Assistant Director of Engineering

About the Role

Lead operational excellence at The Joseph, a Forbes Four-Star Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of Nashville. As the Assistant Director of Engineering, you will work alongside the Director of Engineering to oversee the daily maintenance and operation of the hotel's physical plant, guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house systems. This role ensures the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and luxury are maintained throughout the property.

The ideal candidate is a technically skilled leader who thrives in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment, enjoys mentoring others, and is passionate about maintaining a world-class guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Engineering Operations
  • Assist in leading the daily operation of the Engineering department while maintaining Forbes Four-Star and Marriott Luxury Collection standards.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance programs for guest rooms, public spaces, restaurants, meeting spaces, and back-of-house facilities.
  • Ensure the proper operation and maintenance of HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, kitchen equipment, boilers, life safety, and building automation systems.
  • Conduct routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and ensure exceptional property presentation.
  • Respond quickly and effectively to guest room maintenance requests and operational emergencies.
  • Coordinate repairs and maintenance projects while minimizing disruption to hotel operations.
  • Support renovation projects, capital improvements, and equipment replacement initiatives.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Assist with recruiting, training, coaching, scheduling, and developing Engineering team members.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and service excellence.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to engineering associates.
  • Lead daily department meetings and communicate priorities, safety initiatives, and project updates.
  • Promote continuous improvement through training and professional development.
• Safety, Compliance & Asset Protection
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, fire and life safety regulations, local building codes, and company policies.
  • Maintain all required engineering records, permits, certifications, and inspection documentation.
  • Support emergency preparedness planning and participate in hotel emergency response procedures.
  • Assist in managing vendor relationships, service contracts, and outside contractors.
  • Promote safe work practices and ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing and managing departmental budgets and operating expenses.
  • Monitor inventory levels for engineering supplies, tools, and replacement parts.
  • Support purchasing, invoice approvals, and expense management.
  • Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to assign, track, and complete work orders.
  • Analyze maintenance trends and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and asset longevity.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive engineering or facilities maintenance experience in a hotel, resort, healthcare, commercial, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience within an Engineering or Maintenance department.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Commercial HVAC systems
  • Refrigeration systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing
  • Boilers and hot water systems
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Building automation systems (BAS)
  • Preventive maintenance programs
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining exceptional guest service standards.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and guest-focused operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
• HVAC Certification.
• Commercial Refrigeration Certification.
• Experience in a Forbes-rated, AAA Four Diamond/Five Diamond, or Marriott Luxury Collection hotel.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• OSHA safety training or certifications.
• Knowledge of energy management and sustainability initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, kneel, bend, crawl, and work in mechanical spaces throughout the property.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment, ladders, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, and maintenance management software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Marriott Explore Rate travel discounts worldwide
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Complimentary team member meals
• Uniforms provided
• Opportunities for career advancement