Chief Engineer

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and daily operations of the Engineering Department. This hands-on leader oversees hotel maintenance, building systems, preventive maintenance programs, energy management, life safety systems, and capital projects to ensure the property operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Chief Engineer leads the Engineering team, manages budgets, oversees vendors and contractors, and partners with hotel leadership to maintain the property's physical condition, operational performance, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Team Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Engineering Department operations.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, coach, and develop Engineering team members, including Assistant Chief Engineers, Engineers, Technicians, and Maintenance personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and operational standards.
• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Develop team members through cross-training and professional development opportunities.
• Lead daily engineering meetings and communicate priorities, projects, and operational needs.

Engineering Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee daily maintenance operations to ensure the hotel remains safe, functional, and guest-ready.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs for guestrooms, public areas, restaurants, meeting spaces, back-of-house areas, and building systems.
• Oversee HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire/life safety, elevators, pool/spa systems (if applicable), kitchen equipment, and other critical systems.
• Ensure timely response to guest maintenance requests and operational issues.
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance activities with hotel departments to minimize guest disruption.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment logs, and service documentation.
• Ensure guestrooms and public areas meet brand standards and operational expectations.

Preventive Maintenance & Asset Management

• Develop and maintain comprehensive preventive maintenance schedules.
• Monitor completion rates and ensure maintenance tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, systems, and facilities.
• Identify operational risks and recommend solutions to protect hotel assets.
• Maintain equipment manuals, warranties, service agreements, and maintenance records.
• Partner with ownership and leadership on capital improvement planning.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Engineering Department operating budget.
• Monitor expenses related to repairs, maintenance supplies, utilities, and contracted services.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through energy conservation and operational efficiencies.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate service agreements as needed.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, and maintenance expenses for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with capital expenditure planning and project management.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, fire/life safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Maintain compliance with hotel safety policies and emergency procedures.
• Manage inspections, permits, licenses, and regulatory requirements related to building systems.
• Oversee workplace safety programs and ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Investigate maintenance-related incidents, safety concerns, and property damage.
• Participate in emergency response planning, drills, and crisis management procedures.

Energy Management & Sustainability

• Implement energy conservation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Monitor utility usage and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible practices.
• Maintain compliance with applicable environmental standards and company sustainability goals.
• Partner with leadership on green building initiatives and certifications, when applicable.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with outside contractors, service providers, and vendors.
• Review contractors work to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.
• Coordinate inspections, repairs, and specialized services.
• Ensure vendors follow hotel policies and safety requirements.
• Maintain documentation for vendor agreements and service history.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering reports, maintenance schedules, project updates, and operational summaries.
• Maintain departmental SOPs, emergency procedures, and maintenance documentation.
• Review payroll, schedules, attendance, and overtime for accuracy.
• Participate in department head meetings.
• Support hotel renovations, pre-opening activities, equipment installation, and operational readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive engineering or facilities experience in a hotel, resort, commercial building, or similar environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervision experience managing an engineering or maintenance team.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, building operations, and preventive maintenance.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, contractors, and capital projects.
• Strong understanding of OSHA requirements, safety practices, and building compliance standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and progressive engineering experience will be considered.
• Previous experience in a full-service, boutique, lifestyle, or luxury hotel.
• Previous pre-opening hotel experience.
• Experience with hotel engineering systems, Building Management Systems (BMS), and energy management platforms.
• Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), or similar certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and green building certifications such as LEED or similar programs.
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, climb stairs, and move throughout the hotel for extended periods.
• Inspect mechanical rooms, equipment areas, guestrooms, and back-of-house spaces.
• Work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, noise, and confined spaces.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Use hand tools, equipment, and maintenance devices.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced, 24-hour hotel environment requiring professionalism, flexibility, adaptability, and strong leadership. The Chief Engineer must be comfortable balancing strategic department leadership with hands-on involvement in daily maintenance operations while ensuring the hotel remains safe, functional, and guest-ready. Availability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations, is required.

Miyako Hybrid Hotel Plano is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Together, we'll build more than a hotel, we'll create an exceptional destination defined by heartfelt hospitality and the HEART values that inspire everything we do.