Director of Engineering

Socket.dev; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotel Emma is seeking a Director of Engineer to lead the Engineering Department, safeguarding the historic asset and ensuring luxury service standards.

You will oversee maintenance, capital projects, asset preservation, and risk management while developing a high-performing engineering team in a luxury hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent vocational training.
• 5 years' experience as an engineer; 2 years in hospitality preferred.
• 3 years of leadership experience.
• Thorough knowledge of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and building systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable plumbing, electrical, fire, and mechanical codes.
• Fluency in English required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Engineering Department.
• Develop and direct departmental policies, procedures, and standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team through training and performance management.
• Conduct formal training programs and onboarding for engineers.
• Prepare staffing schedules based on forecasted business levels.
• Monitor department performance and ensure work meets Emma standards.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of hotel equipment and systems.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs for guestrooms and spaces.
• Oversee capital planning, asset preservation, and project execution.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenses, and optimize efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; lead risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

HVAC knowledge

Preventive maintenance

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Job description

Director of Engineer

Hotel Emma is seeking passionate, service driven candidates for the position of Director of Engineer.

Job Description

The Director of Engineering serves as the executive leader of the Engineering Department and is responsible for establishing the structure, systems, accountability, and leadership necessary to maintain the hotel's historic character, operational excellence, and luxury service standards. This role oversees asset preservation, engineering operations, capital planning, life safety compliance, project management, financial performance, risk management, and leadership development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & Department Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Engineering Department.
• Develop, recommend, and direct departmental policies, procedures, operating standards, and initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team through effective communication, training, and performance management.
• Conduct formal training programs, onboarding, and ongoing development for all engineering associates.
• Administer performance reviews and support associate development and succession planning.
• Prepare staffing schedules based on business levels, labor forecasts, and operational priorities.
• Monitor department performance and ensure all work is completed in accordance with Hotel Emma standards.

Guest Experience & Property Standards

• Anticipate guest needs and ensure exceptional service is delivered at all times.
• Resolve guest concerns and support service recovery efforts related to engineering issues.
• Monitor guest-impacting trends and implement solutions that improve guest satisfaction and operational reliability.
• Conduct routine property inspections with a focus on guestrooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
• Reduce room downtime and ensure guest-facing facilities consistently meet luxury hospitality standards.
• Identify opportunities to enhance guest comfort, functionality, and overall property presentation.

Engineering Operations

• Direct the operation, maintenance, and repair of all hotel equipment, infrastructure, and building systems.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for guestrooms, public spaces, and building equipment.
• Ensure proper operation of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, water treatment, and utility systems.
• Maintain inventory levels for engineering parts, tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Oversee purchasing of engineering materials, equipment, and services.
• Analyze operational trends and implement long-term solutions to recurring maintenance challenges.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout all engineering work areas.

Capital Projects & Asset Preservation

• Develop and execute asset preservation strategies that protect the long-term value of the hotel.
• Support capital planning, renovation projects, facility improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Evaluate project priorities, operational impacts, budgets, and timelines.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Preserve the integrity, appearance, and functionality of Hotel Emma's historic asset.

Financial Management

• Manage departmental operating budgets and expenditures.
• Monitor labor productivity, maintenance expenses, utility consumption, and service contracts.
• Review and approve invoices, purchase requests, and other department expenditures.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Support long-term capital forecasting and financial planning initiatives.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

• Life Safety Systems
• Fire Protection Systems
• Emergency Power Systems
• Elevator Systems
• Boiler Systems
• Water Treatment Systems
• HVAC Systems
• OSHA Requirements
• Environmental Standards

• Lead engineering-related emergency preparedness and response efforts.
• Support hotel business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective action plans.
• Investigate engineering-related incidents and implement permanent solutions.

Job Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent vocational training
• 5 years' experience as an Engineer, 2 years in hospitality preferred
• 3 years leadership experience
• Thorough knowledge of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and building systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable plumbing, electrical, fire, and mechanical codes.
• Strong understanding of equipment critical to hotel operations.
• Proven leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.
• Ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Fluency in English required.