Chief Engineer

Cortland Hotel Group, LLC; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Training & Development

401k with Match

Paid Time Off

Medical

Vision

Free Parking

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Cortland Hotel Group, LLC in Utica seeks an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the hotel’s Engineering Department, ensuring safety, reliability, and optimal performance of facilities and systems. This hands-on leadership role oversees HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems; manages budgets; mentors a technical team; and partners with operations to deliver guest satisfaction.

The position emphasizes scheduling flexibility, vendor coordination, and ongoing energy efficiency

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of engineering or maintenance experience in hospitality or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical systems.
• Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical: able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs occasionally and 50 lbs regularly, with ability to bend and stand for shift duration.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and manage the engineering team to ensure timely, efficient maintenance and repairs of hotel facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Oversee life safety systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general building operations.
• Develop and manage department budgets, including payroll, utilities, and capital expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes, safety regulations, and hotel policies.
• Maintain emergency and life safety systems and documentation.
• Support a strong culture of service by ensuring all team members provide responsive, guest‑focused service.
• Participate in guest relations by personally addressing maintenance‑related concerns.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate inspections and third‑party services as needed.
• Monitor energy efficiency and support sustainability initiatives.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Plumbing

Carpentry

Electrical systems

Leadership

Communication

Team development

Flexible schedule

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead our hotel's Engineering Department. This hands‑on leadership role ensures the integrity, safety, and functionality of all physical facilities and systems, delivering an exceptional guest and associate experience in line with our “Everything Works When Needed” philosophy.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, train, and manage the engineering team to ensure timely, efficient maintenance and repairs of hotel facilities, systems, and equipment.

Oversee life safety systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general building operations.

Develop and manage department budgets, including payroll, utilities, and capital expenditures.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes, safety regulations, and hotel policies.

Maintain emergency and life safety systems and documentation.

Support a strong culture of service by ensuring all team members provide responsive, guest‑focused service.

Participate in guest relations by personally addressing maintenance‑related concerns.

Manage vendor relationships and coordinate inspections and third‑party services as needed.

Monitor energy efficiency and support sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications:

Minimum 2 years of engineering or maintenance experience in hospitality or related industry.

Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical systems.

Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical: Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs occasionally Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs regularly Able to bend and squat repeatedly Able to walk and stand for the duration of the scheduled shift

We are an organization driven by our Guiding Principles – Associate Engagement, Presentation of our Hotels, Driving Guest Loyalty, Ensuring Financial Success, Community and Global Focus. We pride ourselves on having a reputation of providing our guests with genuine hospitality and a commitment to service that exceeds their expectations. As a growing organization, our passion is serving guests and providing an unforgettable experience. We create loyal relationships by delivering what was promised with a focus on accountability, attention to detail, integrity and superior quality and service.

What You Can Expect -

Competitive Pay

Training & Development

Opportunity for Advancement

Medical

Vision

401k with Match

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Free Parking

Creating memorable experiences one guest at a time

Opportunities to give back to the community through our global focus efforts

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all Associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity or expression), marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.