General Maintenance Engineer

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays + 5 personal days

80 hours vacation first year

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Vinayaka Hospitality, managing The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, is seeking a Maintenance Technician to manage preventive maintenance and respond to service calls across hotel systems.

You will work with the Chief Engineer, carry a portable radio, and prioritize guest requests while maintaining safety and efficiency in a historic downtown property.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; trade training preferred.
• Experience in hotel maintenance or similar setting helpful.
• Ability to operate and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems.

Responsibilities

• Respond to guest requests courteously and safely.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on hotel equipment (kitchen, laundry, boiler, plumbing, pool, HVAC, electrical, guest rooms).
• Monitor engineering functions during off-hours and respond to emergencies.
• Conduct routine rounds and maintain logs; document parts used and needed.
• Handle elevator issues and maintain preventive maintenance records.
• Report unsafe conditions to leadership.

Skills

HVAC maintenance

Electrical work

Plumbing

Carpentry

Renovation

Log maintenance

Teamwork

Independent decisions

Education

High school diploma

Trade school

Job description

Description

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

Benefits

• Paid Holidays plus five Personal Days
• 80 hours of vacation on a first-year anniversary
• Eligible to enroll in medical, dental, vision insurance under the terms specified in Local 399 Health & Welfare plan
• Eligible to participate in the pension fund under the terms specified in Local 399 Retirement Fund plan
• Eligible to participate in 401k and Roth plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Maintenance Technician

DEPARTMENT: Maintenance

REPORTS TO: Chief Engineer

POSITION FOCUS

Carry a portable radio, staying in constant communication with the central base station, respond to all engineering service calls, giving priority to guest requests, and maintain hotel equipment in an efficient, safe, accident-free manner.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to and handle guest requests in a courteous, efficient, safe manner.
• Perform preventive maintenance and necessary repairs and all hotel equipment, including kitchen, laundry, boiler, plumbing, pool, HVAC, electrical and guest rooms.
• Monitor and maintain all engineering functions when full engineering staff is not available (i.e. weekends and evenings). Respond to all emergency situations including fire alarms, bomb threats, disasters and power failures; notify the appropriate authorities.
• Make rounds of the hotel property to ensure everything is in working order.
• Clean and maintain all equipment and work areas.
• Complete maintenance requests, take equipment and meter readings and maintain log to notify the next shift. Document all parts used and parts needed to be purchased.
• Handle elevator breakdowns.
• Maintain proper records of the Rooms Preventive Maintenance Program and Request Program.
• Complete work order request forms on a daily and timely basis.
• Report any unsafe conditions to leadership.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• All other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

None

Requirements

Education/Formal Training

High school diploma or equivalent trade school, special courses in building maintenance and construction.

Experience

A minimum of 6 months successful experience in equal or similar position.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to maintain and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing equipment and perform carpentry, repair work, construction and renovation work.
• May require ability to drive pick-up truck and snow removal equipment.
• Ability to maintain logs and records.
• Requires a professional presentation and an ability to work in a team atmosphere and to make independent decisions.

Physical Demands

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

• Ability to hear portable radio, fire alarms, machinery, guests.
• Ability to inspect, maintain equipment.
• Ability to respond on portable radio to base station, guests.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying required frequently to respond to requests for service and repairs anywhere in hotel or in parking lot.
• Frequent bending and kneeling required to perform inspections and repairs.
• 100% mobility required -must respond quickly to emergency. Potential continuous standing may be required.
• Climbing stairs of approximately 90 steps 20% of 8 hours. Climbing ladders of approximately 8 feet 10% of 8 hours.
• Driving -sometimes necessary to drive company pick-up truck/snow plow approximately 10% of time, unless snow emergency, then 100% of time.

Environment

Indoor exposure to both stable and extreme variance of hot and cold temperatures. Outside exposure to all weather elements and extreme fluctuations of temperature. Prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and heavy lifting.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the associated with the position. May perform other duties as assigned.