Bench Engineer

White Lodging Careers; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Vacation/PTO with rollover

Tuition assistance

Discounts on hotel stays

Job summary

White Lodging is seeking a Bench Engineer to lead the hotel’s Engineering department on a temporary basis. You will maintain the building, grounds, and all mechanical systems while ensuring brand standards, safety regulations, and operations goals.

You will drive asset protection, guest satisfaction, and financial performance while mentoring engineering staff and executing best practices. The role requires hands-on leadership and coordination across departments.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality engineering or facility management is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of building systems and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in managing budgets and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering department, overseeing building maintenance and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, safety regulations, and codes.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and coordinate repairs and maintenance.
• Oversee capital projects, contractor relationships, and construction activities.
• Monitor departmental budgets and energy usage; identify risks and implement solutions.
• Respond to emergencies and guide restoration of operations.
• Train, coach, and motivate engineering staff aligned with standards.
• Communicate with leadership, including General Manager and Regional Director of Engineering.

Skills

Engineering operations

Troubleshooting HVAC/Elec/Plumb

Leadership

Communication

Multi-task management

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

PMworks

Job description

Description

Who We Are

White Lodging develops and operates a portfolio of award-winning, premium-brand hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants in some of the country’s best cities to live. We believe the hospitality business, like life, is about how you make people feel. Our Engineering teams play a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality environments that support exceptional guest and associate experiences.

Summary

The Bench Engineer serves as the strategic and operational leader of the hotel’s Engineering department on a temporary basis. This role is responsible for maintaining the building, grounds, and all mechanical systems while ensuring compliance with brand standards, safety regulations, and operational goals. The position drives asset protection, guest satisfaction, and financial performance while supporting team development and execution of engineering best practices.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Engineering department, overseeing building maintenance, landscaping, and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, safety regulations, and government codes.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and coordinate all repair and maintenance activities.
• Oversee capital projects, contractor relationships, and construction activities.
• Monitor and control departmental budgets, expenses, and energy usage.
• Identify operational risks and implement solutions to protect assets and improve performance.
• Serve as a technical liaison to all departments and support property-wide initiatives.
• Respond to emergencies and lead efforts to restore normal operations.
• Ensure timely completion of service requests and maintain accurate logs and reporting systems.
• Conduct property walk-throughs and identify areas for improvement.
• Train, coach, and motivate engineering associates in alignment with White Lodging standards.
• Delegate tasks, manage workflows, and ensure team accountability.
• Support associate development and ensure compliance with training and safety programs.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, including the General Manager and the Regional Director of Engineering.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) and assume General Manager responsibilities when needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong knowledge of engineering operations, building systems, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with engineering systems and tools such as PMworks.
• Working knowledge of blueprints, diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Certified Pool Operator certification preferred; trade licenses a plus.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in hospitality engineering or facility management preferred.
• Prior experience as a Maintenance Manager in a hotel environment is strongly preferred.

What You Can Look Forward To

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting Day 1)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• DailyPay option
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation/Paid Time Off (PTO) with rollover
• Complimentary wellness tools
• Unlimited referral bonuses
• Leadership development and tuition reimbursement
• Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and other travel/entertainment experiences
• Multiple hotels in each market = more opportunities for growth