An electro-hydraulic variable valve lift system includes a medium pressure chamber, a high pressure circuit, a valve, a pump and an actuator. The chamber is formed in a cylinder head assembly and is in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid source. The high pressure circuit is positioned in the cylinder head assembly and is in selective fluid communication with the chamber. The valve is in fluid communication with the chamber and the high pressure circuit, and the pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid in the high pressure circuit. The actuator is in fluid communication with the pump, control valve and high pressure circuit, and is in engagement with an intake valve. The chamber and the actuator are each positioned in the cylinder head assembly at a location above the valve such that during an engine shutdown event, hydraulic fluid is retained in the chamber and the valve.