms, and emergency situations, providing rapid problem resolution.
• Partner with Facilities, Engineering, Lab Operations, and vendors to complete projects and system upgrades.
• Document maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs in CMMS systems.
• Contribute to energy efficiency, sustainability efforts, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Provide support for capital improvement projects, renovations, and new equipment installations.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards, including lockout/tagout, PPE, and NFPA 70E procedures.
Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in facilities engineering, building systems, or related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience with HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) for monitoring and controls.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across multiple building systems.
• Understanding of GMP standards and compliance in life science or regulated facilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Strong communication and documentation skills (CMMS, SOPs, reporting).
• Continuing education is required to maintain compliance with codes, safety, and evolving technology.
Required:
• EPA Section 608 Certification (Type I, II, or Universal) - required for anyone handling refrigerants.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Training - ensures knowledge of general workplace safety standards.
• NFPA 70E Training - electrical safety training for working around energized equipment.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training - for safe maintenance and repair work.
• Opacity Certification
Preferred:
• Technical training or apprenticeship in mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems.
• Professional Certifications (preferred): Universal EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, BAS vendor certifications
• Stationary Engineer or Boiler License (jurisdiction dependent, e.g., DC, MD, VA have different requirements).
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or other sustainability/energy management certifications.
• Building Automation System (BAS) Training/Certification - vendor-specific (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, etc.).
• HVAC/R Certification - advanced technical coursework beyond apprenticeship (e.g., NATE or equivalent).
• Water Treatment Certification - if supporting boilers, chillers, or DI water systems.
• Lean Six Sigma / Kaizen Training - desirable for process improvement in GMP environments.
• GMP Compliance Training - often provided in-house but a plus if already held.
Education
• Bachelors Degree Associate or Bachelors degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Systems, or a related technical field preferred. (Preferred)
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required);
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