CHIEF ENGINEER

RAINMAKER TEAM LLC; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RAINMAKER TEAM LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer for a Hyatt Place hotel to oversee all engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and impeccable guest experiences across rooms, public areas, and grounds.

The role requires leadership, budgeting, and strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems, with 3–5 years in hotel maintenance and 2+ years in a supervisory role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Technical certification or associate degree in engineering, maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hotel maintenance experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all engineering and maintenance operations for the hotel.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are implemented and completed according to Hyatt standards.
• Maintain guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, exterior grounds, and back-of-house facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building automation systems.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from guests and hotel departments.
• Conduct regular inspections of the property and identify necessary repairs and improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Budgeting

Project management

Safety compliance

Facility maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Position Summary:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and overall physical condition of the hotel property. This position ensures that all building systems, guest rooms, public areas, equipment, and grounds are maintained in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner while meeting Hyatt brand standards and delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Property Maintenance & Operations

• Direct and manage all engineering and maintenance operations for the hotel.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are implemented and completed according to Hyatt standards.
• Maintain guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, exterior grounds, and back-of-house facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building automation systems.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from guests and hotel departments.
• Conduct regular inspections of the property and identify necessary repairs and improvements.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain fire life safety systems and emergency equipment.
• Lead safety inspections and corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and hotel safety policies.
• Maintain required permits, licenses, and inspection records.

Renovation & Capital Projects

• Assist in planning and executing capital improvement projects and renovations.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and service providers.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Ensure minimal disruption to guests during renovation activities.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the engineering department budget.
• Monitor utility consumption and recommend energy-saving initiatives.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies.
• Obtain quotes and negotiate with contractors and vendors as needed.
• Control expenses while preserving property quality and guest satisfaction.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate engineering team members.
• Schedule staff to ensure adequate coverage for hotel operations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching sessions.
• Assist with emergency response procedures and staff training.

Guest Service

• Ensure maintenance issues impacting guests are resolved quickly and professionally.
• Participate in guest recovery efforts when maintenance-related concerns arise.
• Maintain guest satisfaction by ensuring all facilities are clean, functional, and well-presented.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certification, vocational training, or associate degree in engineering, maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hotel maintenance experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and hotel maintenance management systems.
• Valid driver's license preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Budgeting and financial management experience.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Capability to perform hands-on maintenance and emergency repairs.
• Availability to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Performance Expectations:

• Maintain property condition scores that meet or exceed Hyatt standards.
• Complete preventive maintenance tasks on schedule.
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance work orders.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Minimize equipment downtime and operational disruptions.
• Support strong guest satisfaction and overall hotel performance.

Hyatt Place-specific focus: The Chief Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while supporting guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the long-term asset value of the hotel.