Task Force - Chief Engineer

Plazahotelelpaso; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 138,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

HHM Hotels seeks a Task Force Chief Engineer for a temporary 30–60 day assignment in Philadelphia. Lead engineering and maintenance during pre-opening and opening, ensure readiness of systems, rooms and public spaces, and coordinate inspections and certifications with vendors and authorities.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in hotel engineering, strong MEP knowledge, and proven leadership. Will recruit and train the property’s engineering team and report on progress to hotel leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of hotel engineering or facilities management experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Experience supporting a hotel pre-opening, opening, renovation, or property transition is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, and building management systems.
• Ability to lead engineering teams, coordinate contractors, vendors, inspections, and preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hotel’s engineering and maintenance operations through pre-opening and opening phases.
• Prepare building systems, equipment, guest rooms, and public spaces for operational readiness.
• Coordinate inspections, certifications, permits, and testing with contractors, vendors, and authorities.
• Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life-safety and other facility issues.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules, procedures, and inventory controls.
• Support turnover and commissioning of building systems from construction and development teams.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and direct the engineering team on site.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership to prioritize opening-related needs and resolve operational concerns.
• Monitor vendor performance, maintenance expenses, and project timelines.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, codes, and regulations.

Job description

Opportunity: Task Force Chief Engineer (Temporary)

We are seeking a Task Force Chief Engineer for a temporary assignment lasting approximately 30 to 60 days. This individual will provide on-site leadership and technical expertise during a hotel’s pre-opening and opening phases, including preparing building systems for operation, coordinating inspections and vendor activity, establishing preventive maintenance programs, supporting readiness testing, and building and training the property’s engineering team. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, adaptable leader who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment, address immediate operational needs, and ensure the hotel is positioned for a successful opening and long-term operation.

Your Focus

• Lead the hotel’s engineering and maintenance operations throughout the pre-opening and opening phases.
• Prepare building systems, equipment, guest rooms, and public spaces for operational readiness.
• Coordinate required inspections, certifications, permits, and testing with contractors, vendors, and local authorities.
• Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life-safety, and other facility-related issues.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules, procedures, documentation, and inventory controls.
• Support the turnover and commissioning of building systems from construction and development teams.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and provide daily direction to the property’s engineering team.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership and department heads to prioritize opening-related needs and resolve operational concerns.
• Monitor vendor performance, maintenance expenses, and project timelines.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, safety requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide clear status updates and document outstanding items for transition to the permanent property team.
• Travel as required and adapt quickly to the needs of the assigned hotel.

Your Background and Skills

• Minimum of five years of hotel engineering or facilities management experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Previous experience supporting a hotel pre-opening, opening, renovation, or property transition strongly preferred.
• Experience within a lifestyle, boutique, luxury, or full-service hotel environment preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life-safety, and building management systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and coordinating contractors, vendors, inspections, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to prioritize competing needs, troubleshoot effectively, and operate independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Flexibility to travel and remain on-site for the duration of the 30-to-60-day assignment.

Work Environment and Context

• Work schedule varies and may include working on holidays and weekends or alternate shifts.
• Requires standing for extended periods, walking, pushing, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending and reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling or crouching.

What We Believe

People Are Our Capability – Hearts That Serve – Only Excellence – Stay Nimble - Own It

Source: HHM Hotels