Chief Engineer

ABOUT THE LAKE:

The Lake is a new private social club opening in September 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, three guest rooms, and a small spa, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina; in addition to leading Topography, Liam is also the co-owner of Ballyfin, a family-owned five-star country hotel in Ireland that was awarded three Michelin Keys in 2024 and named the best country hotel in Ireland and the United Kingdom by Travel & Leisure.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of The Lake’s building systems and physical infrastructure. This includes HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety systems, kitchen equipment, elevators, and overall building condition. The Chief Engineer will partner closely with the General Manager and department leaders to ensure the club’s facilities support all operations, including dining venues, guest rooms, spa areas, and member spaces. The role requires both strategic planning and hands-on leadership to ensure preventative maintenance, rapid issue resolution, and operational reliability. The Chief Engineer will also play a key role in pre-opening preparations and establishing maintenance programs that support the long-term performance of the property. This role is expected to be actively involved in troubleshooting and maintenance while also leading strategy, systems, and team development.

FACILITIES & PROPERTY PHILOSOPHY

The Lake is designed to operate at the level of the world’s best private clubs and boutique hospitality properties. The physical environment of the club—its architecture, infrastructure, and technical systems—must consistently support exceptional hospitality and member comfort.

Leaders responsible for the property are expected to maintain standards that are:

· Meticulously maintained and visually impeccable

· Technically reliable and operationally efficient

· Preventative rather than reactive

· Safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible

The Chief Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the club’s facilities operate seamlessly so that members and guests experience the property at its very best every day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilities & Building Operations

· Oversee all building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life safety, and building automation systems.

· Ensure the property is maintained to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.

· Maintain optimal operating conditions for all member and staff spaces including restaurants, bars, guest rooms, spa areas, and back-of-house facilities.

· Monitor building performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency and reliability.

· Respond promptly to operational issues and coordinate timely repairs.

Preventative Maintenance & Asset Management

Develop and implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all building systems and equipment.
Maintain detailed maintenance records, asset inventories, and service schedules.
Oversee maintenance and servicing of kitchen equipment, refrigeration systems, elevators, and other operational infrastructure.
Plan long-term maintenance and capital replacement schedules.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, fire safety regulations, OSHA standards, and local regulatory requirements.
Maintain life safety systems including fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and evacuation procedures.
Coordinate inspections with regulatory authorities and maintain required documentation.
Develop and maintain emergency response procedures related to building systems and infrastructure.

Vendor & Contractor Management

Manage relationships with external contractors, service providers, and equipment vendors.
Oversee maintenance contracts and service agreements for building systems.
Supervise outside contractors performing repairs, installations, or maintenance work.
Ensure all vendor work meets The Lake’s operational and quality standards.

Financial Planning & Cost Control

Develop and manage the engineering and maintenance operating budget.
Monitor maintenance costs, service contracts, utilities, and capital expenditures.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Partner with leadership on capital improvement planning and equipment replacement strategies.

Leadership & Team Development

Recruit, train, and lead the engineering and maintenance team.
Establish clear procedures and operational standards for maintenance operations.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Ensure engineering team members support all departments with professionalism and responsiveness.

Pre-Opening & Operational Readiness

Play a key role in the final construction, commissioning, and pre-opening phases of the property.
Participate in system testing, equipment installation, and operational readiness planning.
Establish preventative maintenance programs, service procedures, and operational documentation prior to opening.
Support the transition from construction to fully operational facility management.

REPORTS TO:

General Manager of The Lake

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The Lake is seeking candidates who possess strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and a commitment to operational excellence in a luxury hospitality environment.

· Professional experience:

o 7+ years of engineering or facilities leadership experience in luxury hotels, private clubs, or high-end hospitality environments.

o Strong knowledge of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.

o Experience managing preventative maintenance programs and complex building infrastructure.

o Experience managing contractors, vendors, and service providers.

o Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

o Experience with pre-opening hospitality projects preferred.

o Able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and on-call availability as needed.

· Commitment to and demonstrated track record of excellence with Topography’s core values:

o Drive: Brings an ownership mindset and holds themselves accountable for results.

o Teamwork: Builds strong, collaborative teams and prioritizes collective success.

o Empathy: Respects and seeks to understand diverse perspectives from colleagues and members.

o Excellence: Maintains uncompromising standards in food, service, and leadership.

o Integrity: Acts honestly, transparently, and ethically at all times.

o Judgment: Makes thoughtful, effective decisions in complex and fast-paced environments.

o Creativity: Approaches challenges with imagination, curiosity, and adaptability.

o Positive Attitude: Leads with energy, optimism, and resilience.

o Self-Awareness: Understands personal impact and continuously seeks growth.

COMPENSATION:

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

The Lake

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Chief Engineer