1

Chief Operating Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Chemistry required; advanced degree (MBA, ... Demonstrated success in an operations leadership role (VP Operations, COO, or equivalent) * Deep ...

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

Operating Engineer (Temporary)

Redwood City, CA

$85.10K - $115.10K/yr

The Operating Engineer will be responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and ... This individual will work under the guidance of the onsite Chief Engineer. Key Responsibilities

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Operating Engineer information

See California salary details

$29

$56

$83

How much do chief operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief operating engineer in California is $56.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $60.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operating Engineer, you need deep expertise in building systems operations, mechanical and electrical engineering, and typically a Stationary Engineer license or relevant certifications. Proficiency in HVAC, boiler controls, computerized building management systems, and compliance with safety regulations is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for managing teams and responding swiftly to facility issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of critical infrastructure, minimizing risks and costly downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Operating Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Operating Engineers often face the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with strict safety regulations and budget constraints. They must ensure that all engineering systems run smoothly while coordinating maintenance schedules and responding quickly to unexpected mechanical issues. Effective communication with cross-functional teams and proactive planning are essential to minimize downtime and optimize resource allocation. Staying updated on industry best practices and investing in staff training can help address these challenges and lead to more efficient operations.

What is a Chief Operating Engineer?

A Chief Operating Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of engineering systems within a facility, such as HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems. They lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring that all equipment runs efficiently and safely. Their role often includes managing budgets, coordinating repairs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and implementing preventative maintenance programs. Chief Operating Engineers typically work in large buildings, industrial plants, or commercial complexes. This position requires extensive technical knowledge, leadership skills, and relevant certifications.

What is the difference between Chief Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectChief Operating EngineerMaintenance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC, boiler operator licenses, or engineering certificationsOften requires HVAC or electrical certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentSupervises building systems, mechanical equipment, and facilities managementPerforms maintenance, repairs, and inspections of equipment and systems
Employer & IndustryFound in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilitiesCommon in manufacturing, facilities, and building management

The Chief Operating Engineer oversees the operation and maintenance of building systems, ensuring safety and efficiency, while the Maintenance Engineer focuses on repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but the Chief Operating Engineer has broader supervisory responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operating Engineer jobs in California? For Chief Operating Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Operating Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Operating Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chief Operating Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Chief Operating Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Operating Engineer jobs in CA? For Chief Operating Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Union Chief Operating Engineer - 888 N. Douglas, El Segundo

Union Chief Operating Engineer - 888 N. Douglas, El Segundo

CBRE

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


CBRE rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 330 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 424 rated business services


Job description

About the Role:
As a CBRE Union Chief Operating Engineer, you will be responsible for the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for an assigned location.
This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for providing support, preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment and systems.
What You'll Do:
  • Assign and monitor maintenance activities and projects to team members.
  • Conduct preventive maintenance duties. This includes changing filters, lubricating motors, replacing lamps, etc.
  • Continuously recommend improvements to the preventive maintenance program.
  • Develop and maintain effective maintenance procedures. Point of contact for maintenance efforts with outside contractors and technicians
  • Maintain stock and inventory control.
  • Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of principles, advanced techniques, and theories to create unprecedented solutions.
  • Showcase in-depth expertise in leading-edge theories, techniques, and technologies within own function.
  • Use experience and knowledge of all job areas within a function, practical experience in several functional areas or businesses, or concentrated knowledge of a particular discipline to coach and guide others.
  • Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values.
  • Negotiate with senior management, customers, regulators, or vendors to influence decisions of strategic importance. Anticipate potential objections, and persuade others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
  • Drive direction and resource allocation for programs, projects, or services.
  • Significantly impact the design of policies and procedures. Provide moderate impact on the business direction through the development of innovative services or products.

To perform this job successfully, an individual will need to perform each crucial duty satisfactorily. The requirement listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
What You'll Need:
  • High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 8-10 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
  • Prior shift leader or supervisory experience preferred.
  • All Chief Operating Engineers are required to be BOMA certified.
  • Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
  • Multi-dimensional, conceptual, and innovative thinking to develop new solutions.
  • Ability to identify and solve the most complex problems.
  • In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
  • Expert organizational skills with an unrivaled inquisitive mindset.
  • Expert math skills. Ability to calculate complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial related calculations.

*Should any element of this Job Description conflict with the provisions of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement will prevail.
Why CBRE?
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to realize your full potential.
Our Values In Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
The pay range for this position is subject to an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. The negotiated rate for the Union Chief Operating Engineer position is $68.83 hourly. Please refer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding pay scale.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).

What CBRE employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


CBRE logo

About CBRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The real estate industry is undergoing significant and exciting change, increasingly driven by data and technology. At CBRE, the world's premier commercial real estate services company, we empower teams to take ownership over that technology and shape it, offering both nimble, research-driven product design and the resources of a Fortune 500 business. We approach culture with intention, valuing camaraderie, collaboration, inclusivity and a healthy work/life balance. The user experience team is passionate about the quality, usability, and simplicity of the experiences we create. Individuals in these roles gather these key user insights, and then use them to inspire and inform product strategy and design solutions. We partner closely with each other, engineering, and product management to create innovative, usable, great-looking products.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1906

Social media