Chief Engineer

Job Title: Chief Engineer

Location: Fitzpatrick Hotel Group New York ( Fitzpatrick Manhattan & Fitzpatrick Grand Central)

Department: Engineering & Maintenance

Reports To: Properties General Manager’s

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Rate: $110,000/year

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance and engineering operations of our upscale hotels, with a special focus on implementing preventive maintenance for the facilities. This critical leadership role ensures the smooth and efficient operation of all building systems—refrigeration, HVAC, kitchen equipment, plumbing, energy management, and life-safety systems—supporting a premium guest and staff experience.

The ideal candidate brings not only deep technical knowledge, but also a thorough understanding of Hotel / Building operations and the high-demand environments they create. This role calls for a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives on excellence, teamwork, and operational precision.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence
• Oversee and perform maintenance across the entire property, especially in systems like HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, energy management, fire safety.
• Ensure all systems operate at peak efficiency, particularly in high-traffic areas such as bedroom’s, Lobby area, back of house, kitchens, bars, and dining rooms.
• Monitor and optimize energy usage and utility consumption to support sustainability and cost-efficiency goals.
• Collaborate closely with the directors of housekeeping and hotel operations teams to resolve and prevent service-impacting breakdowns.
• Team Leadership
• Lead, train, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff, upholding safety, service, and quality standards.
• Manage hiring, scheduling, and performance evaluations for the maintenance team.
• Project & Vendor Management
• Oversee construction and renovation projects, ensuring timelines, specifications, and budgets are met.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs across all hotel and F&B areas.
• Source and negotiate competitive bids, and manage vendor contracts and relationships.
• Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, ADA regulations, OSHA, EPA, and health department standards.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and enforce corrective actions as needed.
• Respond promptly to emergencies, including during off-hours, to maintain safety and minimize service disruption.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or trade certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of maintenance experience in hotels and/or Building, including 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Hands-on expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety systems.
• Valid Fire Safety Director (FSD) certification if available. 
• Skills & Knowledge
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical documents.
• Deep knowledge of building operations
• Strong understanding of safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA, health codes).
• Proven leadership and team development skills with a focus on safety and service excellence.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

Personal Attributes

• Highly service-oriented and guest-focused, with a problem-solving mindset.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively across departments.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent bending, climbing, kneeling, walking, and standing for extended periods.
• Capacity to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently, including nights, weekends, and holidays.