Cheif Engineer

HRI Hospitality•Richmond, VA

3d•$80,000 - $113,000

About The Position

The Chief Engineer oversees all hotel engineering and maintenance operations to ensure the property is well-maintained, safe, and fully operational. The role manages building systems, preventive maintenance programs, repairs, equipment upkeep, and the engineering team, contributing to guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and brand standards. The position reports to the General Manager and supervises the Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Supervisors, and Maintenance Engineers. The hotel is located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, in the historic Miller & Rhoads building. It has 250 rooms, 17,634 square feet of event space across 13 meeting rooms, on-site restaurants, a lobby bar, an indoor pool, a fitness center, EV charging, and banquet and meeting support.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 4–6 years of hotel, facility, or commercial building maintenance experience.
Prior supervisory or lead maintenance experience required.
Strong background in building systems, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance required.
Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers, mechanical, refrigeration, and life-safety systems.
Strong leadership, communication, and team development abilities.
Ability to diagnose problems, perform repairs, and coordinate larger maintenance projects.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations, fire and life-safety standards, and building codes.
Ability to manage inventory, tools, and vendor relationships.
Proficiency with CMMS/work order systems and Microsoft Office.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call rotations, nights, weekends, and emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related fields.
Certifications such as EPA, CPO, HVAC license, or related credentials.

Responsibilities

Oversee hotel engineering operations, maintenance tasks, and building systems.
Manage, lead, and schedule engineering staff; provide training and performance feedback.
Maintain and execute the property's preventive maintenance program.
Ensure equipment, systems, and hotel areas function safely and efficiently.
Respond promptly to maintenance requests in guestrooms and public areas.
Conduct daily property walks, identify issues, and coordinate repairs.
Maintain accurate logs, preventive maintenance records, work orders, and compliance documentation.
Oversee safety compliance, including fire systems, emergency equipment, and life-safety standards.
Coordinate vendors and contractors for major repairs, inspections, and service agreements.
Monitor inventory of parts, tools, and supplies, and manage purchasing needs.
Support capital project planning and assist with budget management.
Communicate with Housekeeping, Front Office, and other departments to resolve maintenance needs.
Keep the engineering shop and mechanical areas clean, organized, and safe.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.