Corporate Engineer presso RLJ Lodging Trust

Description

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