Director Engineering

Description

Located in the heart of Hotel Californian, this Forbes-level luxury destination blends Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with modern sophistication, offering a highly curated guest experience across dining, events, and resort amenities.  We offer our team members full benefits including medical, dental, vision, supplement insurance plans, 401k with match, free meals, and growth opportunities in a luxury and friendly environment.

Position Summary

The Director of Engineering & Maintenance is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and safety of all facilities across a luxury beachfront hotel property consisting of three buildings, including rooftop pool amenities. This role ensures that all physical assets meet the highest luxury standards while maintaining compliance with local coastal, environmental, and safety regulations.

The Director leads a high-performing engineering team and partners closely with local agencies, vendors, and internal departments to deliver a seamless, safe, and elevated guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering and maintenance team across three buildings

• Establish performance standards aligned with luxury hospitality expectations

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and succession planning

• Foster a proactive, guest-focused, and safety-driven culture

Multi-Building Facility Operations

• Oversee all engineering operations across three hotel buildings, ensuring operational consistency and efficiency

• Maintain all core systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, and fire/life safety systems

• Ensure rooftop pool systems (filtration, pumps, heating, waterproofing, drainage) are properly maintained and compliant

• Maintain pristine conditions of assets exposed to salt air, sun, wind, and corrosion

Environmental Considerations

• Implement maintenance strategies specific to coastal environments, including corrosion prevention and accelerated wear management

• Ensure compliance with coastal regulations, environmental protections, and erosion control requirements

• Oversee upkeep of outdoor public spaces and access points, and pool decks

Preventive Maintenance & Asset Management

• Design and execute a comprehensive preventive maintenance program across all buildings and amenities

• Maintain equipment logs, warranties, and lifecycle tracking for capital planning

• Anticipate infrastructure needs related to oceanfront exposure and high-end guest usage

• Coordinate renovations and capital improvement projects with minimal guest disruption

Safety, Compliance & Local Agency Coordination

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, fire codes, pool safety, and coastal environmental rules

• Serve as the primary liaison with local agencies (fire department, health department, building inspectors, coastal commissions, utilities, and environmental authorities)

• Manage required permits, inspections, and reporting processes

• Lead emergency preparedness efforts, including storm readiness and evacuation procedures

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets across all buildings

• Forecast expenses related to coastal maintenance and asset preservation

• Identify cost efficiencies without compromising luxury standards

• Oversee capital expenditure planning and ROI analysis for infrastructure projects

Sustainability & Energy Management

• Implement energy efficiency programs appropriate for a luxury resort

• Monitor and reduce utility consumption across buildings and pool operations

• Support sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship goals

• Evaluate opportunities for water conservation and eco-friendly systems

Vendor & Project Management

• Manage and negotiate contracts with specialized vendors, including marine/coastal contractors and pool specialists

• Oversee rooftop pool maintenance vendors and major system upgrades

• Coordinate large-scale renovation projects across multiple structures

• Ensure all vendor work meets brand standards and regulatory requirements

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5+ years of leadership in engineering/maintenance, preferably in luxury hotels, resorts, or multi-building properties

• Strong expertise in building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)

• Experience managing complex facilities with outdoor and specialty amenities (e.g., pools,)

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and permitting processes

Preferred

• Experience in construction, beachfront or coastal resort operations

• Certifications (CFM, HVAC, pool operations, or equivalent)

• Experience coordinating with government agencies and inspectors

• Project management experience with renovations or new construction

Core Competencies

• Strong partnership with internal and external associates, mentorship and leadership experience, team development

• Exceptional problem-solving in dynamic environments

• High attention to detail and commitment to luxury standards

• Financial acumen and strategic planning

• Effective communication with internal stakeholders and external agencies

• Ability to manage emergencies and high-pressure situations

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Extensive property walkthroughs across multiple buildings and outdoor areas

• Exposure to coastal weather conditions, mechanical spaces, and rooftop environments

• On-call availability for emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to access rooftop pool areas, climb ladders, and inspect equipment