Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering at Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15B of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30‑year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, Highgate provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle—from planning and development to recapitalization or disposition. The company develops a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. Industry‑leading revenue‑management tools are used to efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value.

We are a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands, led by a seasoned executive team and corporate offices worldwide. For more information, visit

Location
The Westin Arlington Gateway is perfectly located two blocks from the Ballston Metro Station, offering convenience to the nation’s capital. Guests can enjoy historic monuments, museums, Georgetown shopping, a round of golf, or a day in Dupont Circle—just a metro ride away. The hotel features 338 modern guestrooms, including 14 suites.

The Director of Engineering is responsible for all administrative, financial, and operating aspects of the hotel that relate to the engineering division. The incumbent ensures the safe and profitable operation of the hotel.

• Supervise and train all engineering staff in customer service, empowerment, standard operating procedures, and loss prevention standards.
• Create, approve, and post all engineering staff schedules according to Highgate Hotel standards.
• Create and adhere to the annual departmental budget.
• Develop financial forecasts and actively participate in monthly profit/loss review meetings.
• Develop and implement plans to maintain property, equipment, grounds, and other assets in an acceptable state of repair.
• Ensure the hotel complies with all local, state, and federal laws.
• Create and implement a preventative maintenance program for all hotel equipment.
• Ensure all emergency and life safety equipment and systems are inspected, tested, and certified per Highgate Hotel standards.
• Ensure room maintenance requests are handled promptly and courteously.
• Follow up on all alarms immediately to determine the exact location and cause, report findings to Front Desk, and take immediate action as necessary.
• Assist with special projects and renovations as needed.
• Participate actively in energy conservation programs.
• Review all guest and meeting‑planner comment cards to ensure problems are identified and corrected in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Administer all vendor contracts controlled by the engineering department.
• Support and participate in all Highgate Hotel programs.
• Lead and participate in the Highgate Hotel Safety Committee.

• At least 5 years of progressive facilities management experience in a hotel or related field; or a 4‑year college degree with at least 1 year of related management experience; or a 2‑year college degree with 3 or more years of related management experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Stationary Engineer’s license if required by local code.
• Proficiency in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boiler operations, and general maintenance.
• Ability to work long hours, including occasional heavy work (lifting up to 100 lbs), and travel related to company business.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of employees and guests.
• Excellent listening, understanding, and clarification skills for employee and guest concerns.
• Able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all interactions with guests and employees attentively, courteously, and service‑oriented.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as scheduling will vary with hotel needs.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing name tags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
• Maximize productivity, identify problems, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Handle problems proactively, anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving as necessary.
• Analyze complex information from various sources to meet objectives.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.

Director

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Hospitality