Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of the Engineering Department, ensuring the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of all hotel facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. As a member of the hotel's leadership team, this position oversees maintenance operations, asset preservation, capital projects, regulatory compliance, life-safety systems, energy management, and departmental financial performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and participate in the maintenance, repair, and operation of all hotel facilities, guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, kitchens, laundry facilities, and grounds
• Oversee and on with troubleshooting and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, fire-life safety, and other building systems
• Perform routine inspections of the property and identify corrective actions to maintain safety, appearance, and operational efficiency
• Establish, implement, and monitor preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment performance and minimize downtime
• Ensure timely completion of work orders, service requests, and maintenance projects
• Respond to and resolve maintenance emergencies and operational issues as needed
• Lead, train, schedule, and supervise engineering team members while maintaining a productive and service-oriented work environment
• Assign and monitor daily work orders, projects, and preventive maintenance tasks
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management activities
• Maintain departmental records, reports, logs, permits, and compliance documentation
• Administer the Computerized Maintenance Management System to track work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset history
• Coordinate and oversee repairs, renovations, and capital improvement projects
• Supervise contractors and vendors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with hotel standards
• Manage purchasing and inventory of tools, equipment, parts, supplies, and personal protective equipment
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, building codes, brand standards, and company policies
• Maintain required permits, licenses, certifications, and inspection records
• Promote safe work practices and enforce safety procedures for employees, contractors, and vendors
• Serve as a key responder during emergencies, including equipment failures, power outages, fire alarms, and other critical incidents
• Respond promptly to guest and departmental maintenance requests and ensure timely resolution of issues
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the hotel to identify and address operational concerns
• Collaborate with department leaders to support hotel operations, special events, and guest satisfaction initiatives
• Participate in an on-call rotation and remain available to respond to emergency situations as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering or facilities management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Prior experience in a full-service hotel or high-volume commercial property strongly preferred.
• Proven track record managing building systems, preventive maintenance programs, and capital improvement projects.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety systems.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with guests, team members, and vendors.
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Working knowledge of safety standards, OSHA regulations, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and maintenance management software systems.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations, including after-hours availability.
• Detail-oriented with strong recordkeeping and documentation skills.

Schedule

Work schedules are based on the operational needs of the business. Availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required for this position.

Physical, Mental and Environmental & Technical Demands

Fast-paced environment, multiple tasks to be handled under time constraint. Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, and twist in the work area. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 250lbs. often for extended periods. Must be able to maneuver around property. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to operate a computer, telephone, and copier. Must have manual dexterity to operate all office equipment.

Grooming

All employees must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance. Specific uniform guidelines and/or required articles of clothing will be explained to you as part of the orientation process.

Standard Specifications

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or guests.

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This position is classified as exempt (per the Fair Labor Standards Act).

Sun Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.