Operating, Engineer; Overnight Shift

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a state‑of‑the‑art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk‑through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space.

The capstone of the renovation is a one‑of‑a‑kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

To provide support to the Shift Leader in the operation and maintenance of the facility during the assigned shift. While the Shift Leader is on duty, this position will supervise, instruct, and oversee the maintenance mechanics and maintenance program. This person will act as Shift Leader whenever the Shift Leader is off site and perform the duties as such. This shift handles demands for all after‑hours functions of the Society, including temperature, lighting, power, or any other requirement the function may have.

The Operating Engineer will be required to know all building systems, hours of operation and areas served by the various systems. This position is considered essential. This position will require working overtime on occasions during the year, and at times providing coverage for other shifts.

We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn’t just a part of the job; it’s a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic’s culture.

• Oversee and provide technical and/or physical assistance with the shift’s scheduled preventive maintenance program to ensure timely completion and professional quality workmanship. (40%)
• Operate and/or monitor the building’s mechanical, electrical and life‑safety systems during the assigned shift and maintain a written account of the shift’s activities when the Shift Leader is off‑site. (40%)
• Perform testing, operations and maintenance of mechanical and life‑safety systems as required by law or manufacturer recommendations. (5%)
• Perform water treatment and analysis of systems assigned to shift, keeping a written log of test results, adding treatment, maintaining treatment systems and recommending any improvements needed. (5%)
• Administrative duties including: reviewing operations manuals, maintenance records, OEM specifications on equipment, researching and recommending techniques and/or operational improvements to reduce energy usage, performing inspections of mechanical and engineering spaces assigned to the shift to ensure proper housekeeping is being maintained, and time‑card management. (10%)

A high school graduate with continuing education in the Mechanical Engineering field.

Must have a minimum of 4+ years of hands‑on experience in the engineering field and at least 2+ years of management experience. Person must have a 3rd‑class District of Columbia Steam Operators license and CFC Certification. Twenty‑four hours of continuing education per year will also be required.

Person must have extensive practical experience in the areas of water treatment, low‑pressure steam boiler operation and maintenance, operation of centrifugal chillers, package AC systems, fan coil units, VAV systems, air‑balance techniques, VFDs, refrigeration systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems, energy‑management systems, commercial food‑service equipment, standard office PCs, Computer programs, and all other systems required for providing a first‑class working environment in our Class‑A office complex.

Person must also have good oral and written communication skills.

One staff member.

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards…