Director of Engineering

HRI Hospitality; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

HRI Hospitality’s Richmond property is seeking a Chief Engineer to oversee all engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring safety, reliability, and guest comfort in a historic hotel. The role requires 4–6 years of hotel or facilities maintenance, strong leadership, and expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems.

Certifications like EPA/CPO are preferred. Salary range $95,000-$115,000 with on-site work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; trade training preferred in HVAC/electrical/plumbing.
• Certifications such as EPA, CPO, HVAC license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering operations, maintenance tasks and building systems.
• Lead and schedule engineering staff; provide training and performance feedback.
• Maintain and execute the property's preventive maintenance program.
• Ensure equipment and systems operate safely and efficiently.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests across guestrooms and public areas.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for major repairs and service agreements.
• Monitor inventory and purchasing for parts, tools, and supplies.
• Support capital projects and budget management.
• Collaborate with housekeeping and other departments on maintenance needs.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Boilers & mechanical

Life-safety systems

Leadership & team development

Communication

Problem diagnosis & repairs

OSHA compliance

Vendor management

CMMS / work order systems

Microsoft Office

Time management

On-call responsiveness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or vocational training in HVAC/electrical/plumbing

EPA / CPO / HVAC certification preferred

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Amenities include: on-site restaurants (La Grotta, 1885 Cafe & Market), lobby bar (Gather & Hem), indoor pool, fitness center, EV charging, banquet & meeting support.

Located in the heart of Virginia's capital in the historic Miller & Rhoads building, this hotel is just steps from the Richmond Convention Center and Virginia State Capitol. Blending historic charm with modern amenities, it provides an engaging downtown environment for hospitality professionals serving both business and leisure travelers.

Pay Range:

$95,000-$115,000

The Chief Engineer oversees all engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel, ensuring the property is well-maintained, safe, and fully operational. This role manages building systems, preventive maintenance programs, repairs, equipment upkeep, and the engineering team. The Chief Engineer plays a key role in guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and brand standards.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Chief Engineer

Supervision Exercised: Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Supervisors, Maintenance Engineers

Supervision Received: General Manager

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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.
• Strong background in building systems, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers, mechanical, refrigeration, and life-safety systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development abilities.
• Ability to diagnose problems, perform repairs, and coordinate larger maintenance projects.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, fire/life safety standards, and building codes.
• Ability to manage inventory, tools, and vendor relationships.
• Proficiency with CMMS/work order systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call rotations, nights, weekends, and emergencies.

Job Duties and 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.

HRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.