Temp Task Force Chief Engineer — Hotel Opening Lead

Socket.dev; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HHM Hotels is seeking a Task Force Chief Engineer for a temporary assignment to lead and manage engineering operations during the hotel pre-opening and opening phases. The role requires hands-on leadership, coordinating inspections, and preparing building systems for operation.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in hotel engineering, strong PM and vendor coordination skills, and the ability to train and direct the engineering team on-site for a successful opening and long-term operation.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in hotel engineering or facilities management with leadership responsibility.
• Experience supporting hotel pre-openings, openings, renovations, or transitions preferred.
• Experience in lifestyle, boutique, luxury, or full‑service hotel environments is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life-safety, and building management systems.
• Ability to lead engineering teams, coordinate contractors, vendors, inspections, and PM programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance operations during pre-opening and opening phases.
• Prepare building systems, guest rooms, and public spaces for operational readiness.
• Coordinate inspections, permits, testing with contractors, vendors, and authorities.
• Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life-safety issues.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules, procedures, documentation, and inventory controls.
• Support turnover and commissioning of building systems from construction teams.
• Recruit, onboard, and train the engineering team; provide daily direction.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership to prioritize opening-related needs.
• Monitor vendor performance, maintenance expenses, and project timelines.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

HVAC systems

Building codes

Vendor coordination

Job description

HHM Hotels is seeking a Task Force Chief Engineer for a temporary assignment to lead and manage engineering operations during the hotel pre-opening and opening phases. The role requires hands-on leadership, coordinating inspections, and preparing building systems for operation.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in hotel engineering, strong PM and vendor coordination skills, and the ability to train and direct the engineering team on-site for a successful opening and long-term operation.