Chief Engineer

Department: Engineering / Maintenance
Reports To: General Manager / Director of Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the hotel’s physical property, including guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house areas, building systems, equipment, and grounds. This position ensures that all facilities and equipment are operating safely, efficiently, and in accordance with hotel standards, brand requirements, local regulations, and applicable safety codes.

The Chief Engineer provides leadership to the Engineering/Maintenance team, coordinates preventive and corrective maintenance, manages outside contractors and vendors, monitors the department’s budget, and responds promptly to guest and operational maintenance needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the hotel’s Engineering/Maintenance department.

• Inspect the hotel regularly to identify maintenance, repair, safety, and cleanliness concerns.

• Ensure guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, back-of-house areas, and building systems are properly maintained.

• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from guests and hotel departments.

• Prioritize emergency repairs and operational needs to minimize disruption to guests and hotel operations.

• Maintain accurate records of repairs, inspections, work orders, and equipment maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance

• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective preventive maintenance program.

• Schedule and document routine inspections and servicing of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, kitchen, laundry, elevators, pool equipment, and other hotel systems.

• Monitor equipment performance and identify potential problems before they result in equipment failure or guest impact.

• Ensure preventive maintenance tasks are completed on schedule.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, schedule, and provide direction to Engineering/Maintenance employees.

• Establish clear expectations for performance, attendance, safety, productivity, and customer service.

• Conduct regular inspections of completed work to ensure quality and compliance with hotel standards.

• Provide coaching and corrective feedback when necessary.

• Promote teamwork and effective communication between Engineering and other hotel departments.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the hotel complies with applicable building, fire, OSHA, environmental, health, and safety requirements.

• Maintain and inspect fire/life-safety systems and coordinate required testing and inspections.

• Ensure emergency equipment and systems are operational and properly documented.

• Participate in emergency response procedures and assist with emergency preparedness.

• Immediately report safety hazards and take appropriate corrective action.

• Maintain required permits, inspection records, licenses, and compliance documentation.

Building Systems & Equipment

Oversee the operation and maintenance of:

• HVAC and climate-control systems

• Electrical systems and lighting

• Plumbing and water systems

• Boilers, water heaters, and pumps

• Fire and life-safety systems

• Elevators and related equipment

• Kitchen and laundry equipment

• Pool and spa equipment, where applicable

• Building automation/control systems

• Refrigeration equipment

• Doors, locks, and access-control systems

• Hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment

• Grounds and exterior property

Budget & Vendor Management

• Assist with preparation and management of the Engineering department budget.

• Monitor maintenance expenses and identify opportunities to reduce operating costs without compromising safety or guest experience.

• Obtain estimates and coordinate repairs and projects with approved vendors and contractors.

• Verify that contracted work is completed properly and according to specifications.

• Maintain professional relationships with vendors and service providers.

• Assist with capital improvement projects and property renovations.

Guest Service

• Respond professionally and promptly to guest maintenance concerns.

• Follow up on guest complaints involving room or facility conditions.

• Work closely with Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and other departments to resolve maintenance concerns.

• Maintain a clean, safe, comfortable, and functional environment for guests and employees.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Technical certification, trade school, or college education in engineering, facilities management, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or a related field is preferred.

• Previous hotel engineering or facilities management experience required.

• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building systems.

• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and life-safety requirements.

• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals, technical documents, and building plans.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance requests and projects.

• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and work in confined areas.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and supplies as required.

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors and in varying temperatures.

• Ability to use ladders and perform work at elevated heights when required.

• Must be able to respond to emergencies and maintenance situations throughout the property.

Schedule & Availability

This position requires flexibility to work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or evenings as needed. The Chief Engineer must be available to respond to building emergencies and operational issues outside of normal working hours when necessary.

Performance Expectations

The Chief Engineer is expected to:

• Maintain a safe and well-functioning hotel property.

• Complete preventive maintenance and work orders in a timely manner.

• Minimize equipment downtime and guest disruption.

• Maintain compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and maintain a strong Engineering team.

• Communicate effectively with hotel leadership and other departments.

• Maintain accurate maintenance and inspection records.

• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.

• Control departmental expenses while maintaining property standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Hotel Indigo Downtown Dallas is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.