Chief Engineer

DREAMWEAVER HOTELS LLC•Chicago, IL

1d•$90,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Engineer at Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, leads all engineering and maintenance operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and beautifully maintained environment that reflects the hotel’s art-and-science-driven guest experience in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. This role is responsible for the physical plant, life-safety systems, preventative maintenance program, capital planning, and the leadership and development of the engineering team.

Requirements

Experience as a hotel Chief Engineer or Engineering Manager with a proven track record in a full-service, upscale, or lifestyle hotel environment, preferably in a branded setting.
Strong working knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, and mechanical equipment, and ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
Demonstrated leadership skills with experience hiring, scheduling, coaching, and developing a multi-skill engineering or maintenance team.
Familiarity with local building codes, fire codes, and OSHA regulations; ability to maintain documentation for inspections, audits, and brand standards.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, high-occupancy urban hotel environment.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner with all departments and support a guest-first service culture.
Proficiency with maintenance management systems (work order and PM software) and basic Microsoft Office tools.
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage, based on business and operational needs.
High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, trade, or vocational training in engineering, HVAC, electrical, or related field strongly preferred.
Relevant certifications such as EPA Universal, boiler license, electrical license, or other trade licenses are highly desirable and may be required by local code.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally more with assistance.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (hot, cold, noisy, dusty) as part of routine building system maintenance.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all hotel engineering and maintenance operations, including guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house, and building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety).
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all guest rooms, equipment, and building systems to minimize downtime and protect assets.
Ensure all life-safety, regulatory, and brand standards are met, including fire alarm and suppression systems, emergency lighting, elevators, boilers, and OSHA compliance; maintain all required inspections, logs, and certifications.
Lead, train, schedule, and performance-manage the engineering team, fostering a hands-on culture focused on safety, responsiveness, and exceptional internal customer service.
Respond to and prioritize guest room and public-area work orders, partnering closely with Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food & Beverage to support a seamless guest experience.
Oversee the operation, upkeep, and cleanliness of all mechanical rooms, maintenance shops, and back-of-house engineering areas, ensuring correct Lock Out/Tag Out and other safety procedures at all times.
Monitor, analyze, and manage energy usage and utilities, recommending and implementing energy-efficiency and sustainability initiatives that align with hotel and ownership goals.
Assist in developing and managing engineering operating budgets and capital expenditure plans; obtain and evaluate bids, recommend vendors, and oversee small to medium projects as assigned.
Serve as the primary engineering representative in hotel leadership and department head meetings, communicating project status, risks, and needs to the General Manager and executive team.
Coordinate and supervise outside contractors and vendors, ensuring work quality, adherence to specifications, and minimal disruption to guests and operations.
Participate in property emergency response, including fire alarms, power outages, floods, and severe weather events, and train team members on emergency and safety procedures.
Perform routine inspections of the property’s interior and exterior, identifying and addressing deficiencies in line with Hotel EMC2’s art-meets-science design ethos and brand standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the General Manager or designee.

Benefits

Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.
Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.
Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).
401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.
Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide
Career growth and training opportunities
Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events