Chief Engineer - Aloft Charleston Hotel

Chief Engineer

Lexima is seeking an experienced and hands-on Chief Engineer to oversee the engineering and maintenance operations for our Aloft Hotel located in Charleston.

This position is responsible for maintaining the physical condition, safety, functionality, and appearance of both hotels while ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction and compliance with brand standards. The Dual Chief Engineer will lead preventative maintenance efforts, oversee repairs and projects, manage vendors and contractors, and provide leadership to the maintenance teams across both properties.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented maintenance professional who can respond to operational needs, and balance hands-on technical work with leadership and administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee all engineering and maintenance functions for the property.

Maintain guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, mechanical rooms, grounds, and building systems in excellent operating condition.

Establish and maintain an effective preventive maintenance program for both properties.

Conduct regular property inspections and identify maintenance, safety, and appearance issues before they impact guests.

Prioritize work orders based on guest impact, safety, operational needs, and urgency.

Respond promptly to maintenance emergencies and after-hours issues when required.

Perform hands-on repairs and troubleshooting involving HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, doors, locks, lighting, equipment, and general building systems.

Maintain swimming pool, hot tub, laundry, kitchen, fitness, and other hotel equipment as applicable.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, schedule, train, coach, and develop maintenance team members across both properties.

Establish clear expectations for productivity, responsiveness, preventive maintenance, cleanliness, and professionalism.

Partner with the General Manager and department leaders to address maintenance concerns and operational priorities.

Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and excellent guest service.

Vendor & Contractor Management

Coordinate and oversee outside contractors and service providers.

Obtain estimates and assist with vendor selection and project planning.

Monitor contractor performance, work quality, and completion timelines.

Maintain service agreements and ensure required inspections and certifications are completed.

Manage relationships with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevator, fire/life-safety, pool, landscaping, pest control, and other specialty vendors.

Capital Projects & Property Improvements

Assist with planning and execution of capital projects, renovations, property improvements, and major repairs.

Coordinate with ownership, management, contractors, and vendors to minimize disruption to hotel operations.

Monitor project timelines, quality, and completion.

Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and overall property condition.

Qualifications

3+ years of hotel engineering, maintenance, facilities, or building operations experience preferred.

Previous Chief Engineer, Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager, or supervisory experience preferred.

Experience overseeing maintenance for multiple properties is strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, general construction, and building systems.

Experience with preventive maintenance programs and work-order systems.

Experience managing vendors, contractors, inspections, and service agreements.

Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage competing needs across two hotels.

Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with hotel leadership.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Certifications or specialized training in HVAC, electrical, pool operations, or other relevant disciplines are a plus

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined or mechanical spaces.

Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Ability to respond to maintenance emergencies and operational needs outside of normal business hours when necessary.

Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities.