Chief Engineer – New York

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Chief Engineer position in New York City is responsible for overseeing engineering, maintenance, and facilities operations at a luxury hospitality property. This hands-on leadership role ensures safety, efficiency, and exemplary guest environments while managing budgets and coordinating with contractors.

Ideal candidate brings senior hotel engineering leadership experience, strong knowledge of MEP systems, and a proven track record in maintenance planning, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Previous Chief Engineer or senior engineering leadership in hotels.
• Extensive HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems knowledge.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams.
• Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, contractors, and capital projects.
• Knowledge of local safety and building regulations.
• Flexible schedule with ability to respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering and maintenance team, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance across guest rooms, public areas, kitchens, back-of-house, and building systems.
• Ensure mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety, and other critical systems operate effectively.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs and ensure timely completion of work orders.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and external service providers.
• Manage engineering budgets, purchasing, inventory, and operating expenses.
• Support property renovations, capital projects, and major repairs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, fire, building, and environmental regulations.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and building-related issues.
• Partner with General Management and department heads to ensure the property is consistently maintained to operational and guest-service standards.

Skills

Engineering leadership

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Mechanical systems

Team leadership

Organization

Communication

Problem solving

Budget management

Vendor management

Contractor management

Capital projects

Safety regulations

Flexible schedule

Emergency response

Job description

Chief Engineer

Location: New York City, NY
Salary: $65,000–$75,000 + Bonus
Package: Competitive benefits package

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the day-to-day engineering, maintenance, and facilities operations of a luxury hospitality property in New York City. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for maintaining the property to the highest standards while ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment for guests and employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering and maintenance team, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance across guest rooms, public areas, kitchens, back-of-house, and building systems.
• Ensure mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety, and other critical systems operate effectively.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs and ensure timely completion of work orders.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and external service providers.
• Manage engineering budgets, purchasing, inventory, and operating expenses.
• Support property renovations, capital projects, and major repairs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, fire, building, and environmental regulations.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and building-related issues.
• Partner with General Management and department heads to ensure the property is consistently maintained to operational and guest-service standards.

Qualifications

• Previous Chief Engineer, Director of Engineering, or senior engineering leadership experience within a hotel or hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and general property maintenance.
• Experience leading and developing an engineering team.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, contractors, and capital projects.
• Knowledge of local safety and building regulations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and respond to property emergencies when required.

Job Tenure:

Permanent