Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

Location: Onsite – Sunnyvale, CA
Salary Range: Up to $140,000 annually, depending on experience, plus a discretionary bonus.

About M Social Sunnyvale

At M Social Sunnyvale, we don’t just host guests—we curate a lifestyle at the intersection of technology and human connection. As the leading creative brand within the Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio, M Social is designed for the “young at heart”—explorers who value authenticity, bold design, and vibrant social energy.

Our Sunnyvale property is a landmark project: the first new-build M Social in the United States and the first hotel in California designed with 5G wireless technology from the ground up. Launching in late 2026, the hotel will feature 263 guest rooms, a centrally located courtyard, and the signature Beast & Butterflies restaurant and social hub.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the engineering function from pre-opening through stabilization, establishing a high-performing, efficient, and safety-focused operation that supports the exceptional guest experience synonymous with M Social.

Your Impact

The Director of Engineering is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the overall management of the hotel’s physical assets, systems, and infrastructure. This role ensures the property operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory and brand standards.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Engineering will lead all engineering initiatives, including preventive maintenance, capital planning, sustainability efforts, and team development. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the hotel’s pre-opening phase, establishing systems, policies, and a culture of operational excellence from day one.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engineering Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership for all engineering and maintenance operations.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to protect asset value.
• Lead pre-opening engineering activities, including commissioning, inspections, and system handovers.
• Establish departmental policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on operational strategies and long-term asset management.
• Drive sustainability and energy conservation initiatives aligned with corporate ESG goals.

Property Operations & Asset Management

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, elevators, and fire/life safety systems.
• Develop and manage the annual engineering operating and capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets.
• Implement asset lifecycle management and long-term maintenance planning.
• Ensure timely and high-quality completion of all maintenance and repair activities.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including contract negotiation and performance oversight.
• Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to optimize operational efficiency.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing engineering team, including the Assistant Chief Engineer and maintenance staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish training programs focused on technical proficiency, safety, and service excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning.
• Promote open communication and alignment with overall hotel objectives.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, ADA, EPA, and fire/life safety standards.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response planning, including generator operations and disaster recovery procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation, permits, certifications, and inspection records.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and risk mitigation strategies across the property.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as maintenance costs, energy consumption, and response times.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and operational integrity.
• Support procurement processes and ensure adherence to corporate financial controls.

Guest & Employee Experience

• Ensure all engineering operations enhance guest comfort, satisfaction, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Events teams to support seamless hotel operations.
• Lead by example in delivering responsive, solution-oriented service.
• Contribute to a positive and engaging workplace culture for all team members.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive engineering experience in hospitality or commercial facilities.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role (Director or Chief Engineer).
• Pre-opening hotel experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with luxury or lifestyle hotel brands is an asset.

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, elevators, and life safety.
• Proficiency with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Strong understanding of energy management and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with local California building codes and environmental regulations.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong operational and financial acumen.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Solutions-driven mindset with a commitment to service excellence.

Benefits

Millennium Hotels and Resorts offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health and wellbeing of our employees. Benefits may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Company-paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (if applicable)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Hotel room discounts across the global Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Benefits eligibility and offerings are subject to plan terms and company policy.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pre-opening environment, contributing to the development of a high-performing team and a well-executed operational foundation at M Social Sunnyvale. You will play an important role in supporting a culture rooted in hospitality, service excellence, and collaboration.

If you are passionate about engineering operations and hospitality, we invite you to join us in creating an environment where both employees and guests can thrive.