Lead Engineer, HVAC Tech ​/ Heating Engineer, Maintenance Technician ​/ Mechanic

Position Summary

The Lead Engineer is responsible for supporting the Director of Engineering in the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all hotel building systems, with primary oversight of the property's HVAC and mechanical systems. This role serves as the senior engineering team member, ensuring all equipment operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with luxury hospitality standards. The Lead Engineer provides technical leadership, supports preventive maintenance initiatives, coordinates contractors, and assists with department operations to ensure an exceptional guest and team member experience.

• Support the Director of Engineering in the day-to-day operation of the Engineering Department.
• Act as the department lead in the Director of Engineering's absence.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to Engineering team members.
• Assist with assigning daily work orders and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and service excellence.

• Serve as the hotel's subject matter expert for all HVAC systems.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of:
  • Chillers
  • Air Handling Units (AHUs)
  • Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
  • Cooling Towers
  • Exhaust and Supply Fans
  • Pumps
  • Boilers and Water Heating Systems
  • Building Automation System (BAS/BMS)
• Troubleshoot complex HVAC and mechanical issues.
• Monitor system performance and recommend operational improvements.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules to maximize equipment life and energy efficiency.
• Ensure proper refrigerant handling and EPA compliance.

• Maintain hotel mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
• Respond promptly to engineering service requests.
• Perform inspections of guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, and equipment rooms.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

• Assist in developing and executing the preventive maintenance program.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and equipment logs.
• Identify maintenance trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with capital improvement planning and equipment replacement recommendations.

• Coordinate HVAC contractors and outside vendors.
• Verify quality of completed work.
• Monitor contractor compliance with hotel safety standards.
• Assist in obtaining quotes and managing project timelines.

• Maintain OSHA compliance and safe work practices.
• Participate in emergency response procedures.
• Ensure compliance with fire life safety standards.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately.

• Respond professionally to guest maintenance concerns.
• Complete repairs efficiently while minimizing guest disruption.
• Support the hotel's Forbes Five-Star service standards by maintaining guest-facing areas to the highest level.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical or trade school certification preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of engineering or facilities maintenance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of commercial HVAC experience.
• Hospitality or luxury hotel experience strongly preferred.
• EPA Universal Certification preferred.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS/BAS).
• Valid driver's license preferred.

• Advanced HVAC troubleshooting and repair.
• Knowledge of chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, and mechanical systems.
• General understanding of:
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Painting
  • Drywall
  • General building maintenance
• Ability to read blueprints and technical manuals.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Computer proficiency with maintenance management systems and Microsoft Office.

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and lift up to 75 pounds.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergency calls outside of regular business hours.

• Fast-paced luxury hotel environment.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as required.
• May be required to respond to emergency building situations at any time.

• Leadership
• Technical Expertise
• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Guest Service Excellence
• Safety Awareness
• Time Management
• Integrity

Palm House is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to making employment decisions based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified…