Chief Engineer

Sunbelt; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunbelt is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead maintenance operations for a hotel property. You will manage preventive maintenance, oversee repairs, and supervise a maintenance team to ensure safety, comfort, and brand standards.

The role requires strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems, plus budgeting, vendor management, and regulatory compliance to minimize downtime and costs while delivering guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of hotel maintenance experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience with hotel operations, especially limited-service hotels, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the physical condition of guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and logs.
• Manage repairs involving HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety, brand standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage the maintenance budget and vendor contracts.
• Lead and coach maintenance team members and coordinate with other departments.

Skills

HVAC

Electrical

Plumbing

Carpentry

Budgeting

Leadership

Maintenance Planning

Education

High school diploma

Facilities management cert

Tools

CMMS

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, appearance, and operational efficiency of the hotel property. This position oversees preventive maintenance programs, repairs, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement projects to ensure a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained environment for guests and team members. The Chief Engineer maintains all building systems, guest rooms, public areas, grounds, and back-of-house facilities while controlling maintenance costs and minimizing equipment downtime.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Property Maintenance & Operations

• Maintain the physical condition of the hotel, including guest rooms, public spaces, exterior areas, and back-of-house facilities.
• Inspect the property regularly to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and repair opportunities.
• Perform and oversee repairs involving HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, appliances, locks, and mechanical equipment.
• Ensure all rooms are maintained to brand standards and guest satisfaction expectations.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and guest service issues.

Preventive Maintenance

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.
• Schedule and complete routine inspections of all building systems and equipment.
• Maintain maintenance logs, equipment records, and work-order tracking systems.
• Ensure compliance with brand-required maintenance programs and inspection standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, fire safety, health department, and local building code requirements.
• Coordinate fire alarm testing, sprinkler inspections, elevator inspections, and life-safety system maintenance.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and corrective actions.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure proper handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Participate in emergency response and disaster preparedness planning.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the maintenance department budget.
• Monitor expenses and control maintenance-related costs.
• Obtain competitive bids and manage vendor contracts for repairs and services.
• Recommend capital expenditures and replacement schedules for equipment and building systems.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise maintenance team members when applicable.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct performance evaluations.
• Promote teamwork and provide technical guidance and coaching.
• Ensure proper staffing coverage for maintenance needs and emergency situations.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Coordinate work performed by outside contractors and service providers.
• Verify quality of work, compliance with safety standards, and contract specifications.
• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Ensure all contractors follow hotel and safety policies while on property.

Guest Service

• Support hotel operations by responding professionally to maintenance-related guest concerns.
• Work closely with Front Desk, Housekeeping, and Operations teams to minimize guest disruptions.
• Help ensure a positive guest experience through timely maintenance response and preventive care.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical certifications, trade school training, or degree in engineering, facilities management, HVAC, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of hotel maintenance experience required.
• Minimum 1-2 years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience with limited-service hotel operations strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and general building maintenance.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of building equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of life-safety systems and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational and budgeting skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Proficient with work order systems, maintenance software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies when needed.

Performance Expectations

• Guest room maintenance issues resolved within established service standards.
• Preventive maintenance tasks completed on schedule.
• Compliance with safety, brand, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintenance expenses managed within budget.
• Positive guest satisfaction scores related to facility condition and maintenance response times.

Work Schedule

• May require weekends, holidays, and on-call availability for emergency repairs.