Function:
The Corporate Engineer leads engineering planning, capital execution, and asset integrity across a significant portion of RLJ’s hotel portfolio (35+ properties). Sitting within Design & Construction, this role partners with Asset Management and property teams to drive consistent engineering performance, execute complex projects, and protect long-term asset value.
This is a senior, hands-on role for a seasoned operator who is comfortable working across a multi-property platform.
Responsibilities:
Portfolio Engineering
- Support and guide third-party management, property-level, Regional, and Chief Engineers
- Ensure consistent engineering standards and operating practices are being implemented by third-party management teams
- Conduct property inspections, audits, and condition assessments
- Provide expertise on complex building systems
Capital Projects
- Oversee MEP, infrastructure, and disaster remediation projects from planning through execution
- Lead RFPs, budgeting, bid-leveling, contract negotiation, and project delivery
- Ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with asset strategy
Maintenance & Asset Performance
- Strengthen preventive and predictive maintenance programs
- Improve asset reliability and reduce reactive repairs
- Standardize vendor performance and service delivery
Energy & Systems
- Identify opportunities to reduce utility costs and improve efficiency
- Leverage building automation systems and CMMS tools
- Support sustainability initiatives
Life Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and brand standards
- Oversee fire/life-safety systems and risk mitigation
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
Financial & Investment Support
- Monitor R&M and CapEx spend
- Support capital planning and multi-year forecasting
- Participate in acquisition and disposition due diligence, including site assessments and capital review
Team Leadership
- Collaborate with peer Corporate Engineers to implement best practices across portfolio and leverage buying power
- Utilize Assistant Project Management resources to improve project execution efficiency
- Lead third-party vendors and hold them accountable for results
Requirements
Skills and Requirements
- Strong technical expertise across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building systems
- Proven ability to manage complex projects across multiple assets and disciplines
- Financial acumen across CapEx, R&M, and ROI analysis
- Experience managing vendors, contracts, and construction processes
- Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office; experience with project management and CMMS tools preferred
- Familiarity with Trimble and Yardi or similar systems a plus
- Ability to travel 50–60%
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Facilities, or related field preferred
- Relevant certifications (e.g., PE, CFM) a plus
- 10+ years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities leadership
- Multi-property or portfolio-level experience required
- Experience leading complex capital projects in an operating environment
- Strong background in life-safety and regulatory compliance
- REIT, ownership, or asset management experience preferred
Work Environment:
- Position is based in Bethesda, MD or Northeast Region
- Regular travel to portfolio properties
- On-site in the office four days a week, with one designated remote workday.
Compensation:
- Base Salary Range: $165,000 – $185,000
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Eligible for equity participation, subject to plan terms
Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
RLJ Lodging Trust is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EOE
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, Roth)
- Life Insurance
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Transportation Benefits
- Training & Development
- Free Food & Snacks
- Discounted Health Club Membership
- Franchisor Hotel Discounts
Corporate Engineer