Director of Engineering

Sun Hill Properties Inc.• Los Angeles, CA, US, CA

3d•$130,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Engineering is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems within a large-scale hotel. This includes high-complexity systems such as boilers, chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, BMS, and fire suppression systems. This leadership role ensures optimal functioning of all engineering services to support guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, energy management, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset protection. The position requires a hands-on, strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, team leadership skills, and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and sustainability initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field), Facilities Management, or a comparable technical discipline preferred; equivalent hands-on experience strongly considered.
Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role within hospitality, commercial real estate, or a similarly complex, service-driven environment.
Proven experience managing full-service hotel or multi-property engineering operations, including large-scale mechanical systems and critical infrastructure.
Experience developing and managing departmental budgets, including operating and capital expenditures.
Strong working knowledge of regulatory compliance, including building codes, OSHA, EPA, and fire/life safety standards.
Experience implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs and asset lifecycle planning.
Deep technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building automation systems.
Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and operational excellence.
Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and ROI evaluation for capital investments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with executive leadership.
Knowledge of energy management systems and sustainability practices, with the ability to drive efficiency initiatives.
Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, and twist in the work area.
The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 250lbs. often for extended periods.
Must be able to maneuver around property.
Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to operate a computer, telephone, and copier.
Must have manual dexterity to operate all office equipment.
May include exposure to high levels of ambient noise for prolonged periods, must be able to perform essential job functions effectively in such conditions.

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, elevators, life safety systems, and structural components.
Oversee major equipment and infrastructure such as boilers, chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, heat exchangers, and building automation systems.
Ensure optimal system performance, uptime, and reliability for both guest-facing and back-of-house operations.
Implement advanced troubleshooting protocols to minimize downtime and operational disruption.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Establish asset lifecycle strategies, including capital planning, replacement forecasting, and long-term infrastructure improvements.
Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management System to track performance metrics, maintenance schedules, and asset history.
Recruit, train, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
Develop staffing models, shift schedules, and on-call rotations to ensure 24/7 operational coverage.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and create individualized development plans.
Develop and manage the engineering department’s operating and capital budgets.
Monitor labor, inventory, utilities, and contractor expenses to ensure cost control and efficiency.
Identify opportunities for cost savings through energy management, process improvements, and strategic sourcing.
Support financial planning with accurate forecasting and ROI analysis for capital projects.
Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including building codes, OSHA, EPA, and fire/life safety standards.
Maintain readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
Lead safety programs, training, and incident prevention initiatives.
Maintain emergency preparedness plans and oversee response protocols for system failures or crises.
Lead all engineering aspects of renovations, retrofits, and system upgrades from planning through execution.
Collaborate with ownership, design teams, and operations to align project outcomes with brand standards and operational needs.
Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
Oversee commissioning and handoff of new systems and equipment.
Monitor energy and utility consumption trends and implement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Drive sustainability initiatives, including resource conservation, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible practices.
Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that support energy optimization and environmental goals.
Ensure engineering operations consistently support a seamless and high-quality guest experience.
Respond promptly and professionally to guest and operational issues related to facilities and systems.
Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize disruption to guests and hotel operations.
Provide technical expertise and operational support to other properties within the portfolio as needed.
Standardize engineering practices, procedures, and reporting across multiple locations.
Contribute to company-wide initiatives, including brand standards, operational efficiencies, and capital planning.