Chief Engineer

HRI Hospitality; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Hilton Richmond Downtown is seeking a Chief Engineer to oversee all hotel engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring safety and flawless guest experiences.

You will lead the engineering team, manage preventive maintenance programs, supervise on-site staff, coordinate with vendors, and support capital projects.

This on-site role requires expert knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety systems, CMMS proficiency, budgeting, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Certifications such as EPA, CPO, HVAC license, or related credentials preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 4–6 years of hotel, facility, or commercial building maintenance experience.
• Prior supervisory or lead maintenance experience required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering operations, maintenance tasks, and building systems for the property.
• Manage, lead, and schedule engineering staff; provide training and performance feedback.
• Maintain and execute the property's preventive maintenance (PM) program.
• Ensure all equipment, systems, and areas of the hotel are functioning safely and efficiently.
• Respond promptly to guestroom and public area maintenance requests.
• Conduct daily property walks, identify issues, and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Maintain accurate logs, PM records, work orders, and compliance documentation.
• Oversee safety compliance including fire systems, emergency equipment, and life-safety standards.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for major repairs, inspections, and service agreements.
• Monitor inventory levels for parts, tools, and supplies, and manage purchasing needs.
• Support capital project planning and assist with budget management.
• Communicate regularly with Housekeeping, Front Office, and other departments to resolve maintenance needs.
• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe engineering shop and mechanical areas.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

HVAC systems

Plumbing

Electrical systems

Life-safety systems

Leadership

Communication

Team development

Troubleshooting

Vendor management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related fields

EPA certification

CPO

HVAC license

Tools

CMMS/work order systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

## Chief EngineerApply: Hilton Richmond Downtown: Full time: Posted Today: JR104911250 rooms | 17,634 sq. ft. total event space across 13 meeting rooms Amenities include: on-site restaurants (La Grotta, 1885 Café & Market), lobby bar (Gather & Hem), indoor pool, fitness center, EV charging, banquet & meeting support. Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital in the historic Miller & Rhoads building, this hotel is just steps from the Richmond Convention Center and Virginia State Capitol. Blending historic charm with modern amenities, it provides an engaging downtown environment for hospitality professionals serving both business and leisure travelers.**Pay Range:**$80,000.00-$113,000.00The Chief Engineer oversees all engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel, ensuring the property is well-maintained, safe, and fully operational. This role manages building systems, preventive maintenance programs, repairs, equipment upkeep, and the engineering team. The Chief Engineer plays a key role in guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and brand standards.# JOB DESCRIPTION**Job Title**: Chief Engineer**Department:** Engineering**Supervision Exercised:** Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Supervisors, Maintenance Engineers**Supervision Received:** General Manager**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS****Education*** High school diploma or equivalent required.* Technical or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related fields strongly preferred.* Certifications such as EPA, CPO, HVAC license, or related credentials preferred.**Experience*** Minimum 4–6 years of hotel, facility, or commercial building maintenance experience.* Prior supervisory or lead maintenance experience required.* Strong background in building systems, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance required.**Skills and Knowledge*** Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers, mechanical, refrigeration, and life-safety systems.* Strong leadership, communication, and team development abilities.* Ability to diagnose problems, perform repairs, and coordinate larger maintenance projects.* Knowledge of OSHA regulations, fire/life safety standards, and building codes.* Ability to manage inventory, tools, and vendor relationships.* Proficiency with CMMS/work order systems and Microsoft Office.* Strong organizational and time-management skills.* Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call rotations, nights, weekends, and emergencies.**Job Duties and Responsibilities*** Oversee all engineering operations, maintenance tasks, and building systems for the property.* Manage, lead, and schedule engineering staff; provide training and performance feedback.* Maintain and execute the property's preventive maintenance (PM) program.* Ensure all equipment, systems, and areas of the hotel are functioning safely and efficiently.* Respond promptly to guestroom and public area maintenance requests.* Conduct daily property walks, identify issues, and coordinate necessary repairs.* Maintain accurate logs, PM records, work orders, and compliance documentation.* Oversee safety compliance including fire systems, emergency equipment, and life-safety standards.* Coordinate with vendors and contractors for major repairs, inspections, and service agreements.* Monitor inventory levels for parts, tools, and supplies, and manage purchasing needs.* Support capital project planning and assist with budget management.* Communicate regularly with Housekeeping, Front Office, and other departments to resolve maintenance needs.* Ensure a clean, organized, and safe engineering shop and mechanical areas.* Perform additional duties as assigned by management.