Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for all engineering, facilities, life-safety, regulatory compliance, asset preservation, sustainability initiatives, capital projects, and maintenance operations for the flagship Canopy by Hilton New York. The role ensures the highest levels of guest comfort, operational efficiency, brand compliance, and protection of hotel assets while leading a high-performing engineering team in a 24/7 luxury hospitality environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all engineering and maintenance operations for guestrooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars, rooftop venues, meeting space, back-of-house areas, and exterior assets.
• Develop, mentor, and manage engineering team members.
• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Manage operating budgets, utilities, contracts, and capital expenditure projects.
• Coordinate inspections, permits, testing, and compliance requirements.
• Lead emergency response, business continuity, and life-safety programs.
• Partner with ownership, Hilton representatives, and hotel leadership on asset management and operational initiatives.

Building Systems Expertise

• HVAC Systems: Chillers, chilled water systems, cooling towers, condenser water systems, FCUs, AHUs, MAUs, smoke purge systems, exhaust systems, dampers, VFDs, unit heaters, BMS, and EMS platforms.
• Central Plant Operations: Pumps, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, hydronic systems, chemical treatment programs, and associated controls.
• Electrical Systems: Switchgear, transformers, electrical distribution, emergency generators, ATS equipment, panels, disconnects, UPS systems, and critical power infrastructure.
• Plumbing Systems: Domestic water, hot water generation, booster pumps, PRVs, mixing valves, drainage systems, grease interceptors, sewage ejectors, and storm systems.
• Fire & Life Safety Systems: Fire pumps, sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, emergency communications, and FDNY-required systems.
• Vertical Transportation: Elevators, escalators, machine rooms, inspections, and contractor management.
• Commercial Kitchen Systems: Kitchen ventilation, electrostatic precipitators, refrigeration systems, condensers, and food service support equipment.
• Building Envelope & Guestroom Systems: Doors, windows, roofing systems, finishes, locks, lighting controls, and guestroom technologies.

NYC Regulatory Experience

• FDNY inspections, violations, testing, and corrective actions.
• DOB permits, filings, and special inspections.
• Local Law compliance, annual testing, and reporting.
• Insurance inspections, Hilton brand audits, and life-safety compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of hotel engineering experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership role such as Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or Engineering Manager.
• Strong knowledge of high-rise hotel operations and MEP systems.
• Experience managing capital projects in occupied hospitality environments.
• Proficiency with CMMS, BMS, and energy management systems.
• Previous hotel opening experience preferred.
• Hilton experience preferred.

Required Certifications

• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification
• FDNY Q-01
• FDNY F-89
• FDNY S-12
• FDNY S-13
• FDNY P-98

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour Certification
• CPR / AED / First Aid Certification