Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Hilton Garden Inn

4770 Owings Mills Blvd, Owings Mills, MD 21117

Full-time

Job Overview
The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading and managing all engineering and maintenance operations to ensure the hotel’s facilities, equipment, and systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all regulations. This role oversees preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, and day-to-day engineering functions while supporting exceptional guest experiences through a well-maintained and fully operational property.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, compliance standards, and building codes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering and maintenance team.
• Schedule shifts, assign daily tasks, and monitor team performance.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and operational procedures.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with overall hotel strategy.
• Work closely with housekeeping, front office, and other departments to support operations.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to maximize efficiency and room readiness.
• Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding property needs and project updates.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, and mechanical systems.
• Implement and maintain preventive maintenance programs.
• Respond to and resolve emergency repairs and system failures.
• Ensure all equipment and facilities are functioning efficiently and reliably.

Guest Experience

• Support guest satisfaction by maintaining a safe, comfortable, and fully operational environment.
• Respond promptly to maintenance-related guest concerns and service requests.
• Coordinate with front office and housekeeping teams to minimize guest disruption.
• Promote a service-oriented culture within the engineering team.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local building codes, fire safety regulations, and OSHA standards.
• Conduct regular inspections, audits, and safety checks.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, certifications, and inspections.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards and property maintenance expectations.

Project Management

• Oversee property renovations, upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
• Coordinate with contractors, architects, and hotel leadership.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Minimize operational disruption during project execution.

Physical requirements:
Frequent walking throughout all hotel areas, including mechanical spaces.

• Frequent standing, bending, climbing, and use of gross motor skills.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs.
• Use of tools and equipment requiring fine motor skills.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor environments, including mechanical rooms.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies in a fast-paced environment.

This position operates in a fast-paced hotel environment requiring an active leadership presence throughout the property, including back-of-house and guest-facing areas. Work involves frequent inspections, interaction with team members and vendors, and oversight of multiple systems and projects simultaneously. The role requires flexibility to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability for emergencies. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, financial acumen, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Education: Facilities Management or related field preferred.

Experience: 5–10+ years of maintenance or engineering and leadership experience and required, preferably within hospitality or a similar environment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, compliance standards, and building codes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.