Director of Engineering

Hilton Universal/Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Exclusive worldwide Hilton employee r​

Travel discount program

Job summary

Hilton Universal Los Angeles is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the operation and maintenance of all essential hotel systems, including boilers, chillers, BMS, and life-safety equipment.

You will recruit and develop a multi-disciplinary team, drive preventive maintenance, optimize energy usage, and ensure regulatory compliance while supporting guest satisfaction and asset protection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• 8–10 years in engineering for large facilities; Hilton experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and safety/regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team to maintain HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevators, and structural components.
• Develop and implement preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Blueprint reading

Budgeting

CMMS

Building automation

English

Team management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Building automation systems

OnQ

Job description

The Director of Engineering is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems within a large-scale hotel. This includes high-complexity systems such as boilers, chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, BMS, and fire suppression systems. This leadership role ensures optimal functioning of all engineering services to support guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, energy management, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset protection. The position requires a hands‑on, strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, team leadership skills, and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and sustainability initiatives.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Pay rate: $130,000-160,000 annually
• 401(k) with company matching
• Exclusive worldwide Hilton employee travel discount program
• … and more

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the engineering team in maintaining all building systems including HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, elevators, and structural components.
• Manage and maintain major systems including boilers, chillers, air handlers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, and building automation systems.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all systems and equipment.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of guest‑facing and back‑of‑house systems.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and oversee shift schedules, on‑call rotations, and training plans.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget, including labor, supplies, and capital expenditures.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including building codes, OSHA, EPA, and fire safety.
• Prepare for and participate in all required audits, inspections, and regulatory visits.
• Lead and coordinate engineering aspects of hotel renovations, retrofits, and system upgrades.
• Liaise with contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure project timelines, safety, and standards are met.
• Monitor energy and utility consumption; develop and implement strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
• Recommend and implement sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate ESG goals.
• Respond to guest and operational issues related to engineering services with urgency and professionalism.
• Ensure minimal disruption to guest experience during maintenance activities or equipment failures.
• Provide support and technical assistance on engineering‑related matters across other properties within the company's portfolio.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making ability under pressure.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical documents, and regulatory codes.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and vendor management skills.
• Expert‑level understanding of complex building systems: boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, air handlers, BMS, and electrical infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of life safety systems (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency generators).
• Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and building automation systems.
• Ability to maximize impact, maintain interest, and establish rapport with your audience when conveying information.
• Ability to proactively prioritize needs and effectively manage time and resources.
• Understanding the positioning of the hotel, services provided, and how the hotel can meet the needs of clients.
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, OnQ.
• English is a must; other languages are a plus.
• Brand experience is a plus.
• Advanced math skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline)

Experience

• 8‑10 years of engineering experience in a large, complex hotel, resort, hospital, or institutional facility; Hilton experience preferred
• At least 3‑5 years in a managerial or leadership role overseeing large mechanical systems and multi‑disciplinary teams.

Licenses or Certificates

• Professional certifications preferred (e.g., CEM, LEED AP, P.E. license).

Physical Requirements

Fast‑paced environment, multiple tasks to be handled under time constraint. Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, and twist in the work area. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 250lbs. often for extended periods. Must be able to maneuver around property. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to operate a computer, telephone, and copier. Must have manual dexterity to operate all office equipment. May include exposure to high levels of ambient noise for prolonged periods, and the employee must be able to perform essential job functions effectively in such conditions.

Grooming

All employees must maintain a neat, clean, and well‑groomed appearance. Specific uniform guidelines and/ or required articles of clothing will be explained to you as part of the orientation process.

Schedule

Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel. AM, PM, nights, overnights, weekends, and/or holiday availability are required.

STANDARD SPECIFICATION

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or guests.

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job‑related duties assigned by their supervisor.

The hospitality business functions seven (7) days a week, twenty‑four hours a day. In addition, this is a hospitality business, and a hospitable service atmosphere must be projected at all times.

Sun Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.