Chief Engineer

Hyat; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full benefits

401K with match

Hotel discounts

Job summary

The Chief Engineer at Hyatt Place Milwaukee Downtown reports to the General Manager and leads a four-person engineering team to maintain the hotel's assets, safety, and brand standards. This role requires a strong background in MEP systems, preventive maintenance, budget oversight, and hands-on repair work across electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and safety systems.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with 5 years of hospitality engineering experience preferred; excellent communication

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 years minimum in maintenance or groundskeeping; 5+ years in hospitality engineering; 2+ years as Maintenance Engineer in a Select Service Hotel.
• College or trade school in mechanical, electrical, and/or technical disciplines is a plus.
• Certifications in specific trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) preferred. Certified Pool Operator certification (or ability to obtain within six months) may be required at certain locations.
• Working knowledge of general repair, plumbing, painting, HVAC, or electrical systems.
• Previous hotel maintenance experience preferred.
• Friendly demeanor with strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Schedule flexible hours, including holidays, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
• Be on-call 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
• Oversee budgeting and cost control for the engineering department.
• Complete and track preventive maintenance programs with detailed records.
• Manage requisitions for replacement parts and emergency repair materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel; Outlook preferred).
• Train, supervise, and guide staff in engineering best practices.
• Interpret design drawings, operation manuals, and specifications to troubleshoot and repair systems.
• Supervise a team of at least four engineers.
• Ensure safety, security, and operational excellence per policies.
• Maintain upkeep of rooms and common areas; ensure quality presentation.
• Familiarity with major hotel systems (water, electric, sprinkler, fire alarm) and troubleshooting.
• Lead the safety committee and ensure OSHA/HAZCOM compliance.
• Report major repair needs to the General Manager.
• Assist with capital project management and contract administration.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and workspaces.

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

College or trade school in mechanical/electrical/technical disciplines

Customer Service and Communication

Efficiency and Organization

Tools

HVAC Certification

Electrical Certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Reports to : General Manager

Department: Maintenance

WHO WE ARE

Janko Hospitality is a Chicago-based operator of upscale full-service, boutique lifestyle, extended-stay, and select-service hotels throughout the Midwest. The firm's award-winning properties within the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG brand families have made Janko Hospitality a 2022 Hotel Business Magazine Top 100 Hospitality Management Company . Janko Hospitality is a growth company focused on expansion through strategic acquisition, development, and third-party management. With a passion for people, a proven track record of solid financial performance, honorable community involvement, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Janko Hospitality is a management company that will provide an exceptional hospitality experience to guests, owners, and associates.

BENEFITS

• Competitive compensation package
• Full benefits package, including 401K with matching and paid time off
• Growth company focused on expansion through strategic acquisition and development
• Hotel discounts at locations worldwide.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chief Engineer (CE) at Hyatt Place Milwaukee Downtown is responsible for maintaining the hotel's physical assets and ensuring compliance with all state/local regulations, hotel policies, and brand standards. The CE plays a key role in maintaining guest satisfaction, safety, and cleanliness, while overseeing the repair, maintenance, and management of the hotel's infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule Flexibility: Availability to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
• On-Call Availability: Be on-call 24/7 to respond to emergencies, ensuring prompt onsite attention when required.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Oversee budgeting and cost control for the engineering department, ensuring effective financial management.
• Preventive Maintenance: Complete and track preventive maintenance programs, maintaining detailed records.
• Requisition Management: Manage requisitions for replacement parts and emergency repair materials.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel; Outlook preferred).
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to train and guide staff in engineering best practices.
• Technical Interpretation: Able to interpret design drawings, operation manuals, and specifications to troubleshoot and repair systems.
• Team Leadership: Supervise a team of at least four engineers, promoting collaboration and effective team dynamics.
• Attention to Detail: Focus on detail, ensuring high standards for safety, security, and operational excellence.
• Upkeep of Hotel Areas: Perform basic upkeep and maintenance of rooms and common areas, ensuring quality presentation.
• Mechanical & Electrical Knowledge: Knowledgeable in MEPFP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) systems and their repair/replacement procedures.
• Exterior Maintenance: Maintain and clean exterior areas, including the parking lot and landscaping.
• System Management: Familiarity with major hotel systems (water, electric, sprinkler, fire alarm) and ability to troubleshoot and address issues.
• In-House Repairs: Conduct minor repairs and systematic checks on electrical, HVAC, and other essential systems.
• Reporting: Report on major repair needs and concerns to the General Manager.
• Team Development: Train, supervise, and lead the Engineering team to ensure operational success.
• Equipment & Tool Management: Maintain cleanliness and organization of tools, workspaces, equipment, and hotel grounds.
• Capital Projects: Assist with capital project management and contract administration as necessary.
• Security & Safety: Ensure compliance with safety and security policies, including reporting suspicious activities and maintaining security procedures for guest rooms.
• Incident Reporting: Document and write incident reports for both guest and team member-related issues.
• Safety Leadership: Lead the safety committee to ensure a safe working environment and adherence to OSHA, HAZCOM, and Blood Borne Pathogens regulations.
• Uniform Standards: Maintain a high standard of personal appearance and ensure proper uniform attire.
• Guest Engagement: Greet and acknowledge guests in passing and while in their rooms, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by management, contributing to the smooth operation of the hotel.
• Physical Abilities: Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, printer, phones, and other basic office supplies.
• Grasping & Lifting: Firm grasping and occasional lifting of supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Mobility: Able to stand and walk for 90% of the workday; sitting is limited to short breaks.
• Reaching & Movement: Frequent reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending required. Twisting and bending at the waist is often necessary.
• Climbing & Kneeling: Ability to climb stairs, kneel, crouch, and crawl as part of maintenance tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in maintenance or groundskeeping. At least 5 years of experience in hospitality engineering or facility management, with at least 2 years as a Maintenance Engineer in a Select Service Hotel.
• Technical Education: College or trade school equivalent in mechanical, electrical, and/or technical disciplines is a plus.
• Licenses/Certifications: Relevant certifications in specific trades (such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical) preferred. Certified Pool Operator certification (or the ability to obtain within six months) may be required at certain locations.
• Experience with Systems: Must have working knowledge of general repair, plumbing, painting, HVAC, or electrical systems.
• Hotel Maintenance Experience: Previous hotel maintenance experience is preferred.
• Customer Service: Friendly demeanor with strong customer service and communication skills.
• Efficiency & Organization: Ability to work efficiently under time constraints, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Independence & Teamwork: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other team members.