Chief Engineer

OTH Hotels Resorts; College Park, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

OTH Hotels Resorts seeks a Chief Engineer to lead engineering and maintenance teams, ensuring all systems operate safely and efficiently to support guest experiences. The role requires active leadership across property operations, with responsibility for preventive maintenance and capital projects.

The ideal candidate has 5–10+ years in hospitality maintenance, a Bachelor’s in Engineering or Facilities Management, and strong budgeting, safety, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of maintenance or engineering and leadership experience.
• Hospitality or similar environment preferred; property-based role.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering and maintenance team.
• Oversee daily operations of all building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Implement and maintain preventive maintenance programs and respond to emergencies.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget and monitor expenses.
• Ensure compliance with local codes, fire safety regulations, and OSHA standards.
• Monitor energy usage and drive efficiency initiatives across the property.
• Oversee capital improvements and project timelines with contractors.
• Coordinate with other departments to minimize guest disruption and maintain room readiness.

Skills

HVAC systems

Leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Facilities

Job description

Job Title Chief Engineer

Location Property

Department Maintenance

Property, if applicable Property Specific

FLSA Exempt

Direct Supervisor General Manager

Job Overview

The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading and managing all engineering and maintenance operations to ensure the hotel’s facilities, equipment, and systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all regulations. This role oversees preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, and day-to-day engineering functions while supporting exceptional guest experiences through a well-maintained and fully operational property.

This position operates in a fast-paced hotel or resort environment requiring an active leadership presence throughout the property, including back‑of‑house and guest‑facing areas. Work involves frequent inspections, interaction with team members and vendors, and oversight of multiple systems and projects simultaneously. The role requires flexibility to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on‑call availability for emergencies. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, financial acumen, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering and maintenance team.


• Schedule shifts, assign daily tasks, and monitor team performance.


• Ensure adherence to safety standards and operational procedures.


• Establish departmental goals aligned with overall hotel strategy.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, and mechanical systems.


• Implement and maintain preventive maintenance programs.


• Respond to and resolve emergency repairs and system failures.


• Ensure all equipment and facilities are functioning efficiently and reliably.

Guest Experience

• Support guest satisfaction by maintaining a safe, comfortable, and fully operational environment.


• Respond promptly to maintenance‑related guest concerns and service requests.


• Coordinate with front office and housekeeping teams to minimize guest disruption.


• Promote a service‑oriented culture within the engineering team.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage the engineering department budget.


• Monitor and control expenses related to repairs, utilities, and supplies.


• Identify cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.


• Partner with vendors and contractors to ensure cost‑effective services.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local building codes, fire safety regulations, and OSHA standards.


• Conduct regular inspections, audits, and safety checks.


• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, certifications, and inspections.


• Ensure adherence to brand standards and property maintenance expectations.

Energy Management

• Monitor energy consumption and utility usage across the property.


• Implement energy‑efficient and sustainability initiatives.


• Drive efforts to reduce operational costs through resource optimization.

Project Management

• Oversee property renovations, upgrades, and capital improvement projects.


• Coordinate with contractors, architects, and hotel leadership.


• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.


• Minimize operational disruption during project execution.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with housekeeping, front office, and other departments to support operations.


• Coordinate maintenance activities to maximize efficiency and room readiness.


• Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding property needs and project updates.


• Support property‑wide initiatives and strategic objectives.

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field preferred.

Experience: 5–10+ years of maintenance or engineering and leadership experience and required, preferably within hospitality or a similar environment.

Travel required: No travel required; position is property-based.

Physical requirements

• Frequent walking throughout all hotel areas, including mechanical spaces.


• Frequent standing, bending, climbing, and use of gross motor skills.


• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs.


• Use of tools and equipment requiring fine motor skills.


• Exposure to indoor and outdoor environments, including mechanical rooms.


• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.


• Proven leadership and team development skills.


• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities.


• Financial acumen and budget management experience.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Knowledge of safety regulations, compliance standards, and building codes.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.


• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Certifications

Certifications: Relevant engineering or safety certifications preferred (e.g., HVAC certification, OSHA training).

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in evaluating applications, including screening and ranking candidates based on job-related qualifications. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.