Chief Engineer

Situated in Downtown's 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With an emphasis on collaboration, Austin Proper features both inspired interiors by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler and is guided by the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 238 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drink; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; and a variety of atmospheric event spaces. And it wouldn't be Proper without a 5th floor pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and sunset views.

Job Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading the daily engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel, ensuring all building systems, equipment, and infrastructure function safely, efficiently, and to Proper standards. This role reports directly to the Assistant Director of Engineering and Director of Engineering to support departmental goals and operational priorities. As the senior on-site technical leader, the Chief Engineer owns the execution of preventive maintenance programs, real time issue resolution, and direct supervision of the engineering team, playing a critical role in delivering a seamless guest experience.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Team Oversight

• Serve as the primary day to day leader for the engineering team, providing direction, oversight, and hands on support across all shifts.
• Supervise engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff, ensuring work is completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with hotel standards & quality control.
• Assign daily work orders and maintenance priorities based on guidance from the Assistant Director of Engineering and current operational needs.
• Provide on the job coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to team members to support skill development and performance consistency.
• Support the Assistant Director of Engineering in maintaining appropriate staffing coverage, including weekends, holidays, and after hour's needs.

Facility Maintenance and Systems Management

• Oversee all kitchen and bar maintenance needs, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and project execution, ensuring equipment and facilities operate safely and efficiently.
• Oversee the daily operation and upkeep of all hotel systems but not limited to: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, life safety equipment, and general building infrastructure.
• Ensure preventive maintenance tasks are executed thoroughly and on schedule, identifying potential issues before they escalate.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repairs when needed, serving as the escalation point for complex or critical maintenance issues.
• Maintain the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of guest rooms, public spaces, back of house areas, and exterior facilities.

Emergency Response and Issue Resolution

• Act as a first responder for engineering related emergencies such as power outages, HVAC failures, plumbing incidents, or equipment breakdowns.
• Lead immediate response efforts to minimize guest disruption and operational downtime, escalating issues to the Assistant Director and Director of Engineering as appropriate.
• Coordinate closely with engineering leadership during emergencies, providing timely updates and operational recommendations.
• Ensure proper documentation and follow up after incidents to support continuous improvement.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all engineering operations comply with local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, systems, and work areas to identify hazards and maintain a safe environment for guests and employees.
• Support life safety system testing and readiness, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinklers, and elevators.
• Promote a strong safety culture within the engineering team through training, awareness, and accountability.
• Maintain and ensure compliance related to Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets, ladder safety practices, and proper inspection and functionality of eye wash stations.

Complete all required fire, life, and safety inspections and serve as a champion for building safety through proactive risk mitigation and strong safety leadership.

Coordination and Communication

• Work closely with Front Office, Housekeeping, and other departments to address maintenance needs promptly and professionally.
• Communicate regularly with the Assistant Director of Engineering regarding system performance, recurring issues, and operational risks.
• Provide operational updates and technical input to the Director of Engineering as requested, supporting broader departmental planning and decision making.
• Assist with vendor coordination and oversight as directed by engineering leadership, ensuring work is completed to Proper standards.

Education and or Experience

• Technical certification, trade school training, or equivalent hands on experience in engineering or facilities maintenance is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in hotel or commercial building engineering, with demonstrated senior technician or leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in a hospitality environment.
• Experience responding to emergencies and managing priorities in a live hotel operation.

Skills and Specialized Knowledge

• Advanced technical troubleshooting and repair skills across multiple building systems.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to direct, support, and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Clear communication skills and a service-oriented mindset.
• Comfort working in a fast paced, guest facing environment with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to use maintenance management systems and digital work order platforms.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the hotel property for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull equipment and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, access mechanical spaces, and work in confined areas as required.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people, and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we are committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by fostering a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Hospitality is more than a profession. It is an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity, strive for excellence, think creatively, and take pride in the style and culture that define who we are.

We believe our people are our greatest strength and invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. Joining Proper means building a career and a life that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.