ASSISTANT CHIEF ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

When a hotel's fire suppression system misfires at 2 a.m., or a chiller fails mid-summer occupancy, the outcome hinges on who is running the engineering floor that night. The Assistant Chief Engineer owns that outcome, supervising maintenance technicians and contractors across all building systems, from HVAC and emergency backup power to life safety and plumbing. In a full-service hotel environment, this role answers directly to the Chief Engineer and carries line authority over shift coverage, preventive maintenance scheduling, and capital project coordination. OSHA compliance, ADA requirements, and brand-standard quality audits all land on this desk.

As the Assistant Chief Engineer, you are accountable for the safe, code-compliant operation of every mechanical, electrical, and life safety system on the property, stepping in as the Chief Engineer's operational proxy when required. You lead a team of maintenance technicians and manage vendor relationships, preventive maintenance records, and shift-level budgetary controls within a full-service hotel setting.

Career Impact: Overseeing a full-service hotel's engineering department builds the supervisory track record and systems breadth, including HVAC, fire safety, and emergency power, that qualify candidates for Chief Engineer roles at larger or branded properties.

Business Impact: The preventive maintenance programmes and contractor oversight this role manages determine whether guest-facing systems stay operational during peak occupancy, directly protecting RevPAR and brand-standard audit scores.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to capital project coordination, annual budget development, and compliance training positions a strong performer for Chief Engineer or Regional Facilities Director roles within hotel management companies.

• Supervise maintenance technicians and service contractors across all shift-level building maintenance activities to ensure timely, quality work order completion.
• Implement and maintain the preventive maintenance programme for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler, and life safety systems, keeping records current.
• Inspect building systems and grounds at consistent intervals, directing corrective action and documenting findings in the engineering log.
• Coordinate capital improvement and renovation projects, liaising with architects, contractors, licensing agencies, and corporate technical services through completion.
• Enforce compliance with OSHA, ADA, fire code, health and safety regulations, and brand-standard quality assurance requirements across all department activities.
• Manage parts inventory, vendor purchase orders, and competitive bidding for supplies and contracted work to support the department operating budget.
• Conduct performance evaluations, on-the-job training, and disciplinary action for maintenance staff in accordance with human resources guidelines.
• Assume full departmental responsibility in the Chief Engineer's absence, including guest incident management and escalation response.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of hands-on building systems maintenance experience, with at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a hotel or full-service hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, boilers, refrigeration, and fire and life safety systems.
• Working knowledge of preventive maintenance programme administration, including scheduling, record-keeping, and contractor oversight.
• Proven ability to manage shift staffing, approve time off, and coordinate work coverage across a multi-technician team.
• Solid understanding of OSHA, ADA, local fire codes, and hotel brand-standard compliance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce maintenance reports and documentation.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with availability for emergency response within two hours.

• Universal CFC certification or equivalent refrigerant handling credential.
• Experience coordinating hotel renovation or capital improvement projects involving third-party contractors and licensing agencies.
• Familiarity with building automation and energy management systems in a commercial or hospitality context.
• Prior experience in a branded full-service or luxury hotel at assistant chief or lead engineer level.

• Preventive maintenance completion rate, measured as the percentage of scheduled tasks closed on time each period.
• Work order close-out time, tracking average days from submission to verified completion by the maintenance team.
• Brand-standard engineering audit score, reflecting compliance with quality assurance and safety inspection outcomes.
• Contractor performance adherence, measured by on-time project delivery and warranty fulfilment rates across vendor engagements.
• OSHA and fire safety compliance rate, tracking zero deficiencies across scheduled and unannounced regulatory inspections.
• Typical tools: enterprise asset management platforms (commonly IBM Maximo or Corrigo); BAS/energy management consoles (commonly Siemens or Johnson Controls)

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on property size and market
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10% of base salary, tied to audit and operational metrics
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in hotel operations
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes to premiums
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus hotel-observed holidays
• Common Perks: Hotel rate discounts, uniforms provided, meals during shift, ongoing technical training

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background screening, including criminal history review, is a condition of employment for all positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Assistant Chief Engineer leads shift-level maintenance operations, directing staff performance, supervising preventive maintenance programmes, and overseeing the continuous operation of all building systems, including fire and life safety, mechanical, electrical, and emergency backup systems. Working alongside department leadership, this role shapes facility reliability across a full-cycle maintenance environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, equipment integrity, and a well-supplied, safe workplace for engineering operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct maintenance staff on shift and monitor performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Perform and direct the performance of all maintenance departmental service requests, ensuring that work is accomplished efficiently with a minimum amount of disruption and inconvenience.
• Check malfunctioning equipment and ascertain the corrective action required to restore it to satisfactory operating condition.
• Provide training and supervision aimed at expanding the capabilities of the operations staff.
• Demonstrate the proper use and care of tools and instruments, and give hands-on instruction in basic maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Recommend relevant outside engineering courses for enrollment and instil an overall level of professionalism in manner and appearance.
• Supervise and implement the preventive maintenance programme, scheduling work with minimum disruption to building services.
• Perform and delegate preventive maintenance tasks to appropriately qualified maintenance staff members.
• Order parts and equipment required for repair, maintenance, and installation of new equipment and facilities, and maintain inventory.
• Direct and oversee the performance of contracted maintenance work, ensuring timely completion and fulfilment of equipment warranty obligations by installers.
• Secure equipment manuals and drawings from installers and contractors.
• Maintain, monitor, and perform preventive maintenance and ensure the continuous operation of all building systems, including fire and life safety, mechanical, electrical, and emergency backup systems.
• Monitor, adjust, and maintain refrigeration, chilled water, air conditioning, boiler, ventilation, and hot water equipment, as well as pumps, valves, piping, and filters.
• Record readings and make adjustments where necessary to ensure proper operation of equipment.
• Analyse the operation of various systems, determine the cause of malfunctions, and take corrective action as required.
• Comply with departmental policy for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials, and maintain a clean and safe workplace.
• Ensure the availability of an adequate operating inventory of tools and supplies, prepare and submit purchase-order requests, and develop sources for stock materials.
• Oversee the activities of contractors working within the building.
• Maintain records of building rounds and readings, all engineering logs, and engineering data sheets.
• Provide advance training and notification to all contractors regarding the building's critical functions and the work they are to perform, including an incident contact response list.
• Understand and comply with emergency escalation procedures.
• Ensure strict adherence to engineering guidelines, processes, and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on related work experience.
• 3–5 years of critical environment experience, with high-density data centre experience preferred.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience in the hotel industry.
• Minimum of two years of work experience at a similar-size hotel.
• Experience of 5+ years managing a crew or supervisory experience in the field.
• Experience managing major electrical shutdowns strongly desired.
• Advanced knowledge of building management and engineering.
• Deep understanding of critical power systems, including UPS, PDU, ATS, STS, and generators.
• Universal CFC certification, or must be certified within one year of employment.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to resolve conflicts with guests, supervisors, and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally, with excellent written communication skills.
• General understanding of insurance requirements.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Embedded within the property engineering function, the Assistant Chief Engineer oversees all M&E upgrading projects through proper planning, control, organisation, and monitoring, ensuring that building systems meet asset objectives and regulatory standards. Working closely with service providers, contractors, and a team of executives and technicians, this role builds consistent quality and productivity across preventive maintenance programmes, capital asset enhancement projects, and monthly cost variance reporting.

Core Functions

• Implement preventive maintenance programmes for all M&E systems.
• Procure service contracts and liaise with relevant service providers to implement rectification works and M&E services.
• Oversee all M&E upgrading projects through proper planning, control, organisation, and monitoring of property M&E operations.
• Ensure that M&E operations are consistent with asset objectives and standards of accreditation or regulatory agencies, including compliance with building safety requirements.
• Propose, plan, and coordinate capital asset enhancement and upgrade projects, as well as tenant improvement works.
• Support the budgeting process and track cost control of expenses.
• Prepare and analyse costs and variances for monthly management reporting.
• Manage a group of executives and technicians to ensure consistent quality and productivity, providing supervision and guidance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical) or equivalent.
• At least 5 to 6 years of relevant hands-on experience in maintaining M&E building systems and project management.
• Sound knowledge of tenant management, building maintenance, technical services, and construction work.
• Experience with building automation systems is an added advantage.
• Certification as a Fire Safety Manager is an added advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• SAP experience is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage operations and projects simultaneously.

Reporting to executive hotel leadership, the Assistant Chief Engineer directs the hotel engineering department to develop and implement strategies that support achievement of the hotel's goals, managing compliance with building safety codes, overseeing renovations, and coordinating with architects, licensing agencies, and contractors. Partnering with the front office, human resources, and third-party vendors, this role delivers profitability gains and a service environment that supports employee engagement and the guest satisfaction guarantee.

Primary Duties

• Develop and implement strategies for the hotel engineering department that support achievement of the hotel's goals.
• Monitor status regularly and adjust strategies as appropriate with the engineering team, management, clients, and vendors.
• Manage the relationship with the outsourced security company.
• Manage guest incident reporting and partner with the front office.
• Monitor compliance with building safety codes, protocols, health and safety laws, and other regulations, and conduct walk-throughs to assess the safety and efficiency of equipment and maintenance of the structure.
• Manage hotel renovations and coordinate project status with corporate technical services, architects, licensing agencies, contractors, and hotel management.
• Develop and implement strategies and practices that support employee engagement throughout the hotel.
• Develop the annual budget in conjunction with the executive committee.
• Participate in the development of the annual marketing, sales, and yield management plans and strategies.
• Continually improve the hotel engineering department and adhere to brand standards.
• Maximise profitability and revenue by directing the engineering department.
• Manage the engineering department and any third-party vendor to ensure superior service and quality.
• Develop and implement quality control programmes, and conduct annual compliance training in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Review contracts and negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with vendors, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Take an active role in the recruitment and selection of qualified candidates.
• Communicate performance expectations and provide employees with ongoing feedback, coaching, and counselling as needed to achieve performance objectives.
• Drive employee engagement through the creation and implementation of departmental action plans.
• Communicate and reinforce the vision for customer service to all managers, supervisors, and employees.
• Ensure that all minimum requirements of the guest satisfaction guarantee are in place and understood by all employees.
• Create an environment that provides employees with the tools, training, and environment needed to deliver service brand behaviour and teamwork.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience in the hotel industry.
• Minimum of two years of work experience at a similar-size hotel.
• Advanced knowledge of building management and engineering.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• General understanding of insurance requirements.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with guests, supervisors, and employees.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other hotel employees and managers to ensure teamwork.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Sitting at the intersection of facilities maintenance and workforce supervision, the Assistant Chief Engineer directs and supervises maintenance technicians and service contractors in building maintenance, with accountability for data quality in the Enterprise Asset Management System and day-to-day work execution across building inspections, parts kitting, and performance evaluations. Operating across scheduling, training coordination, and compliance reporting, this role supports the chief engineer by ensuring technicians have the materials, tools, and guidance needed to complete work orders effectively.

Duties

• Direct and supervise the activities of maintenance technicians and service contractors in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and related fixed and portable equipment, as well as minor construction and equipment installation.
• Maintain accountability for day-to-day work execution and quality control of data entered into the Enterprise Asset Management System by subordinates and maintenance technicians.
• Schedule maintenance activities in the Enterprise Asset Management System.
• Manage material management activities, including parts kitting and staging of materials.
• Conduct performance evaluations at required intervals, manage disciplinary action per human resources guidelines, make hiring and firing recommendations, and keep the chief engineer informed of personnel issues.
• Hold staff meetings and huddles at consistent intervals to support the chief engineer with implementation of practices and policies.
• Manage and approve paid time off of maintenance technicians to ensure work coverage.
• Collaborate with the programme manager on scheduling training time for maintenance technicians and perform on-the-job training as needed.
• Perform building inspections and rounds at consistent intervals to monitor the overall condition of buildings, direct maintenance technicians for corrective action, and counsel for immediate correction of engineer interactions.
• Supervise service contractor work.
• Use the enterprise asset management application for report generation to supervise completion and close-out of work orders, regulatory compliance adherence, productivity, and overtime, and report findings to the chief engineer.
• Work with the planner and scheduler to supervise and direct the activities of maintenance technicians, set priorities, ensure appropriate completion of work, and confirm that technicians have the materials and tools needed.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a work-related field from an accredited institution, or relevant experience instead of a degree.
• Five years of progressively responsible, directly related work experience.
• Knowledge of building operations and systems, construction practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, implement change, lead and engage teams, manage resources, solve problems, and supervise.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other employees and managers to ensure teamwork.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or on a team.

A key member of the building engineering team, the Assistant Chief Engineer supervises maintenance technicians and service contractors while interpreting blueprints and applying practical knowledge of commercial HVAC, plumbing, diesel generator plant operations, and motor controls to maintain the physical plant. Collaborating across engineering operations, contracted services, and building management, this role owns the day-to-day technical operations that ensure continuous, compliant facility performance.

Functions

• Supervise and direct the activities of maintenance technicians and service contractors in building maintenance.
• Assume responsibilities of the chief engineer in the chief engineer's absence.
• Oversee and coordinate all outside vendor and contractor activities as they relate to the building's physical plant.
• Interface with engineering consultants to provide required background and information relating to current and potential new equipment installations, and instruct engineering operations personnel when implementing new technology.
• Administer policy and standards related to payroll and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate an understanding and practical knowledge of commercial building HVAC, plumbing, diesel generator plant operations, motor controls, and diagnostic testing procedures for HVAC equipment.
• Interpret blueprints.
• Work overtime as schedules dictate.

Experience & Qualifications

• College degree or college courses preferred.
• Pesticide Technician certification preferred.
• FDNY Certificates of Fitness required, including Refrigeration Operator, Combination Standpipe and Sprinkler, Compressor, Combination Torch and Gas, and Universal Certificate.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Proficient communication and computer skills.
• Knowledge of automated building control systems, preferably Siemens.

Sustained guest satisfaction and safe, well-functioning hotel facilities depend on the Assistant Chief Engineer, who assists in overseeing the full maintenance and engineering department, including recruiting, training, preventive maintenance, capital construction projects, and compliance with OSHA, ADA, and fire inspection requirements. Based within a Residence Inn by Marriott property and leading a team of three engineering staff members, this role ensures vendor relationships, competitive bidding, and safety committee training are managed to deliver reliable hotel operations.

Accountabilities

• Assist in overseeing the overall operations of the maintenance and engineering department, including recruiting, training and development, payroll, department labour budget, and hotel capital budget.
• Assist in meeting compliance requirements for internal and external audits related to safety and security, quality assurance, fire inspections, major equipment, OSHA, and ADA.
• Assist in overseeing capital construction and major maintenance projects.
• Assist in maintaining and refining the preventive maintenance programme.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, monitor vendor performance to ensure consistent quality, delivery, warranties, and upgrades, and work closely with vendors to ensure proper pricing and delivery.
• Assist in obtaining competitive bids for all supplies and work orders.
• Facilitate safety committee monthly meetings and training in collaboration with the human resources department.
• Train hotel staff on safety and security procedures.
• Work day and night shifts and weekdays and weekends as required, including the manager-on-duty programme.

Technical Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience as an assistant chief engineer at a similar-size property, or as a lead engineer.
• Experience managing team member schedules and payroll.
• Hotel maintenance background preferred.
• Technical knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boilers, swimming pool systems, and refrigeration.
• Valid driver's licence with a clean driving record.

As the Assistant Chief Engineer, this role works alongside the Chief Engineer to lead, motivate, and develop the engineering team, maintaining the highest standards throughout the hotel by supporting a comprehensive preventive maintenance programme and coordinating projects with outside contractors. The engineering team relies on this work to sustain compliance with all statutory legislation, deliver smooth front-of-house and back-of-house operations, and uphold the exceptional guest experience expected within a 5-star luxury hotel environment.

Activities

• Work alongside the chief engineer to lead, motivate, and develop the engineering team to maintain the highest standards throughout the hotel at all times.
• Partner with other leaders and managers to ensure smooth communication flow between key departments with the overall objective of enhancing the guest experience.
• Support the implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance programme for all equipment in the hotel, ensuring that full and proper records are kept and continually updated.
• Undertake routine checks of the building and premises to ensure front-of-house and back-of-house operations work smoothly at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant current and new statutory legislation of the hotel operation in conjunction with the HSE manager and other appropriate departments.
• Remain calm, composed, and in control in all situations and effectively handle all guest feedback.
• Coordinate and supervise projects and work alongside outside contractors.

Position Requirements

• Proven track record of delivering outstanding operational support within 5-star luxury hotels.
• Ability to manage in a diverse and luxury environment with a focus on providing an outstanding guest experience.
• Excellent people management skills as a solution-focused leader.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with a high degree of flexibility.
• Commercially focused and a self-motivator who is ready to challenge in the interest of continuous improvement.
• Outgoing, assertive, friendly, approachable, and professional.

Assistant Chief Engineer oversees preventive and scheduled maintenance operations across the building interior, exterior, and grounds, supervising maintenance staff, managing work orders, and coordinating with property vendors to address physical site needs. The work directly supports safe, well-maintained common areas and timely emergency response, enabling reliable residential property operations across a structured, staff-led maintenance programme.

Operational Focus

• Supervise and assign tasks to the maintenance staff.
• Maintain a full stock of materials needed to complete work orders.
• Receive and complete work orders.
• Work alongside property vendors on jobs performed at the property.
• Maintain records of scheduled maintenance procedures.
• Obtain estimates for supplies and repair parts, and order parts and supplies as needed.
• Maintain all work and common areas clean and free from debris.
• Supervise trash pick-up of all common areas and the property.
• Respond to emergency maintenance requests as required.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of general experience in building trades, repair and replacement maintenance, or handiwork.
• Experience performing maintenance work in a similar type of environment.
• Experience supervising team members.
• Valid driver's licence required for work-related driving purposes.
• Ability to react and address all emergencies within two hours, with availability for emergency calls.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce professional written reports and recommendations.