Chief Engineer in Seattle

Job DescriptionJob Description

Chief Engineer – Downtown High-Rise Hotel

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and operational integrity of a full-service downtown high-rise hotel. This position oversees all engineering and maintenance operations, including commercial building systems, preventive maintenance programs, guest room maintenance, life safety compliance, vendor management, and capital improvement projects. The Chief Engineer ensures the hotel is maintained to brand standards while providing a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for guests and employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering & Building Operations

• Oversee daily operation and maintenance of all hotel building systems including:
• • HVAC systems
  • Boilers and hot water systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Fire/life safety systems
  • Elevators and mechanical equipment
  • Kitchen and laundry equipment
  • Swimming pool and hot tub/spa systems
• Maintain operational efficiency of a multi-story commercial high-rise property.
• Ensure proper maintenance, chemical treatment, testing, and compliance for hotel pools, spas, and hot tubs in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Maintain or obtain required pool/spa operator certification within the first 90 days of employment.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations and coordinate repairs as necessary.
• Conduct routine inspections of guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house areas, and mechanical spaces.
• Ensure all engineering work complies with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.

Preventive Maintenance & Guest Rooms

• Develop and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program for guest rooms and building systems.
• Oversee room maintenance programs to ensure guestrooms meet quality and brand standards.
• Monitor completion of PM schedules, work orders, and repair requests.
• Ensure timely response and resolution of guest maintenance concerns.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, and equipment documentation.
• Utilize hotel maintenance management systems, including Quore or similar platforms, to track work orders, PM completion, guest requests, and engineering communication.

ADA & Accessibility Compliance

• Ensure hotel compliance with applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards and related building code requirements.
• Maintain accessibility features in guest rooms, public areas, entrances, elevators, restrooms, parking areas, and emergency systems.
• Coordinate repairs and corrective action for ADA-related deficiencies in a timely manner.
• Work with hotel leadership during renovations and capital projects to support accessibility compliance requirements.
• Ensure accessible guest room equipment and features remain operational and properly maintained.
• Assist with inspections and documentation related to accessibility compliance.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate engineering and maintenance staff.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to maintenance personnel.
• Coordinate with other departments to minimize operational disruptions.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and hotel safety procedures.
• Lead fire/life safety inspections, drills, and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Maintain compliance records for permits, inspections, and certifications.
• Participate in risk management and accident prevention programs.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage engineering department budgets.
• Control labor, supply, and repair expenses.
• Obtain bids and oversee outside contractors and vendors.
• Assist with capital expenditure planning and property improvement projects.
• Maintain inventory of engineering tools, supplies, and parts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of engineering leadership experience in hotels, commercial buildings, or high-rise properties.
• Strong commercial building maintenance experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and guest room maintenance operations.
• Experience with high-rise mechanical systems strongly .
• HVAC license/certification .
• EPA certification strongly .
• Pool/spa operator certification , or ability to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment.
• Working knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and commercial building compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers, pools/spas, and life safety systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using Quore or similar hotel maintenance/work order management systems .
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and emergencies.

Qualifications

• Hotel engineering experience in a full-service or luxury property.
• Boiler operator license or other relevant trade certifications .
• Experience managing union and non-union teams .
• Knowledge of city inspection requirements and commercial building compliance standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces as needed.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays

Compensation: $100,000 to $110,000 DOE

Benefits:

Medical, Dental & Vision

24 Hours PTO for F/T Employees

Sick Time 1 hour for every 40 hours worked max of 56 hours

Paid Vacation 1st year 5 days, 2nd-4th years ten days, 5 to 9 years 15 days, ten years plus 20 days

Paid Holidays (8)

Hotel Discounts

Orca Transportation Subsidy

Equal Opportunity Employer.