Director Engineering

Hotel Californian•Santa Barbara, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Located in the heart of Hotel Californian, this Forbes-level luxury destination blends Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with modern sophistication, offering a highly curated guest experience across dining, events, and resort amenities. We offer our team members full benefits including medical, dental, vision, supplement insurance plans, 401k with match, free meals, and growth opportunities in a luxury and friendly environment. Position Summary The Director of Engineering & Maintenance is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and safety of all facilities across a luxury beachfront hotel property consisting of three buildings, including rooftop pool amenities. This role ensures that all physical assets meet the highest luxury standards while maintaining compliance with local coastal, environmental, and safety regulations. The Director leads a high-performing engineering team and partners closely with local agencies, vendors, and internal departments to deliver a seamless, safe, and elevated guest experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of leadership in engineering/maintenance, preferably in luxury hotels, resorts, or multi-building properties
Strong expertise in building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
Experience managing complex facilities with outdoor and specialty amenities (e.g., pools,)
Knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and permitting processes
Strong partnership with internal and external associates, mentorship and leadership experience, team development
Exceptional problem-solving in dynamic environments
High attention to detail and commitment to luxury standards
Financial acumen and strategic planning
Effective communication with internal stakeholders and external agencies
Ability to manage emergencies and high-pressure situations

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction, beachfront or coastal resort operations
Certifications (CFM, HVAC, pool operations, or equivalent)
Experience coordinating with government agencies and inspectors
Project management experience with renovations or new construction

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering and maintenance team across three buildings
Establish performance standards aligned with luxury hospitality expectations
Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and succession planning
Foster a proactive, guest-focused, and safety-driven culture
Oversee all engineering operations across three hotel buildings, ensuring operational consistency and efficiency
Maintain all core systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, and fire/life safety systems
Ensure rooftop pool systems (filtration, pumps, heating, waterproofing, drainage) are properly maintained and compliant
Maintain pristine conditions of assets exposed to salt air, sun, wind, and corrosion
Implement maintenance strategies specific to coastal environments, including corrosion prevention and accelerated wear management
Ensure compliance with coastal regulations, environmental protections, and erosion control requirements
Oversee upkeep of outdoor public spaces and access points, and pool decks
Design and execute a comprehensive preventive maintenance program across all buildings and amenities
Maintain equipment logs, warranties, and lifecycle tracking for capital planning
Anticipate infrastructure needs related to oceanfront exposure and high-end guest usage
Coordinate renovations and capital improvement projects with minimal guest disruption
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, fire codes, pool safety, and coastal environmental rules
Serve as the primary liaison with local agencies (fire department, health department, building inspectors, coastal commissions, utilities, and environmental authorities)
Manage required permits, inspections, and reporting processes
Lead emergency preparedness efforts, including storm readiness and evacuation procedures
Develop and manage departmental budgets across all buildings
Forecast expenses related to coastal maintenance and asset preservation
Identify cost efficiencies without compromising luxury standards
Oversee capital expenditure planning and ROI analysis for infrastructure projects
Implement energy efficiency programs appropriate for a luxury resort
Monitor and reduce utility consumption across buildings and pool operations
Support sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship goals
Evaluate opportunities for water conservation and eco-friendly systems
Manage and negotiate contracts with specialized vendors, including marine/coastal contractors and pool specialists
Oversee rooftop pool maintenance vendors and major system upgrades
Coordinate large-scale renovation projects across multiple structures
Ensure all vendor work meets brand standards and regulatory requirements