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Hotel Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Bench Engineer serves as the strategic and operational leader of the hotel's Engineering department on a temporary basis. This role is responsible for maintaining the building, grounds ...

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Hotel Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$61

How much do hotel engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hotel engineer in Chicago, IL is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hotel engineer?

A hotel engineer is in charge of maintenance for a hotel. As a hotel engineer, it’s your job to troubleshoot and repair hotel equipment, facilities, and systems (including HVAC and electrical). Your job duties include performing preventative maintenance, making regular inspections, coordinating the maintenance staff, diagnosing potential problems, and staying within budget. It is also your responsibility to train new hires, select the right contractors for projects, and ensure the hotel meets all building codes and regulations. Most employers prefer relevant work experience over a formal college education.

What are the typical daily challenges faced by a hotel engineer, and how are they addressed?

Hotel Engineers often encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions, maintaining guest comfort during peak occupancy, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They regularly prioritize urgent repairs, conduct preventive maintenance, and coordinate with housekeeping or front desk teams to minimize disruptions. Effective communication, adaptability, and a proactive maintenance schedule are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth hotel operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hotel engineer, and why are they important?

A Hotel Engineer requires a solid understanding of building systems, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical maintenance, often backed by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), preventive maintenance software, and specific trade licenses (such as HVAC or electrical) is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance teamwork and guest satisfaction. These skills are crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for guests and staff while minimizing operational disruptions.

What is the difference between Hotel Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectHotel EngineerMaintenance Technician
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing licensesGeneral maintenance, HVAC, electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentHotels, resorts, hospitality facilitiesVarious settings including commercial, residential, industrial
Job ResponsibilitiesOversee building systems, repairs, preventive maintenancePerform repairs, installations, routine maintenance
Industry UsageCommonly employed in hospitality industryUsed across multiple industries including hospitality

Hotel Engineers focus on maintaining and managing building systems specific to hotels, ensuring guest comfort and safety. Maintenance Technicians perform general repairs and maintenance across various settings. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Hotel Engineers typically have specialized knowledge related to hotel operations, making them more suited for hospitality environments.

What are popular job titles related to Hotel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Hotel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hotel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Hotel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Hotel Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,289 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Chief Maintenance Engineer

Chicago Marriott Northwest

Hoffman Estates, IL

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the daily operation of the Engineering and Maintenance Department.

  • Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for all hotel equipment and facilities.

  • Respond promptly to maintenance emergencies and guest service requests.


Job description

You're right—the role should be on-site. Here's the corrected job description.

Chief Maintenance Engineer

Company: The Ghoman Group
Job Title: Chief Maintenance Engineer
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Location: Marriott Chicago Northwest
Address: 4800 Hoffman Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Salary: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
Experience Required: Minimum 5 Years (Mandatory)

About the Role

The Ghoman Group is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Chief Maintenance Engineer to oversee all engineering and maintenance operations at Marriott Chicago Northwest. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the hotel's facilities, guest rooms, public spaces, mechanical systems, and equipment are maintained to the highest operational and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hotel engineering experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience through effective facility management.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee the daily operation of the Engineering and Maintenance Department.

  • Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for all hotel equipment and facilities.

  • Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate the maintenance team.

  • Maintain all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, boilers, chillers, elevators, generators, and life safety systems.

  • Ensure guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, and back-of-house facilities remain in excellent condition.

  • Respond promptly to maintenance emergencies and guest service requests.

  • Conduct regular inspections of hotel facilities to identify maintenance needs and safety concerns.

  • Coordinate renovations, repairs, and capital improvement projects.

  • Manage maintenance budgets, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, fire safety requirements, environmental regulations, and local building codes.

  • Maintain maintenance logs, equipment records, inspection reports, and regulatory documentation.

  • Promote energy efficiency and implement cost-saving maintenance initiatives.

  • Work closely with hotel leadership to support operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of hotel engineering or facility maintenance leadership experience (Mandatory).

  • Previous experience as a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Manager, or similar leadership role in a hotel.

  • Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, boilers, chillers, generators, and building automation systems.

  • Experience managing preventive maintenance programs and hotel facility operations.

  • Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, life safety systems, and local building codes.

  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hotel environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with Marriott or other major hotel brands.

  • EPA Universal Certification preferred.

  • HVAC Certification preferred.

  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is a plus.

  • Experience leading hotel renovation or capital improvement projects.

Technical Skills
  • HVAC Systems

  • Electrical Systems

  • Plumbing Systems

  • Refrigeration Systems

  • Boilers & Chillers

  • Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems

  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)

  • Preventive Maintenance Programs

  • CMMS / Maintenance Management Software

  • Microsoft Office Suite

Leadership Skills
  • Team Leadership

  • Staff Training and Development

  • Budget Management

  • Vendor and Contractor Management

  • Preventive Maintenance Planning

  • Project Management

  • Time Management

  • Strong Communication and Decision-Making Skills

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive annual salary: $70,000 – $120,000

  • Performance-based bonus opportunities

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Paid Holidays

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Professional Development Opportunities

  • Career Advancement within The Ghoman Group

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Updated Resume

  • Relevant Certifications (if applicable)

  • Professional References

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Screening Questions
  1. Do you have a minimum of 5 years of hotel engineering or maintenance management experience?

  2. Have you previously worked as a Chief Engineer or Engineering Manager in a hotel?

  3. Are you experienced with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, boilers, and building automation systems?

  4. Do you have experience managing preventive maintenance programs?

  5. Do you hold EPA Universal, HVAC, or any other relevant certifications?

  6. Are you authorized to work in the United States?

  7. Are you able to work on-site at Marriott Chicago Northwest, 4800 Hoffman Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192?

This is an on-site position. Only candidates meeting the minimum experience requirement and able to work at the hotel location will be considered.