Chief Engineer
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Embassy Suites La Jolla
About the Role
Embassy Suites La Jolla is seeking an experienced and hands-on Chief Engineer to lead all engineering, maintenance, and facilities operations for our hotel. The Chief Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of all hotel systems while maintaining exceptional standards for guest comfort, team member safety, and property appearance.
The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of hotel maintenance operations, and a commitment to delivering a superior guest experience through proactive facility management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Direct and oversee all hotel engineering and maintenance operations.
Maintain and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, kitchen, laundry, pool, fire life safety, and building automation systems.
Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs to ensure optimal performance of hotel equipment and facilities.
Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate engineering department team members.
Respond promptly to guest room maintenance requests and operational emergencies.
Conduct regular property inspections to identify maintenance needs and safety concerns.
Ensure compliance with hotel brand standards, local building codes, OSHA regulations, and fire safety requirements.
Manage departmental budgets, capital improvement projects, and maintenance expenses.
Coordinate work performed by outside contractors and service providers.
Maintain accurate maintenance logs, inspection records, work orders, and regulatory documentation.
Collaborate with hotel leadership to support operational goals and enhance the overall guest experience.
Participate in the manager-on-duty rotation and remain available for emergency on-call situations as needed.
Qualifications
Required
Minimum of 5 years of engineering or facilities maintenance experience, preferably in hospitality.
Minimum of 3 years of management or supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, and life safety systems.
Experience managing preventive maintenance programs and capital projects.
Ability to read blueprints, technical manuals, and schematics.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in maintenance management software and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required.
Preferred
Hotel engineering experience.
EPA Universal Certification.
Trade certifications or licenses in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or related fields.
Experience with hotel property management and building automation systems.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, crouch, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations throughout the property.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary within the posted range
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, paid sick leave, and company-observed holidays
- Hilton Team Member Travel Program
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Pet wellness benefits.
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment
Why Join Us?
At Embassy Suites La Jolla, we are committed to creating exceptional guest experiences. As our Chief Engineer, you will play a vital role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for both guests and team members, while contributing to the hotel's overall success.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
