Chief Engineer

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is a AAA 4 Diamond, pet-friendly hotel located just a block from Universal Studios Hollywood and minutes from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The property offers stylish guest rooms and suites with WiFi access and is supported by a multilingual team, including Mandarin- and Spanish-speaking staff. Guests and event planners benefit from a 24-hour business center, a 16,000 sq. ft. Sierra Ballroom for weddings, and 32,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space for meetings and conferences. The hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and a modern fitness room with cardio and weight equipment. Café Sierra, the on-site restaurant, serves California, Continental, and Chinese cuisine in a bright, contemporary setting.

Salary Range:

$100,000.00 To $115,000.00 Annually

JOB OVERVIEW

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of the Engineering Department, ensuring the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of all hotel facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. As a member of the hotel’s leadership team, this position oversees maintenance operations, asset preservation, capital projects, regulatory compliance, life-safety systems, energy management, and departmental financial performance. The Chief Engineer works collaboratively with Director of Engineering and all departments to support operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and the long-term value of the properties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and participate in the maintenance, repair, and operation of all hotel facilities, guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, kitchens, laundry facilities, and grounds
• Oversee and on with troubleshooting and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, fire-life safety, and other building systems
• Perform routine inspections of the property and identify corrective actions to maintain safety, appearance, and operational efficiency
• Establish, implement, and monitor preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment performance and minimize downtime
• Ensure timely completion of work orders, service requests, and maintenance projects
• Respond to and resolve maintenance emergencies and operational issues as needed
• Lead, train, schedule, and supervise engineering team members while maintaining a productive and service-oriented work environment
• Assign and monitor daily work orders, projects, and preventive maintenance tasks
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management activities
• Maintain departmental records, reports, logs, permits, and compliance documentation
• Administer the Computerized Maintenance Management System to track work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset history
• Coordinate and oversee repairs, renovations, and capital improvement projects
• Supervise contractors and vendors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with hotel standards
• Manage purchasing and inventory of tools, equipment, parts, supplies, and personal protective equipment
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, building codes, brand standards, and company policies
• Maintain required permits, licenses, certifications, and inspection records
• Promote safe work practices and enforce safety procedures for employees, contractors, and vendors
• Serve as a key responder during emergencies, including equipment failures, power outages, fire alarms, and other critical incidents
• Respond promptly to guest and departmental maintenance requests and ensure timely resolution of issues
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the hotel to identify and address operational concerns
• Collaborate with department leaders to support hotel operations, special events, and guest satisfaction initiatives
• Participate in an on-call rotation and remain available to respond to emergency situations as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering or facilities management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role. 
• Prior experience in a full-service hotel or high-volume commercial property strongly preferred. 
• Proven track record managing building systems, preventive maintenance programs, and capital improvement projects.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety systems. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with guests, team members, and vendors. 
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. 
• Working knowledge of safety standards, OSHA regulations, and risk management practices. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and maintenance management software systems. 
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations, including after-hours availability. 
• Detail-oriented with strong recordkeeping and documentation skills.