Destination Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

Luxury Hospitality & Entertainment Destination

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the maintenance, reliability, and performance of all facility infrastructure systems for a large-scale hospitality and entertainment destination. This property operates in a 24/7 environment and includes hotel accommodations, entertainment venues, food and beverage operations, and other guest-facing facilities.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems across the property.

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical leader for all facility operations and critical infrastructure. This individual will oversee engineering and maintenance teams while ensuring compliance, reliability, and preventive maintenance efforts for all building systems.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership experience in complex, high-volume facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Operations Leadership

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop engineering and facilities team members.
• Provide technical oversight of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, emergency power, and building automation systems.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical facility systems.
• Lead response efforts during equipment failures and facility emergencies.
• Proactively identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Develop contingency plans and system redundancy strategies.

Central Plant & Critical Infrastructure

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of:
• Chillers
• Boilers
• Cooling towers
• Heat exchangers
• Pumps
• Domestic hot water systems
• Water treatment and utility systems
• Monitor system performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Ensure operational readiness and inspection compliance.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements.
• Assist in the development and management of operating budgets and capital planning.
• Coordinate equipment replacement projects and facility upgrades.
• Support long-term asset management and lifecycle planning.

Team Leadership

• Manage engineering staff scheduling and workforce planning.
• Conduct training, coaching, and performance development initiatives.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ensure teams follow established maintenance and operational procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, fire and life-safety regulations, OSHA standards, and environmental requirements.
• Serve as the lead engineering representative during inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Lead emergency response efforts and root-cause investigations.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support 24/7 operations.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and operational information.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of facilities or engineering experience.
• 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience managing engineering or maintenance teams.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building systems.
• Experience managing vendors, service contracts, maintenance programs, and operating budgets.
• Working knowledge of applicable building and fire codes.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, work at heights, and perform physical tasks associated with facility operations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.

Preferred

• Experience in large-scale hospitality, entertainment, resort, healthcare, manufacturing, or other critical operations environments.
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards.
• Experience utilizing CMMS platforms.
• Professional certifications or licenses related to engineering, HVAC, electrical systems, or facilities management.

Compensation & Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package available, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company participation
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Opportunities

Ideal Background

Candidates with Chief Engineer, Director of Engineering, Facilities Director, Plant Manager, Central Utility Plant, Resort Engineering, Hotel Engineering, Healthcare Facilities, or large-scale commercial facilities experience are encouraged to apply.