Chief Engineer

Property: Hilton Garden Inn – Mt. Laurel, NJ
Department: Engineering / Maintenance
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance of the hotel's building, grounds, equipment, and mechanical systems. This position ensures the property remains safe, well-maintained, and fully compliant with Hilton brand standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience.

The Chief Engineer provides leadership for the Engineering department, manages capital improvement projects, controls departmental expenses, and partners with hotel leadership to maintain a high-quality physical product. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical expertise, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Essential ResponsibilitiesDepartment Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Engineering associates to achieve departmental goals.
• Recruit, train, schedule, evaluate, and mentor engineering team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities as assigned.

Property Maintenance

• Oversee the maintenance and repair of all hotel systems including:
• HVAC systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing
• Boilers and water heaters
• Fire alarm and life safety systems
• Elevators (through approved vendors)
• Kitchen equipment
• Laundry equipment
• Pool and spa equipment (if applicable)
• Building exterior and grounds
• Ensure all guestrooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas remain in excellent operating condition.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and guest service issues.

Preventive Maintenance

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
• Schedule and complete guest room preventative maintenance according to Hilton brand standards.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records and equipment service logs.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement proactive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime.

Capital Projects & Vendor Management

• Coordinate renovation and capital improvement projects.
• Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers.
• Obtain competitive bids and oversee contractor performance.
• Ensure all contracted work meets hotel quality and safety standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Engineering department budget.
• Monitor labor costs, overtime, utilities, and maintenance expenses.
• Control inventory of tools, parts, and maintenance supplies.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce utility costs.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all federal, state, and local safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Hilton brand engineering standards.
• Conduct routine safety inspections throughout the property.
• Maintain required permits, certifications, and inspection records.
• Oversee emergency preparedness procedures and building safety programs.
• Ensure fire and life safety systems are inspected and maintained according to applicable codes.

Energy Management

• Monitor utility consumption and identify opportunities for conservation.
• Implement energy-saving initiatives while maintaining guest comfort.
• Ensure building automation systems operate efficiently.

Guest Satisfaction

• Respond quickly and professionally to guest maintenance concerns.
• Partner with Housekeeping and Front Office to minimize out-of-order rooms.
• Support operational teams to maximize room availability and guest satisfaction.
• Participate in service recovery efforts when appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certification, trade school, or Associate's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, HVAC, Electrical, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive hotel engineering or facilities maintenance experience.
• Previous Chief Engineer or Assistant Chief Engineer experience preferred.
• Hilton brand experience strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, boilers, and mechanical systems.
• Experience managing contractors and capital projects.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, life safety systems, and building codes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Budget management and cost-control experience
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to make sound decisions during emergencies
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, kneel, crawl, and lift.
• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Safely operate maintenance equipment, power tools, and machinery.
• Respond to emergency maintenance calls, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Why Join Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions?

At Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions, we believe exceptional hotels begin with exceptional leaders. As Chief Engineer, you will play a critical role in maintaining the quality, safety, and reliability of our property while leading a talented engineering team dedicated to operational excellence. We offer opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on both the guest and associate experience.

Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all associates are treated with dignity and respect. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Work Location: In person