Director of Engineering

About the role

At HOTEL PASEO, Autograph Collection, we are seeking a Director of Engineering to join our team. This role is part of the Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts portfolio and is located in the heart of Palm Desert, California.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all building operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, aquatic facilities, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Lead hiring, training, scheduling, and daily supervision of engineering and maintenance team.
• Manage engineering department budgets, capital expenditure projects, utility tracking, payroll, and operational costs.
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and fire regulations, building codes, OSHA standards, and environmental certifications.
• Supervise external contractors and vendors, negotiate service contracts and ensure high-quality workmanship of property renovations and repairs.
• Respond promptly to urgent maintenance requests and guest concerns, maintaining a high standard of luxury service delivery.
• Maintain an efficient inventory of parts, tools, and supplies necessary for uninterrupted hotel operations.
• Collaborate closely with corporate leadership and property department heads to coordinate projects, minimize guest disruption, and preserve this amazing asset.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive engineering and facilities leadership experience, including experience as a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or similar leadership role within an upscale hotel, resort, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Proven experience leading, developing, and mentoring maintenance and engineering teams while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and preventive maintenance.
• Strong technical expertise in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems, including HVAC and refrigeration equipment, electrical systems, pools, plumbing, mechanical equipment, building automation systems, and life-safety infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply technical documents and regulations, including blueprints, schematics, operating manuals, budgets, financial reports, OSHA standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Comprehensive knowledge of facility maintenance practices related to guest rooms, pools, public spaces, FF&E, fire alarm systems, life safety equipment, pneumatic controls, and electronic building systems and PM Systems.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience managing departmental budgets, capital improvement projects, vendor relationships, procurement, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to quickly identify root causes, implement effective solutions, and minimize operational disruptions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities, with a professional presence and a commitment to delivering outstanding service to guests, associates, and ownership partners.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Advanced technical certifications, including HVAC, EPA, CPO, electrical, plumbing, or related credentials, are strongly preferred.
• Must be comfortable working in a physically demanding environment that may require lifting, climbing, prolonged standing, and working outdoors as needed.

Skills

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Technical proficiency in building systems and maintenance.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Room discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts and Marriott worldwide locations.
• Discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts restaurants, cafes, lounges, golfing, skiing, and spa.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (offered after 1 month of employment).
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Employee assistance program offer.
• 401k with employer match.

Pay

$85,000–$105,000/year

Schedule

Full-time position.