Chief Engineer

Cowlitz Indian Tribe; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chief Engineer at ilani Casino Resort leads the technical authority for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems. You will drive reliability across CUP, hotel, casino, and supporting infra in a 24/7 hospitality and gaming setting.

Qualifications include a related bachelor’s degree with 7–10 years in facilities leadership, strong vendor and budget management, and hands-on MEP expertise. Safety and compliance are essential in this cycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus seven to ten years of facilities experience.
• Progressive leadership in mechanical or facilities management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight, coaching, and guidance to facilities teams.
• Oversee HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, and building automation systems.
• Ensure 24/7 uptime for gaming, hotel, and critical systems.
• Lead response during system failures and emergencies.
• Develop redundancy strategies and contingency plans.
• Manage vendor contracts, budgets, and preventative maintenance.
• Coordinate equipment replacements and minor capital projects.
• Promote safety, regulatory compliance, and professional conduct.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

MEP knowledge

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

BAS systems

CMMS platforms (Hot SOS)

Word/Excel/Outlook

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AND EXPERIENCE ENDLESS CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Pledge for Success:

We are dedicated to hiring outstanding individuals who share our commitment and passion in serving our guests. Ambition, dedication, attention to detail, and a warm smile are all winning characteristics that lead to the spirit of who we are.

Position Summary:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical leadership, reliability, and performance of all facility infrastructure systems across the property, including the Central Utility Plant (CUP), hotel, casino, and supporting utility systems. This role serves as the senior technical authority for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems, ensuring safe, compliant, and uninterrupted operations in a 24/7 hospitality and gaming environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promotes superior guest service
• Maintains, and perpetuates a positive organizational culture according to the principles of the Spirit of Tâlícn and the Core Values of ilani
• Provide direct oversight, training, coaching, and guidance to facilities team members
• Provide full technical oversight of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, generators, and building automation systems
• Ensure continuous up time of gaming, hotel, and entertainment operations and all critical systems
• Lead response during system failures and emergencies
• Identify and mitigate risks before operational impact
• Develop redundancy strategies and contingency plans
• Central Plant & Critical Systems Ownership
• Thorough understanding of Chillers, Boilers, Cooling Towers, Heat Exchangers, Pumps (HHW, CHW, Condenser), Domestic Hot Water Systems, and Water Softening Systems and Integration points with WWTP
• Ensure all systems operate within defined parameters, ranges, and efficiencies
• Personally troubleshoot and resolve complex system failures
• Maintain inspection readiness at all times
• Manage facilities services, vendor contracts, and preventative maintenance programs
• Assist the Director of Facilities with developing and managing operating budgets and forecasts
• Oversee vendor performance, bids, and contract compliance
• Coordinate equipment replacement and minor capital projects
• Lead engineering and maintenance staff including scheduling
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism
• Compliance & Emergency Response
• Ensure compliance with fire, life-safety, OSHA, environmental, and gaming regulations
• Serve as primary engineering authority during inspections and audits
• Lead emergency response, incident command, and root-cause analysis
• Provide 24/7 on-call availability
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus seven to ten (7-10) years of facilities experience with three to five (3-5) years in a progressive mechanical engineering leadership or facilities leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to foster a supportive and enabling team environment.
• Strong hands-on MEP system knowledge and experience
• Proven vendor, budget, and preventative maintenance management experience
• General knowledge of applicable buildings and fire codes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Basic computer skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, reach overhead, stand, and walk for extended periods, and other physical requirements related to facilities maintenance work
• Must be willing to work in a smoking environment
• Must be willing to adhere to company health and safety measures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in high- volume casino, hospitality, or other 24/7 environments preferred
• Advanced HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems knowledge preferred
• Experience with BAS systems and troubleshooting preferred
• Strong understanding of codes and regulatory standards preferred
• Relevant certifications preferred
• Stationary Engineer License preferred
• HVAC Certification preferred
• Electrical License (01/06/07) preferred
• Experience with CMMS platforms (Hot SOS preferred)