Director of Engineering

Socket.dev; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

La Bahia Hotel & Spa seeks a Director of Engineering to lead the property's engineering operations in Santa Cruz, CA. You will manage a team and oversee HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems to ensure guest safety, reliability, and efficiency.

The role requires strong technical leadership, project management, and collaboration with contractors and hotel leadership to maintain high standards of performance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Hotel Chief Engineer required.
• Experience in hotel openings, pre-opening inspections, and system commissioning preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in hotel, institutional, or HVAC systems.
• HVAC certification and refrigeration experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, life safety, and preventative maintenance systems.
• Budget management, cost control, and financial responsibility experience (stationary engineering license preferred).
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, contractors, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage the engineering team and ensure tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Oversee the day-to-day maintenance and performance of building systems across guest rooms, F&B outlets, Spa, public areas, and back-of-house areas.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify deficiencies or non-compliance and address them proactively.
• Maintain and update preventative maintenance schedules and operational procedures.
• Test and maintain critical equipment, including generators, elevators, emergency lighting, and life safety systems.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies aligned with operational objectives.
• Ensure engineering projects are completed within budget and on time.
• Collaborate with other departments to support guest satisfaction.

Skills

Hotel operations

Team management

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Life safety

Budget management

Education

HVAC certification

Job description

Description

ABOUT US:

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, La Bahia Hotel & Spa celebrates its dramatic setting where the tip of Monterey Bay touches Sana Cruz's coveted Main Beach. Steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, locals and travelers alike will savor globally influenced cuisine, cocktails and wellness rituals infused with the region's agricultural bounty and coast-cultured Spirit.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a Director of Engineering to join our team and lead the engineering operations at La Bahia. This role is critical in maintaining the highest standards of building performance, guest safety, and operational efficiency across the property. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience in project and team management, and a deep understanding of hotel engineering operations. As the Director of Engineering, you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining all engineering standards, managing the technical aspects of the property, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. You will also work closely with contractors, vendors, and hotel leadership to ensure a smooth operation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the engineering team and ensure all tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Oversee the day-to-day maintenance and performance of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety) across guest rooms, F&B outlets, Spa, public areas, and back-of-house areas.
• Conduct regular inspections of building and building systems to identify and address deficiencies or non-compliance issues proactively.
• Maintain and update preventative maintenance schedules and operational procedures to ensure long-term efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Test and maintain critical equipment, including generators, elevators, emergency lighting, and fire life safety systems, ensuring ongoing certification and compliance.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies that align with the hotel's operational objectives.
• Ensure that all engineering projects are completed within budget and on time.
• Oversee compliance with all safety regulations, fire codes, and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Recruit, train, and develop engineering team members to ensure ongoing preparedness and high performance.
• Collaborate with other departments to support operational needs and guest satisfaction
• Assists staff with job functions as needed to ensure optimum service to all guests.
• Support safe work habits and a safe working environment at all times.
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned as needed by your manager.

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience as a Hotel Chief Engineer required
• Experience in hotel openings, pre-opening inspections, and system commissioning preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in hotel, institutional, or HVAC systems
• HVAC certification and refrigeration experience required
• Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, life safety, and preventative maintenance systems
• Budget management, cost control, and financial responsibility experience (stationary engineering license preferred)
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, contractors, and leadership

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met successfully to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Occasional lifting of 45 lbs. or more.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.