Chief Engineer

avanti international; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Avanti International Resort in Orlando, FL seeks an experienced Chief Engineer to lead Facilities operations and drive a proactive maintenance culture. The role oversees guest rooms, public areas, pools, and back‑of‑house spaces, ensuring safety, efficiency, and exceptional guest experiences.

We value hands‑on leadership, team development, and strong oversight of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and water features in a high‑volume resort setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hotel/resort engineering leadership experience.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, pools/spas, and building maintenance.
• Experience managing preventative maintenance programs in a hotel or resort environment.
• Strong leadership skills with training, coaching, scheduling, and staff development.
• Ability to manage departmental expenses, inventory, vendors, and operational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, schedule, and develop the Engineering team.
• Oversee preventative maintenance program across guest rooms, public spaces, and equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot major building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, pools/spas).
• Conduct routine inspections of rooms, spaces, grounds to identify and correct deficiencies.
• Ensure maintenance requests and guest issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate repairs, capital projects, vendors, and safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

HVAC knowledge

Maintenance & repairs

Budget management

Safety compliance

Communication

Job description

Avanti International Resort is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Chief Engineer to lead our Facilities operations. Located in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive tourism district, our resort is a high‑volume operation where strong leadership, preventative maintenance, safety, and attention to detail are essential to delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Engineering plays a critical role in the guest experience. We’re looking for a leader who takes pride in the property, develops their team, stays ahead of maintenance needs, and understands that a well‑maintained resort is essential to both guest satisfaction and operational success.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, appearance, and functionality of the resort. This position leads the Engineering team while ensuring guest rooms, public areas, mechanical systems, grounds, pools, and back‑of‑house areas are maintained to the highest operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, schedule, and develop the Engineering team while promoting accountability, teamwork, and a strong service culture.
• Oversee the resort’s preventative maintenance program, ensuring guest rooms and equipment are inspected and maintained on schedule.
• Maintain and troubleshoot major building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, pools/spas, and mechanical equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections of guest rooms, public spaces, back‑of‑house areas, grounds, and equipment to identify and correct deficiencies.
• Ensure maintenance requests and guest‑related issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Manage departmental labor, expenses, supplies, inventory, purchase orders, and invoices within established budget guidelines.
• Coordinate repairs, capital projects, vendors, contractors, and special projects as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations, including proper chemical and hazardous‑material storage and documentation.
• Train the Engineering team on workplace safety, emergency procedures, equipment operation, and injury prevention.
• Maintain departmental key‑control and security procedures.
• Partner closely with Housekeeping, Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Security, and other departments to support daily resort operations.
• Participate in property emergency preparedness and ensure the Engineering team is trained to respond effectively.
• Maintain a professional, organized, safe, and guest‑ready environment throughout the resort.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of hotel/resort engineering leadership experience, preferably as a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or similar role.
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, pools/spas, drywall, painting, and general building maintenance.
• Experience managing preventative maintenance programs in a hotel or resort environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience training, coaching, scheduling, and developing Engineering Team Members.
• Ability to manage departmental expenses, inventory, vendors, and operational priorities.
• Excellent troubleshooting, organization, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety, emergency procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Relevant technical licenses or certifications in HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, pool operations, or related disciplines are highly preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced resort environment and respond to operational needs and emergencies as required.