Day Engineer

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

Facilities Management includes business services and building maintenance. Business Services provides office facilities management to assist in maintaining a clean, efficient and ergonomic office environment. The Building Maintenance staff provides a comfortable and safe work environment through operation and maintenance of the physical plant and grounds, building management and periodic renovation.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Day Engineer is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of building systems and equipment, including low-pressure boilers, chillers, air handlers, temperature control systems, and life/safety systems. This position performs routine inspections, preventive maintenance tasks, and responds to building emergencies such as floods or power outages. The technician also provides support to tenant organizations by addressing service requests and maintaining accurate logs of equipment operations. In collaboration with the Chief Engineer, this role helps manage the facilities maintenance ticketing system by assigning work, performing required tasks, and ensuring timely ticket resolution. Additionally, the technician supports Conference Services by assisting with room setups and audiovisual equipment as needed. This position is considered essential and may require occasional overtime during emergencies or severe weather events.

Building Responsibilities (85%)

• Operates and maintains low pressure boilers (both steam and hot water), chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, air handlers, automatic temperature controls, life/safety systems, valves, generators, and other miscellaneous mechanical and electrical equipment

• Checks and logs operating pressures, water flows, and chemical readings in accordance with standard procedures

• Performs preventive maintenance duties such as filter replacements, lubrication of bearings, inspection and replacement of worn belts, cleaning of mechanical equipment, painting, and cleaning work areas and mechanical equipment

• Corrects emergency conditions such as sewer backups, floods, snow removal, etc.

• Responds to service requests from tenant organizations and staff as assigned by supervisor

• Works occasional overtime if required in response to emergency or severe weather situations

• Supports the work of the Facilities Maintenance Team by coordinating with the Chief Engineer to oversee and execute the facilities maintenance ticketing system. 

  • Assists with assigning tickets to other team members

  • Performs the work required in tickets as appropriate to the job function

  • Closes out tickets in the system and responds appropriately to the service ticket issuer.

Conference Facility Responsibilities (10%)

• Supports the work of the Conference Services team by assisting with room setups as required including tables, chairs, AV equipment, etc.

Perform other duties as Assigned (5%)

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

High school diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum three years’ experience in building operations, mechanical maintenance, or facilities management. Training, technical school certification, or an Associate degree in HVAC, Building Maintenance, or a related field preferred. Experience operating and maintaining HVAC systems, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and related equipment. Prior experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or ticketing systems is a plus. Experience responding to service requests and performing preventive and corrective maintenance in a commercial or institutional setting. A 6th class engineer's license is preferred, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Working knowledge of building mechanical systems, including: Low-pressure steam and hot water boilers, Chillers and cooling towers, Heat exchangers and air handling units, Life/safety systems (fire alarms, sprinklers, etc.).

Understanding of HVAC principles, electrical systems, plumbing, and preventive maintenance practices. Familiarity with workplace safety standards, building codes, and environmental regulations. Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills in mechanical and electrical systems. Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals. Ability to operate power tools, hand tools, and testing equipment safely and effectively. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and work order systems. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Ability to work independently or as part of a team, and manage time and tasks effectively. Flexibility to work occasional overtime and respond to emergency situations or weather-related conditions as required. Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs., climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and perform physically demanding tasks in various environments.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.

Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US