Corporate Engineer

RLJ Lodging Trust; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

RLJ Lodging Trust is seeking a Corporate Engineer in Bethesda, MD to lead engineering planning and capital execution across its hotel portfolio. This hands-on senior role will involve managing third-party vendors, overseeing complex projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities leadership, strong technical know-how, and leadership skills. Compensation includes a salary range of $165,000 – $185,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities leadership.
• Multi-property or portfolio-level experience required.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Support and guide engineering teams across properties.
• Oversee capital projects from planning through execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations.

Skills

Technical expertise in HVAC

Project management

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Relevant certifications (e.g., PE, CFM)

Tools

MS Office

CMMS tools

Job description

The Corporate Engineer leads engineering planning, capital execution, and asset integrity across a significant portion of RLJ’s hotel portfolio (35+ properties). Sitting within Design & Construction, this role partners with Asset Management and property teams to drive consistent engineering performance, execute complex projects, and protect long-term asset value.

This is a senior, hands‑on role for a seasoned operator who is comfortable working across a multi‑property platform.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Engineering

• Support and guide third‑party management, property‑level, Regional, and Chief Engineers
• Ensure consistent engineering standards and operating practices are being implemented by third‑party management teams
• Conduct property inspections, audits, and condition assessments
• Provide expertise on complex building systems

Capital Projects

• Oversee MEP, infrastructure, and disaster remediation projects from planning through execution
• Lead RFPs, budgeting, bid‑leveling, contract negotiation, and project delivery
• Ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with asset strategy

Maintenance & Asset Performance

• Strengthen preventive and predictive maintenance programs
• Improve asset reliability and reduce reactive repairs
• Standardize vendor performance and service delivery

Energy & Systems

• Identify opportunities to reduce utility costs and improve efficiency
• Leverage building automation systems and CMMS tools
• Support sustainability initiatives

Life Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and brand standards
• Oversee fire/life‑safety systems and risk mitigation
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews

Financial & Investment Support

• Monitor R&M and CapEx spend
• Support capital planning and multi‑year forecasting
• Participate in acquisition and disposition due diligence, including site assessments and capital review

Team Leadership

• Collaborate with peer Corporate Engineers to implement best practices across portfolio and leverage buying power
• Utilize Assistant Project Management resources to improve project execution efficiency
• Lead third‑party vendors and hold them accountable for results

Skills and Requirements

• Strong technical expertise across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building systems
• Proven ability to manage complex projects across multiple assets and disciplines
• Financial acumen across CapEx, R&M, and ROI analysis
• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and construction processes
• Strong problem‑solving, organization, and communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office; experience with project management and CMMS tools preferred
• Familiarity with Trimble and Yardi or similar systems a plus
• Ability to travel 50–60%

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Facilities, or related field preferred
• Relevant certifications (e.g., PE, CFM) a plus
• 10+ years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities leadership
• Multi‑property or portfolio‑level experience required
• Experience leading complex capital projects in an operating environment
• Strong background in life‑safety and regulatory compliance
• REIT, ownership, or asset management experience preferred

Work Environment

• Position is based in Bethesda, MD or Northeast Region
• Regular travel to portfolio properties
• On‑site in the office four days a week, with one designated remote workday.

Compensation

• Base Salary Range: $165,000 – $185,000
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Eligible for equity participation, subject to plan terms

Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

RLJ Lodging Trust is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EOE

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, Roth)
• Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Transportation Benefits
• Training & Development
• Free Food & Snacks
• Discounted Health Club Membership
• Franchisor Hotel Discounts