Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer sets the tone for Sonesta's Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team. The Chief Engineer is responsible for managing and supervising the implementation of all aspects of the maintenance and repairs of the physical systems of the building and equipment. The Chief Engineer is responsible for coordinating and supervising the preventative maintenance of guest rooms and public areas. The Chief Engineer is also responsible for ensuring compliance with company, local state and federal codes and regulations. The role's primary responsibility is to help drive results through their entire department. In this role, the Chief Engineer is expected to help promote and implement property-wide strategies that will increase guest satisfaction, reduce employee turnover, maintain revenue and payroll budgets, meet and exceed productivity goals. Sonesta managers are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, and actively managing their department to achieve the company's revenue and profitability goals and objectives. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results. Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external) and achievement-oriented leaders.

Work Environment

Work is performed both inside and outside. Outside work can be performed in rain and warm temperatures. Work is also performed in both guest contact and non-guest contact areas.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in mechanical areas and when using certain equipment. Work involves using various tools, including tools that may be considered dangerous. Protective equipment and clothing will be required. Proper safety precautions specified by the tool manufacturer and/or OSHA must be followed.

Work may involve high voltage equipment and electric panels. Proper safety equipment includes but is not limited to the use of gloves that must be worn, at times for an extended period. All applicable OSHA and national and local electrical codes must be adhered to.

Physical Demands

• The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and to move objects up to 100 lbs.
• The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
• The person in this role may be carrying, lifting or pulling items weighing up to 50lbs and pushing and / or pulling approximately 200lbs.
• The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Expected Hours of Work

• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).
• Ten to twelve hour shifts sometimes required.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; 2-year degree from an accredited university in Building and Construction, Engineering, Mechanics, or related major preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in the engineering and maintenance or related professional area; technical training in HVAC-R/electrical/plumbing and supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in a hotel property or service industry preferable.

• General knowledge of qualified trade such as HVAC, electrician or plumber, carpentry is desirable.
• Certification in at least one qualified trade is preferred.

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

• Operational/Functional:
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the engineering areas and staff to ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the customers and employees.
  • Implement and supervise the preventative maintenance of Mechanical/Electrical areas, Public areas and Guest Rooms per established standards and schedules.

• Confer with vendors to obtain product and service information such as price, availability and delivery schedule.
• Process purchase requests for items needed by the Engineering department.
• Manage contractors while onsite, supervise work as needed and make sure work was properly performed.
• Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities and recommend appropriate service improvements such as renovation, painting or furniture replacements.
• Ensure the building exterior is clean and well maintained.
• Communicate with department leaders about maintenance needs and work orders and ensure work orders are completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure pool is serviced, including making sure chemicals are properly adjusted and filters are cleaned.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on malfunctioning systems and equipment
• Coordinate, supervise, and perform preventive maintenance work.
• Order, receive supplies and maintain inventory of supplies and operating equipment.

• Review guest satisfaction survey results with employees.
• Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.
• Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.

• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

• Strategy and Planning:
• Ensure compliance with all service contracts. Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations.
• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.
• Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans to achieve established goals related to guest satisfaction scores.
• Assist with development of the Capital budget.

• Financial Management:
  • Participate in the management of the department's operating budget and assist in the development of the annual capital budget.
  • Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses.
  • Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
  • Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.

• Managing your Team:
  • Interview, hire, train, and promote Engineering staff. Provide consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
  • Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
  • Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day's business.
  • Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Assist in the annual performance evaluations.
  • Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
  • Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.

• Leading with Passion:
  • Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
  • Motivate employees to perform to their highest standard and establish a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
  • Focus on the mission and well-being of the departments, hotel and company.
  • Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
  • Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta's core values and the guest service standards.

Qualifications and Skills

A candidate for this position must possess the following applicable knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate and provide applicable examples to support his/her competency.

• Must be skilled in HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywalling, painting, plumbing, roofing, and landscaping.

• Must be Knowledgeable of local, state and federal regulations and safety standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Information

Pay: $90,000 to $100,000 per year. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills, and job specific experience/overall experience.

Application Deadline: This job posting will be closed on June 27th, 2026