Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer leads all HVAC operations and maintenance activities at State Farm Arena, ensuring mechanical systems perform at peak efficiency across all Atlanta Hawks games and events. This role provides direct operational oversight of the engineering department, collaborating cross-functionally with internal teams, contractors, and vendors to deliver world-class facility performance with Southern Hospitality. Success is measured by the reliability of critical building systems, the development of a high-performing engineering team, and the seamless execution of events in a safe, well-maintained environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities 55%

• Oversee and manage all HVAC operations and maintenance activities, including chillers, boilers, pumps, valves, air handling units, and cooling towers, ensuring continuous and reliable system performance during events and non-event days.
• Monitor O&M work in progress to verify correct procedures are followed, providing hands-on assistance during major or critical projects to maintain safety and quality standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of HVAC and mechanical equipment, identifying deficiencies and initiating corrective action to prevent operational disruptions.
• Set and manage work priorities based on equipment status, formal work order documentation, and event schedules, ensuring timely completion of preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with ATL Hawks LLC safety regulations, good industry practices, and applicable fire safety requirements.

Secondary Responsibilities 25%

• Prepare and process purchase orders for materials, tools, equipment, and spare parts; secure pricing and ordering information from vendors and manufacturer representatives.
• Maintain tools and equipment inventory, ensuring all items are properly tagged, secured, and accounted for prior to maintenance or repair activities.
• Consult with engineers, contractors, and manufacturer representatives to exchange technical information on the operation, maintenance, and repair of existing and new building systems.
• Coordinate work schedules and delegate responsibilities to team members, ensuring clarity of role expectations and accountability for outcomes.
• Develop and implement annual mechanical and maintenance program plans, with general project planning extending three (3) years forward.

Tertiary Responsibilities 15%

• Prepare annual capital expenditure and operating budget recommendations for review and approval by the Director of Engineering.
• Evaluate department organizational structure and personnel requirements, making recommendations for staffing changes, promotions, and position description updates.
• Conduct performance reviews in accordance with personnel policies; recommend wage and salary adjustments within the company's approved matrix system, subject to management approval.
• Review operational reports, equipment conditions, and cost data to identify opportunities for improvement in HVAC O&M efficiency, cost reduction, and work method simplification.
• Participate in and support training programs that develop technical skills and reinforce departmental goals and company standards.

Additional Responsibilities 5%

• Interview applicants and assist in candidate selection for HVAC department positions, subject to management approval.
• Recommend personnel actions, including terminations, in accordance with company personnel policies and subject to management approval.
• Support cross-departmental operational needs during high-demand events or emergency situations as directed.
• Maintain proper dress attire as instructed by the Director of Engineering.
• *Any other job duties assigned

Requirements: Minimum of ten (10) years of directly related and progressively responsible experience, of which seven (7) years must include HVAC supervisory experience in an operational environment.

• Demonstrated in-depth working knowledge of mechanical and electrical components, systems, and structures, including chillers, boilers, pumps, valves, air handling units, and cooling towers.
• Proven ability to supervise, schedule, and develop engineering personnel while maintaining high standards of work quality and productivity.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to clearly convey technical instructions and information to staff, contractors, vendors, and facility stakeholders.
• Ability to recognize unsafe or substandard work practices and implement corrective procedures consistent with company standards.
• Availability for on-call response 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; ability to travel within and occasionally outside the facility, including overnight travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Universal EPA 608 Certification or equivalent HVAC/mechanical licensure.
• Experience managing engineering operations within a sports, entertainment, or large public assembly venue.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Working knowledge of fire safety systems and compliance requirements in a large-scale facility environment.
• Experience developing multi-year capital improvement plans and managing departmental budgets.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

If this opportunity looks exciting to you, please complete the application process. Go Hawks!