Chief Engineer - Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham

Hilton•Homewood, AL

About The Position

At Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham, we are committed to providing a clean, safe, reliable, and well-maintained environment where guests can relax, recharge, and feel taken care of. The Engineering team plays a critical role in delivering that experience by ensuring every system, space, and piece of equipment throughout the hotel operates safely and efficiently. As the Chief Engineer, you will lead the Engineering department and oversee the maintenance, safety, and long-term performance of the hotel’s physical asset. This role combines strong technical expertise with leadership, planning, and operational oversight. If you are a hands-on leader who enjoys solving complex problems, developing team members, and protecting the integrity of a large hotel facility, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both operations and guest satisfaction. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and physical condition of the hotel. This position leads the Engineering department in maintaining all building systems, guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas to Hilton brand standards. Working closely with hotel leadership and operational departments, the Chief Engineer ensures preventative maintenance programs are executed effectively, repairs are completed efficiently, and all systems operate safely and reliably. This role protects the hotel asset through strategic planning, strong operational oversight, vendor coordination, and team leadership while supporting a high-quality guest experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree - preferred; technical certifications or trade education in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, or building maintenance strongly preferred.
Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering or facilities maintenance experience, with leadership or supervisory responsibility preferred.
Strong working knowledge of building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and life-safety systems.
Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize repairs, and manage multiple maintenance projects simultaneously.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across multiple trades.
Ability to read technical manuals, equipment specifications, and building diagrams.
Customer-service mindset with strong communication and leadership skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage when required.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50–75 lbs and perform physical tasks including climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, and working in varied environments.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, or plumbing.
Previous hotel or hospitality engineering leadership experience.
Experience with preventative maintenance systems or work-order management platforms.
Experience coordinating vendors, service contracts, or facility improvement projects.
Familiarity with Hilton brand standards and hotel engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

Oversee the maintenance and operational performance of all hotel systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, kitchen equipment, laundry systems, boilers, elevators, pools, and fire-life safety systems.
Ensure preventative maintenance programs are executed consistently to protect the physical asset and extend equipment life.
Conduct routine inspections of guestrooms, public spaces, exterior areas, and back-of-house operations to maintain Hilton brand standards.
Identify facility improvement opportunities and coordinate repairs or upgrades to maintain property condition and reliability.
Ensure timely completion of work orders while maintaining quality standards and minimizing operational disruption.
Lead, coach, and develop the Engineering team to ensure strong technical performance, accountability, and professional standards.
Establish clear expectations for preventative maintenance, repair quality, safety compliance, and service response.
Schedule team coverage to support hotel operations and emergency response needs.
Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback to support continuous skill development within the department.
Foster a collaborative environment where engineering supports all hotel departments and contributes to overall operational success.
Develop, implement, and monitor preventative maintenance programs for all building systems and equipment.
Ensure repairs are performed efficiently and correctly across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical systems.
Oversee guest room maintenance standards and ensure rooms remain fully operational and guest-ready.
Maintain equipment records, service schedules, and documentation to support operational reliability and long-term asset planning.
Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and outside contractors supporting engineering operations.
Coordinate preventative service agreements, specialized repairs, and equipment servicing.
Assist with renovation projects, capital improvements, and facility upgrades as directed by hotel leadership.
Ensure vendors follow safety procedures and meet service quality expectations.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations including OSHA guidelines, fire-life safety protocols, and local building codes.
Lead emergency preparedness initiatives and ensure proper response procedures are established and understood.
Conduct regular safety inspections and address potential hazards promptly.
Maintain operational readiness of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and other life-safety equipment.
Support engineering budget planning and monitor departmental expenses.
Manage inventory of tools, supplies, and replacement parts to maintain operational readiness while controlling costs.
Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activity, vendor services, inspections, and compliance records.
Assist hotel leadership with capital planning and long-term facility improvement initiatives.