Facilities Engineer
Location: Austin, Texas
Local candidates only
A private Austin residence is seeking a hands-on, deeply systems-oriented Facilities Engineer to oversee the care, maintenance, and smooth daily operation of a sophisticated, highly automated property. This is not a desk role. We are looking for someone who knows luxury residential systems front to back, is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to troubleshoot and maintain equipment directly, and has the judgment to know the difference between an issue they can resolve themselves and one that calls for a specialized vendor or licensed expert. The successful candidate will also possess strong leadership and management skills, with experience overseeing vendors, contractors, and support personnel while ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards, on schedule, and within budget.
The ideal candidate is mechanically confident across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automation, water, and pool and spa systems, can read technical documentation including single-line diagrams and as-built plans, and takes genuine pride in keeping a complex home running seamlessly and invisibly. They are proactive rather than reactive, organized in their approach to preventive maintenance, and discreet and professional in a private home setting. In addition to technical expertise, they are highly organized and technologically savvy, with experience maintaining detailed records, service histories, maintenance schedules, warranties, contracts, and property documentation. They are comfortable utilizing smart home platforms, maintenance tracking systems, and digital tools to support efficient operations, while also managing vendor contracts, invoicing, expense tracking, and budgeting. This person is the steady hand behind the scenes who ensures everything simply works.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily operation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of all property systems, performing hands-on work directly wherever appropriate
Routine maintenance and service of the VRF HVAC system, including 43 indoor fan coil units, associated makeup air units, and 6 outdoor condensing units
Manage the commercial-grade generator and all residential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems
Oversee the home network and Savant home automation system, ensuring reliable performance and coordinating with IT, AV and integration specialists as needed
Maintain the water filtration system and monitor water quality throughout the property
Manage all pool and spa equipment and amenities, including the cold plunge, steam room, and sauna
Oversee site drainage, including waste water and storm water management and lift stations
Maintain the irrigation system and coordinate seasonal adjustments as required
Read and interpret single-line diagrams, MEP plans, and AV documentation to diagnose issues and communicate effectively with vendors and engineers
Exercise sound judgment to determine when to troubleshoot and repair in-house versus when to engage a licensed or specialized expert
Develop and maintain preventive maintenance schedules, service records, equipment manuals, and vendor documentation
Source, vet, schedule, and supervise outside contractors and vendors, and serve as the on-site point of contact for all service work
Conduct regular walk-throughs and system checks to identify and address issues before they become problems
Respond to urgent maintenance needs as they arise, including occasional after-hours situations
Collaborate with other household team members
Be able to travel to other properties as requested
Qualifications
Must be local to the Austin, Texas area (no relocation candidates)
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience maintaining luxury or high-end residential properties, estates, or comparable complex facilities
Strong, demonstrated working knowledge of HVAC (VRF experience a plus), electrical, plumbing, generators, water filtration, pool and spa, drainage, and irrigation systems
Familiarity with smart-home and automation platforms, ideally Savant, and home networking
Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams and MEP and AV plans
Mechanically skilled and confident performing hands-on troubleshooting and repairs, with the judgment to know when to escalate to a specialist
Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with a proactive rather than reactive mindset
Excellent vendor management and communication skills
Valid driver's license and clean driving record
High level of discretion, professionalism, and reliability in a private household setting
Able to respond to urgent or after-hours needs
Compensation and Benefits
DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.
Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.
We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.