Director of Engineering

BENCHMARK; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance with employercontrib

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Discounts across our portfolio

Job summary

The Midland Hotel, part of Pyramid Global Hospitality, is seeking a Director of Engineering in Chicago. The role leads engineering, maintenance, safety, and operations, ensuring facilities meet brand standards and regulatory requirements while supporting guest and associate experiences.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, budget management, vendor relationships, emergency response, and collaboration with hotel leadership to drive efficiency, asset protection, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of engineering or facilities leadership experience in hospitality, commercial facilities, or related environments.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and project management experience.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and maintenance documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in maintenance management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all engineering and maintenance operations for the hotel.
• Ensure safe, efficient operation of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and guest room equipment.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to protect assets and minimize disruptions.
• Monitor property conditions and prioritize repair and maintenance needs.
• Lead, develop, and support engineering managers, supervisors, and engineering associates.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, or related field

Tools

Maintenance management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Overview

Pyramid Global Hospitality is a leading hospitality management company with a portfolio of more than 200 hotels and resorts and over 18,000 associates across the United States, Caribbean, and Europe. Our platform includes Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of distinctive independent properties; Axiom Hospitality, our European hotel management company; and PYRAMIDWORKS, which provides integrated workplace and facilities services. With corporate offices in Boston, The Woodlands, Texas, and London, Pyramid combines global scale with a hands‑on approach focused on exceptional service, operational excellence, and long‑term partnerships. At Pyramid, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where associates are respected, supported, and empowered to grow their careers.

The Midland Hotel

Welcome to The Midland Hotel, a distinguished property in the Pyramid Global Hospitality portfolio. Located in the bustling heart of Chicago, Illinois, our hotel features 403 stylish guest rooms and 12,589 sq ft of versatile meeting space, creating an exceptional environment for both guests and employees. At The Midland Hotel, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service and creating memorable experiences. As a member of our team, you’ll work in a dynamic and supportive setting, surrounded by the vibrant energy and iconic architecture of Chicago. We offer diverse positions across various departments, including guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping, spa and wellness, sales and marketing, and more. Joining our team means becoming part of a close‑knit community that values teamwork, professionalism, and a passion for excellence. We provide comprehensive training programs to ensure our employees have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.

• Medical insurance with employer contribution and vision, dental, life, pet, and accident insurance options.
• 401(k) program with an employer match and immediate full vesting.
• Paid time off and exclusive discounts across our portfolio of hotels.

Director of Engineering Position Summary

The Director of Engineering is responsible for overseeing the engineering, maintenance, safety, and physical operations of the hotel. This leadership role ensures that all hotel facilities, guest rooms, public areas, back‑of‑house spaces, mechanical systems, and life safety systems are maintained to company, brand, and regulatory standards while supporting exceptional guest and associate experiences. The Director of Engineering provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all engineering functions within the property, including preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, energy management initiatives, vendor relationships, and emergency response procedures. This position works closely with the hotel leadership team to maintain operational efficiency, property appearance, and asset protection.

Essential Functions

• Direct and oversee all engineering and maintenance operations for the hotel.
• Ensure the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, kitchen equipment, elevators, fire/life safety systems, and guest room equipment.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to protect physical assets and minimize operational disruptions.
• Monitor property conditions and prioritize repair and maintenance needs throughout the hotel.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with company standards, brand requirements, OSHA regulations, and local building codes.
• Lead, develop, and support engineering managers, supervisors, and engineering associates within the property.
• Provide coaching, performance management, scheduling oversight, and training for the engineering team.
• Foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and service excellence.
• Partner with department leaders to address operational and facility‑related concerns impacting guest and associate satisfaction.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget, including labor, utilities, maintenance supplies, and capital expenditures.
• Monitor expenses and identify cost‑saving opportunities related to energy consumption, maintenance operations, and vendor services.
• Assist with long‑term capital planning, renovation projects, and asset preservation strategies.
• Maintain accurate engineering logs, inspection records, work orders, and compliance documentation.
• Oversee hotel safety programs and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure the property maintains compliance with fire/life safety inspections and operational standards.
• Lead emergency response efforts related to facility operations, utilities, weather events, or equipment failures.
• Maintain proper certifications, permits, and inspection documentation for the property.
• Manage relationships with contractors, service providers, and vendors.
• Coordinate repair projects, renovations, and maintenance contracts for the property.
• Review vendor proposals and ensure work quality, cost effectiveness, and timely completion of projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of engineering or facilities leadership experience in hospitality, commercial facilities, or related environments.
• Hotel engineering or facilities management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and project management experience.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and maintenance documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in maintenance management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and move throughout the hotel for extended periods of time.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and climbing ladders as needed.

Ability to work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, kitchens, laundry areas, and other operational spaces with varying temperatures and noise levels.

Ability to respond to emergency situations during evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight hours as operational needs require.

Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, radios, and maintenance equipment.

Work Environment: This position operates in a fast‑paced hospitality environment with frequent interaction with guests, associates, contractors, and the hotel leadership team. The role may involve exposure to mechanical equipment, cleaning chemicals, construction areas, confined spaces, varying weather conditions, and high‑noise environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Pyramid Global Hospitality is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Compensation

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000.

Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.