About Palm House
Palm House is a boutique luxury property rooted in elevated hospitality, intentional care, and a people-first culture. Inspired by Forbes Travel Guide principles, we believe excellence is created through consistency, accountability, and genuine warmth—both for our guests and for one another. Every detail matters, and every role contributes to the story we tell.
Position Overview
Palm House is seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Director of Engineering to lead all engineering, maintenance, and facilities operations for our luxury hospitality property. This senior leadership role is critical to preserving the aesthetic excellence, operational integrity, safety, and functionality of the property while supporting an exceptional guest and team member experience.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic leader with strong technical expertise, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality standards. This individual will serve as a key partner to executive leadership, ensuring the property operates at the highest level of performance, compliance, and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and training programs for all engineering personnel
- Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments to support seamless hotel operations
Engineering & Maintenance Operations
- Oversee all preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs across the entire property
- Ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, irrigation, and life-safety systems
- Maintain the overall appearance and functionality of the property in alignment with luxury hospitality standards
Capital Projects & Vendor Management
- Plan, manage, and execute capital improvement projects, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades
- Develop project scopes, timelines, and budgets while ensuring minimal disruption to operations
- Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, warranties, and contractor performance
- Negotiate contracts and monitor work quality to ensure value and compliance
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA standards, building codes, and life-safety requirements
- Conduct regular inspections, audits, and safety drills
- Address and resolve safety hazards, maintenance concerns, and regulatory issues promptly
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Develop, manage, and control the Engineering department budget
- Track expenses, forecast needs, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection logs, and work-order systems
- Prepare reports and updates for executive leadership as required
Emergency Response & On-Call Support
- Respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations, system failures, and operational needs
- Be available outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required
Qualifications & Experience
- 5–7+ years of engineering leadership experience in hospitality, luxury residential, or a comparable environment
- Strong technical expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety systems
- Proven experience managing preventive maintenance programs, departmental budgets, and capital projects
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate engineering teams
- Solid knowledge of OSHA regulations, safety standards, and local building codes
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
- Strong vendor management, negotiation, and project management skills
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency with maintenance management and work-order systems
- Hotel or luxury hospitality experience strongly preferred
- Relevant certifications or licenses (HVAC, CPO, electrical, or related trades) are a plus
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the property for extended periods
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work in confined or elevated spaces
- Manual dexterity required for handling tools, equipment, and control panels
- Ability to work in mechanical rooms, outdoors, and in varying temperatures and weather conditions
- Visual and auditory ability to inspect equipment, read gauges, and respond to alarms and emergency signals