Chief Engineer

Sonesta Hotels; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 67,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company 
‑

Paid Vacation and Sick Days

Sonesta Hotel Discounts

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Hilton Head Island, SC, is seeking a Chief Engineer to assist in managing maintenance and repairs of the building systems and equipment. You will supervise preventative maintenance, coordinate with other departments, and ensure compliance with applicable codes and safety standards.

The role requires leadership to promote property-wide strategies, reduce turnover, and meet productivity and budget goals while maintaining guest satisfaction and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2-year degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in engineering and maintenance; supervisory experience.
• Hotel/property or service industry experience preferable.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of engineering staff and facilities.
• Oversee preventive maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems, public areas and guest rooms.
• Coordinate budgeting, scheduling, and capital project activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, codes, and service contracts.
• Hire, train, and supervise engineering staff; conduct performance reviews.

Skills

HVAC

Electrical

Carpentry

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2-year degree in Building/Engineering or related

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

Aug 17, 2026

$67,000 - $78,000/year

We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive —bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

Job Description Summary

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer will assist the Director of Engineering in managing and supervising the implementation of all aspects of maintenance and repairs of the physical systems of the building and equipment. They will also assist in coordinating and supervising the preventative maintenance of guest rooms and public areas, along with ensuring compliance with company, local state and federal codes and regulations.

In this role, the Chief Engineer is expected to help and assist in promoting and implementing property-wide strategies that will increase guest satisfaction, reduce employee turnover, maintain revenue and payroll budgets, meet and exceed productivity goals.

Job Description

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

Operational/Functional:

• Assist with managing day-to-day operations of the engineering areas and staff to ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the customers and employees.


• Supervise the preventative maintenance of Mechanical/Electrical areas, Public areas and Guest Rooms per established standards and schedules.

Process purchase requests for items needed by the Engineering department.

In the absence of DOE, manage contractors while onsite, supervise work as needed and make sure work was properly performed.

Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities and recommend appropriate service improvements.

Ensure the building exterior is clean and well maintained.

Communicate with department leaders about maintenance needs and work orders and ensure work orders are completed in a timely manner.

Ensure pool is serviced, including making sure chemicals are properly adjusted and filters are cleaned.

Perform maintenance and repairs on malfunctioning systems and equipment

Coordinate, supervise, and perform preventive maintenance work.

Order, receive supplies and maintain inventory of supplies and operating equipment.

Review guest satisfaction survey results with employees.

• Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.


• Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.

Ensure compliance with all service contracts. Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations.

• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.


• Assist with development of the Capital budget.


• Participate in the management ofthe department’s operating budget and assist in the development of the annual capital budget.


• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.


• Actively participate in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.


• Interview, hire and train Engineering staff. Provide consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.


• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day’s business.


• Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Assist in the annual performance evaluations.


• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.


• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.


• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.

Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and to move objects up to 100 lbs.

The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.

The person in this role may be carrying, lifting or pulling items weighing up to 50lbs and pushing and / or pulling approximately 200lbs.

The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Perform work inside and outside (sometimes in rain, cold and heat)

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in mechanical areas and when using certain equipment.

When necessary, protective equipment and clothing will be required.

Expected Work Schedule

• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.


• Must be flexible to work variable shifts such as days, mid-shifts (and if needed nights and overnights).

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; 2-year degree from an accredited university in Building and Construction, Engineering, Mechanics, or related major preferred.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the engineering and maintenance or related professional area; technical training in HVAC-R/electrical/plumbing and supervisory experience.

Previous experience in a hotel property or service industry preferable.

General knowledge of qualified trade such as HVAC, electrician or plumber, carpentry is desirable.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.

Must be skilled in HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywalling, painting, plumbing and roofing.

Must be Knowledgeable of local, state and federal regulations and safety standards.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.


• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

The statements in this job description are intended to represent the key duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This job description is subject to change at any time.

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

$67K - &78K

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance


• Health Savings Account with Company Match


• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match


• Paid Vacation and Sick Days


• Sonesta Hotel Discounts


• Educational Assistance


• Company Paid Life Insurance


• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance


• Various Employee Perks and Discounts


• Hospital Indemnity


• Critical Illness Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.