Chief Engineer Hotel

Location: Lake Forest, IL

Salary: $70K - $73K ++

Position Overview

We're looking for a Chief Engineer who understands that in a boutique hotel, every detail matters. This isn't a large property where a maintenance issue gets lost in the shuffle. Here, the work you do directly shapes the guest experience, protects the property, and keeps operations running without interruption.

As Chief Engineer, you'll own every physical and mechanical system in the building. You'll lead preventive maintenance, manage vendor partnerships, and work closely with hotel leadership to keep standards high and surprises low. The scale of a boutique property means your impact is visible, your decisions carry weight, and your expertise is genuinely valued.

If you take pride in a property that runs the way it should, this role gives you the ownership to make that happen.

Key Responsibilities

• Building Systems Management: Maintain and troubleshoot all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Keep everything operating at peak performance with minimal downtime.
• Preventive Maintenance: Build, manage, and refine preventive maintenance programs that protect equipment, extend asset life, and reduce reactive repairs.
• Vendor Relationships: Source, manage, and hold vendors accountable. Negotiate service agreements, oversee contracted work, and ensure quality and cost control on every project.
• Life Safety and Compliance: Ensure full compliance with life safety codes, fire systems, health regulations, and local building requirements. Keep documentation current and inspection-ready at all times.
• Leadership Coordination: Work alongside the General Manager and department heads to align engineering priorities with operational goals, capital planning, and guest satisfaction.
• Budget Oversight: Manage the engineering budget, track spending, and plan for capital improvements that support the property's long-term condition and value.
• Emergency Response: Lead the response to mechanical failures, outages, and facility emergencies with calm, decisive action that protects guests, staff, and the property.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of engineering or facilities experience, preferably within a hotel, resort, or hospitality setting.
• Hands-on technical proficiency across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Relevant certifications such as HVAC certification, EPA Universal Certification, CFC certification, or a CPO (Certified Pool Operator) credential. Boiler and electrical licenses are a plus.
• Working knowledge of life safety systems, building codes, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing vendors, service contracts, and maintenance budgets.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work directly with hotel leadership and guests.

If interested, please send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com for immediate review and consideration.