Director of Engineering - NoMad Detroit - Franchise

Hilton

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We’re seeking a dynamic Director of Engineering to lead all aspects of property operations and facilities at the soon-to-open NoMad Detroit, a highly anticipated luxury lifestyle hotel. Set within a reimagined historic structure in the heart of Detroit, this project blends NoMad’s signature refined design with modern systems and infrastructure—creating a complex and rewarding environment for a hands-on, strategic engineering leader. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a flagship opening, where you will play a critical role in shaping the building, building the team, and driving the long-term success of the asset. NoMad Detroit redefines luxury lifestyle hospitality in the heart of Detroit at the iconic Michigan Central Station, anchoring the west side of the meticulously restored 30-acre tech and cultural hub. Expected to open in 2027, this first-of-its-kind U.S. property from NoMad and Hilton will bring 180 guestrooms and 30 suites to the previously unused upper floors, offering sweeping views of Corktown, downtown, and Canada. Blending historic grandeur with contemporary sophistication, the hotel will showcase NoMad’s signature restaurant and bar concepts within revitalized historic spaces and celebrate Detroit’s creative spirit through collaborations with local artists and makers. Guests will also enjoy curated wellness facilities and bespoke amenities, all capturing the city’s rich culture, design legacy, and vibrant future. A destination for travelers and locals alike, NoMad Detroit embodies elevated design, immersive experiences, and a true sense-of-place luxury. As Director of Engineering, you will play a critical role during the pre-opening phase—partnering closely with ownership, development, and design teams to support the buildout, commissioning, and activation of the hotel. From day one, you will help shape the operation by establishing systems, building out the engineering function, and driving the key success factors that will define the property long-term. In this role, you will oversee all engineering, maintenance, and property operations functions, ensuring the building operates at the highest level across guest rooms, public spaces, back-of-house, and all mechanical systems. You will be instrumental in transitioning the asset from project phase into a fully stabilized luxury operation, setting the foundation for long-term performance and operational excellence.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in hotel engineering, ideally within a full-service or luxury environment
Strong technical expertise across boilers, chillers, HVAC, BMS, and critical mechanical systems
Experience supporting pre-opening, major renovations, or complex redevelopment projects
A hands-on leader who is visible, engaged, and embedded with the team
Ability to drive accountability, develop talent, and elevate overall performance

Responsibilities

Full-service engineering operation across all hotel systems and infrastructure
Building systems including HVAC, boilers, chillers, electrical, plumbing, and BMS
Preventative maintenance program and long-term asset protection strategy
Life safety systems, compliance, and audit readiness
Vendor relationships, service contracts, and capital project execution
A high-performing engineering team—recruiting, developing, and mentoring talent
Direct and oversee the functionality and safety of the facility, including, but not limited to, physical buildings, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, life safety systems and grounds according to federal, state and local regulations
Conduct facility inspections
Assign, verify and document completion of all routine maintenance and repairs in the property maintenance management system
Direct, oversee and maintain required documentation for energy management and conservation and preventive maintenance programs
Lead, manage and communicate information about capital projects and property rehabilitations, including, but not limited to, scheduling, budgeting and complying with contractor bidding standard
Direct daily department operations including, but not limited to, guest service standards and initiatives, product quality, inventory management and cost controls, systems use and management, budgeting and forecasting, adherence to federal, state and local standards and meeting participation and facilitation
Monitor and develop team member performance to include, but not limited to, providing supervision and professional development, conducting counseling and evaluations and delivering recognition and reward
Recruit, interview and train team members