Chief Engineer

Peachtree Group Hospitality Management; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Peachtree Group Hospitality Management is seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer for our Austin hotel. You will direct engineering operations, lead preventive maintenance programs, manage life-safety systems, and coordinate with vendors to ensure safe, efficient guest experiences.

As part of the opening leadership team, you will oversee commissioning, warranty management, and contractor coordination during turnover, while establishing standards, budgets, and asset preservation strategies to protect

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in engineering, facilities management, or hotel maintenance leadership.
• Marriott experience preferred.
• Experience with building commissioning, turnover, warranty management, and contractor coordination.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all engineering and maintenance functions across the hotel.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs for guestrooms, public areas, and building systems.
• Ensure facilities operate efficiently and meet brand standards.
• Manage work orders, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Lead commissioning, turnover, and pre-opening activities with contractors and partners.
• Oversee life safety systems and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor budgets and supplier contracts; drive cost savings.
• Recruit, train, and develop engineering staff.

Skills

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Blueprint reading

Education

EPA Certification

HVAC Certification

Tools

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

M3 Accounting

Marriott Engineering Platforms

Job description

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, functionality, and appearance of the hotel. As a member of the hotel's leadership team, the Chief Engineer oversees all engineering operations, preventive maintenance programs, life safety systems, vendor relationships, and building infrastructure to ensure a safe, efficient, and exceptional experience for guests and associates.

As a member of the opening leadership team, the Chief Engineer will play a critical role in the transition from construction to operations, including building commissioning, contractor coordination, systems training, warranty administration, and the implementation of preventive maintenance programs designed to protect the hotel's long-term performance and asset value.

What You Bring

You are a hands-on leader who takes pride in maintaining exceptional facilities and creating safe, comfortable environments for guests and associates. You possess strong technical expertise, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

You understand that every guest experience depends on the reliability and performance of the hotel's physical assets, and you are committed to maintaining those assets at the highest standard.

Job Overview

Engineering & Facilities Operations

• Direct and oversee all engineering and maintenance functions throughout the hotel.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs for guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, and building systems.
• Ensure all equipment and facilities operate efficiently and in accordance with brand standards.
• Manage daily maintenance requests and work order systems.
• Conduct regular property inspections and implement corrective action plans.
• Maintain the overall appearance, functionality, and condition of the property.
• Participate in building turnover, commissioning, and pre-opening activities.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, ownership representatives, and Marriott partners during the opening process.
• Establish maintenance procedures, engineering standards, and operational protocols.
• Manage equipment warranties and service agreements.
• Assist with development and implementation of long-term asset preservation strategies.

Life Safety & Compliance

• Oversee all life safety systems including fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, elevators, emergency lighting, generators, and emergency response procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Marriott standards and all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain required inspection records and regulatory documentation.
• Lead safety training and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Support hotel risk management and accident prevention programs.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget.
• Monitor departmental expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Participate in annual capital planning and forecasting processes.
• Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and purchasing activities.
• Monitor utility usage and implement energy conservation initiatives.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop engineering associates.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development.
• Create schedules that support operational needs and guest service expectations.

Guest Experience

• Respond promptly to guest maintenance concerns and service requests.
• Partner with hotel leadership to ensure guest satisfaction goals are achieved.
• Support operational teams in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure guest-facing areas consistently meet AC Hotel brand standards.

Experience with or ability to learn:

• Hotel Effectiveness
• M3 Accounting
• Marriott Engineering Platforms
• Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Preventive Maintenance Software
• Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of engineering, facilities management, or hotel maintenance leadership experience
• Previous Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, Maintenance Manager, or comparable leadership experience preferred
• Marriott experience preferred
• Previous hotel opening, renovation, repositioning, or major capital project experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting building commissioning, turnover, warranty management, and contractor coordination preferred
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems
• Experience managing vendors, service contracts, and capital improvement projects
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and construction documents
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial management skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• EPA Certification, HVAC Certification, or related technical certifications preferred
• Certified Hotel Maintenance Employee (CHME) certification a plus

Peachtree Group provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. We also offer a generous 401(k) retirement match. To support work-life balance, we provide Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off. Additional perks include access to our Employee Assistance Program and Fund.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

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Motivations

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Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.