Chief Engineer

Peachtree Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Fund

Job summary

Peachtree Group is seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer for an opening hotel in Austin, TX. You will oversee engineering operations, preventive maintenance, life-safety systems, vendor relationships, and asset preservation to ensure safety, reliability, and guest satisfaction.

As part of the opening leadership team, you will coordinate commissioning, contractor activity, warranties, training, and long-term maintenance plans, while aligning with Marriott standards and brand requirements.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in engineering, facilities management, or hotel maintenance leadership.
• Experience with hotel openings, renovations, or major capital projects preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Experience with vendor management and capital improvements.
• Ability to read blueprints and construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all engineering and maintenance functions across the hotel.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs for guestrooms and public areas.
• Ensure equipment and facilities operate according to brand standards.
• Manage daily maintenance requests and work orders.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and Marriott partners during opening.
• Establish maintenance procedures and engineering standards.
• Oversee life safety systems and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget.
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance reviews for engineering staff.
• Respond to guest maintenance concerns and support guest satisfaction goals.
• Utilize BAS and other systems to monitor property performance.

Skills

Leadership

HVAC knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Plumbing knowledge

Life safety understanding

Budgeting & forecasting

Communication

Blueprint reading

Tools

BAS

M3 Accounting

Marriott Platforms

PM Software

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview

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.

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.

Opening Hotel Leadership

• 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.

Financial & Asset Management

• 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.

Team Leadership

• 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.

Systems Proficiency

• 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

Benefits

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.