Chief Engineer – Lead Hotel Systems & Safety

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

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.