Director of Engineering - Project Manager (Taskforce)

OverviewPosition SummaryCanyon Ranch Austin is seeking a seasoned, results-oriented Director of Engineering — Project Manager on a short-term taskforce basis to lead all construction completion, systems commissioning, and facilities readiness activities for the pre-opening of a landmark luxury wellness resort opening Fall 2026. This role serves as the on-site owner's representative and operational liaison, ensuring that every inch of the new-build property is delivered to Canyon Ranch brand standards, Forbes Travel Guide expectations, and full regulatory compliance — on time and on budget.The ideal candidate brings deep hospitality engineering leadership experience, a proven track record in luxury new-build or major renovation openings, and the credibility to partner effectively with ownership, general contractors, design teams, and department heads. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with a defined end state: a flawlessly opening resort.About The EngagementCanyon Ranch Austin is a ground-up new build scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The Director of Engineering — Project Manager (Taskforce) is brought on specifically to:Bridge construction punch-list completion and operational readinessServe as a point of accountability for Canyon Ranch with all landscaping, construction, and architecture project deadlines and owner scoped tasks and projectsBuild and lead the property Engineering department from the ground up, including landscaping, maintenance technicians and security colleagues Translate contractor deliverables into guest-ready, luxury-standard operationsEnsure seamless handoff from development to ongoing property managementResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities Include:Construction Completion & Owner's RepresentationServe as Canyon Ranch's on-site owner's representative during final construction, punch-list, and commissioning phasesCoordinate directly with the general contractor, subcontractors, and design consultants to drive schedule adherenceAttend and lead all OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) meetings; prepare and distribute meeting minutes and action logs and ensure deliverables are met in a timely fashion Manage the master punch-list process, ensuring deficiencies are remediated prior to guest arrivalSystems Commissioning & Technical ReadinessOversee commissioning, testing, and acceptance of all MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), HVAC, fire life safety, elevators, building automation systems (BAS), and specialty wellness equipmentCoordinate utility connections and confirm all permits, certificates of occupancy (COs), and operational licenses are obtainedEstablish preventive maintenance programs, equipment schedules, and asset registers prior to openingEnsure all equipment warranties, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings are collected and organized for ongoing operationsLead utility metering, sustainability benchmarking, and energy management baseline setupDepartment Build-Out & Team LeadershipRecruit, interview, and select the property Engineering team, including Assistant Director of Engineering, maintenance technicians, landscaping, and security colleaguesPartner with HR and Learning & Development Manager to develop onboarding plans, training curricula, and task checklists for Engineering colleaguesEstablish department operating procedures, emergency response protocols, and safety programsFoster a culture of proactive maintenance, precision, and luxury service mindset within the Engineering teamPre-Opening Project ManagementDevelop and maintain a comprehensive pre-opening Engineering checklist and milestone tracker from contract execution through Day 1 operationsManage the Engineering pre-opening budget, track expenditures, and flag variances with recommended actionsCoordinate FF&E and OS&E receiving, installation inspection, and placement in collaboration with Design and department headsPartner with IT, Security, and AV vendors to ensure full integration of technology systemsStakeholder Coordination & CommunicationAct as the primary engineering liaison between the Managing Director, Project Manager, SVP of Development, and all operational departmentsProduce regular written status reports on construction progress, open issues, and risk mitigation for senior leadershipCollaborate with Rooms, Spa, Food & Beverage, and Health + Performance leadership to ensure all spaces meet Forbes Travel Guide and brand standardsQualificationsRequired Experience Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering or facilities management experience in luxury hotel, resort, or high-end commercial environmentsMinimum 3 years of experience in a pre-opening, new-build, or major renovation project leadership roleDemonstrated experience managing construction completion, commissioning, and handover on projects of comparable scale and complexityProven ability to recruit, build, and lead high-performing engineering or facilities teamsPreferred QualificationsExperience within luxury hotel or resort brands with Forbes Travel Guide Four- or Five-Star positioningProfessional Engineering (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designationFamiliarity with Canyon Ranch brand standards, wellness resort operations, or spa/wellness facility systemsOSHA 30-hour certification or equivalent safety credentialExperience with LEED, WELL Building Standard, or green building certification processesTechnical CompetenciesDeep working knowledge of MEP systems, building automation, fire suppression, elevators, and hospitality-grade HVACProficiency with project management tools (Procore, MS Project, Buildertrend, or equivalent)Ability to read, interpret, and redline architectural, structural, and MEP drawingsStrong understanding of local building codes, ADA requirements, fire and life safety regulations, and health department standardsComfort working within a luxury guest-experience context where technical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity coexistWhat We're Looking ForTreats the property as if it were their own; anticipates issues before they become crises: Ownership MindsetDrives results with urgency, discipline, and attention to detail in a compressed pre-opening timeline: Execution ExcellenceBuilds credibility and trust with contractors, brand, and fellow department heads alike: Collaborative LeadershipTranslates complex technical information into clear, actionable language for non-technical audiences: Communication ClarityMaintains composure and sound judgment when managing competing priorities and last-minute changes: Calm Under PressureUnderstands that engineering excellence in a Forbes-caliber environment means invisible, flawless infrastructure — never visible deficiency: Luxury SensibilityLOCATION: This position will be onsite in Spicewood, TX