CHIEF ENGINEER

SURPRISE HOSPITALITY LLC; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SURPRISE HOSPITALITY LLC seeks a Chief Engineer to lead all engineering, maintenance, and building systems for a new hotel opening. You will guide pre-opening activities, coordinate with contractors and brand representatives, and establish maintenance operations to support long-term success.

You will develop preventive maintenance programs, manage warranties, and lead the engineering team through commissioning and startup of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading hotel engineering teams in pre-opening and operations.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems.
• Proven ability to manage punch lists, warranties, and project closeouts.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening and construction closeout activities and inspections.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs and engineering procedures.
• Oversee startup of building systems and room/public area commissioning.
• Manage budgets, inventory, vendors, and energy-management initiatives.
• Coach and mentor engineering staff; ensure safety and brand standards.
• Coordinate with owners, contractors, and brand representatives throughout opening.

Skills

Hotel engineering leadership

Project management

Vendor management

Team mentoring

Building systems knowledge

Safety compliance

Tools

AutoCAD

Building automation systems

Job description

Build It Right. Open It Strong. Lead Engineering Excellence.Are you a hands-on engineering leader with pre-opening hotel experience and a passion for bringing new properties to life?We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead all engineering, maintenance, and building systems efforts for a new hotel opening. This critical leadership role is responsible for supporting the final phases of construction, coordinating with contractors and vendors, overseeing punch list completion, commissioning building systems, and establishing maintenance operations that will support the hotel's long-term success.The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership experience in new hotel construction, pre-opening activities, and ongoing hotel engineering operations.The RoleAs the Chief Engineer, you will serve as the engineering leader throughout the hotel's pre-opening and operational phases. You will partner closely with ownership, contractors, architects, project managers, brand representatives, and hotel leadership to ensure the property is delivered to brand standards and transitions seamlessly into daily operations.This position requires a hands-on leader who can oversee construction closeout activities while developing the preventive maintenance programs, engineering procedures, and team necessary to support a successful hotel opening.What You Will Be DoingPre-Opening & Construction ResponsibilitiesPartner with ownership, project managers, contractors, and brand representatives throughout the final construction and pre-opening phases.Participate in construction walkthroughs and inspections to ensure compliance with hotel brand standards and operational requirements.Develop, manage, and track construction punch lists and ensure timely resolution of deficiencies.Coordinate with contractors and subcontractors to verify completion of corrective actions.Conduct room, public area, back-of-house, and exterior inspections prior to opening.Assist with commissioning and startup of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety, kitchen, laundry, and building automation systems.Review as-built drawings, operation manuals, warranties, and equipment documentation.Establish equipment inventory and asset management programs.Manage warranty documentation and oversee warranty-related repairs during the first year of operation.Coordinate pre-opening engineering projects, furnishings installation, and operational readiness initiatives.Support brand quality assurance inspections and opening requirements.Engineering & Maintenance LeadershipLead and manage the hotel's engineering and maintenance team.Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.Oversee daily maintenance operations, work orders, and repair activities.Ensure proper operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.Maintain compliance with all safety regulations, building codes, and brand standards.Conduct routine inspections identifying maintenance needs and operational risks.Manage departmental budgets, inventories, purchasing, and vendor relationships.Support energy management, sustainability, and cost-control initiatives.Maintain engineering records, logs, permits, and regulatory documentation.Respond to emergency maintenance situations and operational disruptions.Leadership & CollaborationPartner closely with hotel leadership to support operational excellence and guest satisfaction.Recruit, train, develop, and mentor engineering team members.Foster a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support across all hotel departments.Why You Will Love It HereUnique opportunity to help open and launch a brand-new hotel.Highly visible leadership role with significant operational impact.Work alongside an experienced leadership team during a critical growth phase.Opportunity to establish engineering standards, processes, and best practices from day one.Competitive compensation and benefits package.Career growth opportunities within a growing hospitality organization.Ready to Join the Team?If you have a passion for hotel engineering, thrive in pre-opening environments, and enjoy turning construction projects into successful hotel operations, we invite you to apply today.Help us build something exceptional from the ground up.What Makes You YouMinimum of 5 years of hotel engineering leadership experience required.Previous Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or Engineering Manager experience required.Pre-opening hotel experience strongly preferred.Experience supporting new hotel construction, renovations, conversions, or major capital projects preferred.Proven experience managing construction punch lists, warranty programs, and project closeout activities.Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire life safety, and building automation systems.Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction drawings, and technical specifications.Strong understanding of hotel brand standards and quality assurance requirements.Demonstrated ability to manage contractors, vendors, and multiple projects simultaneously.Knowledge of OSHA regulations, building codes, and safety compliance standards.Strong budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control experience.Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.High level of organization, attention to detail, and operational accountability.Ability to lift, move, climb, and work with tools and equipment as required.Flexible to work any shift, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.