Chief Engineer

Hilton Garden Inn Worcester – Worcester, Massachusetts

Property: 199-Room Full-Service Hotel

Reports To: General Manager

Department: Engineering / Maintenance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance of the Hilton Garden Inn Worcester, a 199-room hotel located in the heart of downtown Worcester, Massachusetts. This position ensures that all hotel facilities, guest rooms, public areas, mechanical systems, and life-safety systems are maintained in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner while delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting Hilton brand standards.

The Chief Engineer leads the Engineering Department, manages maintenance personnel, banquet setup and vendors, oversees capital improvement projects, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, and Hilton safety and operational requirements.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering & Maintenance Operations

•Direct all engineering and maintenance operations for the hotel, including guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, and exterior grounds. 

•Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all building systems and equipment. 

•Ensure the efficient operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, kitchen equipment, elevators, laundry equipment, and building automation systems. 

•Respond promptly to maintenance emergencies and operational issues to minimize guest disruption and property downtime. 

•Maintain all hotel equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and Hilton brand standards. 

•Oversee setup of meetings and banquet functions.

Leadership & Team Management

•Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate engineering team members. 

•Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and service excellence. 

•Provide technical guidance and professional development opportunities for engineering staff. 

•Maintain appropriate staffing levels to support hotel operations and guest service needs. 

Safety & Compliance

•Ensure compliance with all OSHA regulations, local building codes, fire codes, environmental regulations, and Hilton standards. 

•Oversee fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, and life-safety equipment inspections and testing. 

•Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments. 

•Lead emergency response procedures and serve as a key member of the hotel's emergency management team. 

Financial Management

•Prepare and manage the Engineering Department annual operating and capital budgets. 

•Control departmental expenses and labor costs while maintaining service and maintenance standards. 

•Solicit competitive bids and negotiate contracts with vendors and contractors. 

•Monitor utility consumption and implement energy conservation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

Capital Projects & Asset Management

•Coordinate renovation projects, guest room upgrades, and property improvement plans. 

•Manage outside contractors and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with hotel standards. 

•Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment inventories, warranties, and project documentation. 

•Assist ownership and management with long-term asset preservation planning. 

Guest Service

•Support the hotel's commitment to guest satisfaction by ensuring all facilities are maintained to the highest standards. 

•Respond to guest concerns related to engineering or maintenance issues in a professional and timely manner. 

•Collaborate with Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Sales teams to support hotel operations and special events. 

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Qualifications

Education & Experience

•High school diploma or GED required; technical certification, trade school training, or degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field preferred. 

•Minimum of 5 years of progressive engineering or facilities maintenance experience in hospitality, commercial, healthcare, or institutional environments. 

•Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience. 

•Hotel engineering leadership experience strongly preferred. 

•Unexpired driver’s license.

•Experience with Hilton-branded hotels is highly desirable. 

Technical Knowledge

•Strong knowledge of: 

oHVAC systems 

oElectrical systems 

oPlumbing systems 

oFire and life-safety systems 

oBuilding automation systems 

oPreventative maintenance programs 

oEnergy management systems 

oCommercial kitchen and laundry equipment 

Skills & Competencies

•Strong leadership and team development skills. 

•Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. 

•Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond effectively in emergency situations. 

•Strong budgeting and financial management skills. 

•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

•Proficiency with maintenance management software and Microsoft Office applications. 

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Physical Requirements

•Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and work in mechanical spaces for extended periods. 

•Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 

•Ability to work in varying indoor and outdoor conditions. 

•Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation as required. 

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

•Guest satisfaction scores related to maintenance and facility conditions. 

•Preventative maintenance completion rates. 

•Engineering labor and departmental budget performance. 

•Utility cost management and energy efficiency results. 

•Life-safety compliance and inspection outcomes. 

•Work order response and completion times. 

•Property condition and Hilton quality assurance scores. 

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Why Join Hilton Garden Inn Worcester?

Located in the vibrant downtown Worcester business and entertainment district, the Hilton Garden Inn Worcester offers a dynamic hospitality environment where team members can make a meaningful impact on guest satisfaction and property performance. The Chief Engineer plays a critical leadership role in maintaining the hotel's physical assets, ensuring operational excellence, and supporting the continued success of this 199-room property.

Hilton Garden Inn Worcester is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all team members.