Complex Chief Engineer

OTO Development•Garden City, NY

About The Position

The Complex Chief Engineer oversees engineering, maintenance, and asset protection across The Residence Inn Garden City and the pre-opening AC Hotel Garden City Roosevelt Field. The role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of building systems, equipment, and physical assets while leading engineering teams, managing preventative maintenance, overseeing capital projects, and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The position helps protect hotel assets, minimize downtime, and support guest satisfaction and operational excellence. The Complex Chief Engineer oversees daily engineering operations and maintenance across multiple properties, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life-safety systems. Responsibilities also include leading and developing maintenance technicians; managing work orders, contractors, vendors, service agreements, budgets, and capital projects; maintaining inspection and maintenance documentation; and coordinating with corporate and hotel department leaders. The role requires a customer-service mindset and a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities. It requires up to 10% overnight travel outside the local area between properties.

Requirements

4–6 years of experience in engineering or maintenance within hospitality, commercial facilities, or a related field.
Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general maintenance systems.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities across a multi-property environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Customer-service mindset and ability to anticipate and respond to guest needs.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods as required by the job.
Ability to travel between properties and respond to operational needs, including overnight travel outside the local area.

Nice To Haves

Experience with maintenance management systems such as QUORE or similar.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day engineering and maintenance operations across multiple properties.
Ensure HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life-safety systems operate efficiently and effectively.
Perform and oversee preventative maintenance to protect assets and reduce emergency repairs.
Respond promptly to maintenance issues and emergencies to minimize operational disruption.
Lead, train, and develop maintenance technicians, including Assistant Chief Engineers and Building Maintenance Technicians I and II.
Assign and monitor work orders through a computerized maintenance management system.
Set expectations, coach employees, and ensure accountability for performance and productivity.
Promote safety, professionalism, and teamwork within the engineering team.
Oversee third-party contractors and vendors, including quality, cost control, and timelines.
Manage service contracts, preventative maintenance agreements, and vendor relationships.
Support capital expenditure planning and execution, including equipment replacement and property improvements.
Communicate with the corporate office about upcoming capital projects.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including safety, fire, and environmental standards.
Maintain documentation for inspections, permits, and maintenance records.
Implement and enforce safety protocols to protect team members, guests, and property assets.
Assist with engineering budgets for labor, supplies, and repairs and maintenance expenses.
Monitor expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
Support forecasting and long-term asset planning across the hotel complex.
Respond to guest maintenance requests promptly and professionally.
Maintain the condition and appearance of guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
Collaborate with department leaders to support hotel operations.