Critical Environments Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and technically proficient Critical Facilities Manager (CFM) to lead the operational oversight of a mission-critical Research & Development (R&D) laboratory portfolio. This portfolio includes diverse environments, from low-level bench labs to highly critical cleanroom spaces dedicated to microprocessor and data chip performance testing. This supervisory role focuses on ensuring the reliability, uptime, and safety of all critical Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and life safety systems supporting research activities.

Responsibilities

• Vendor & Work Oversight
  • Supervise and direct all preventative and corrective maintenance performed by equipment vendors on critical lab support systems.
  • Develop, review, and approve all Method of Procedures (MOPs) for work on critical systems to minimize risk.
  • Manage the site's change management control process for all planned maintenance, ensuring proper scheduling and communication to reduce operational impact.
  • Oversee contractors working within the building to ensure they understand critical functions and adhere to safety and operational standards.
• Technical & Operational Management
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on lab critical MEP infrastructure, understanding system interconnections and potential impacts.
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of system capacity, load, and redundancy to ensure continuous lab operation.
  • Ensure 24/7 reliability of building systems supporting labs, including HVAC (AHUs, CRACs, Chillers), Electrical (UPS, PDUs, Generators), and Plumbing/Water systems (RODI, Process Cooling, Sump Pumps).
  • Develop, implement, and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical facility operations.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for facility-related incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Compliance, Documentation & Reporting
  • Ensure lab utility infrastructure complies with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, engineering logs, MOPs, and system performance data.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on system performance, vendor activities, incidents, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to leadership.
• Financial & Strategic Planning
  • Assist in developing and managing operational and capital budgets for the lab facilities portfolio.
  • Participate in capacity planning and provide technical input for infrastructure upgrades, lab expansions, and new construction projects.
  • Identify and implement improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve system reliability.

Requirements

• Experience: 7-10 years in critical facilities operations and management, preferably in laboratory, cleanroom, pharmaceutical, or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth, system-level knowledge of critical MEP systems including UPS, generators, power distribution, HVAC (chillers, cooling towers, AHUs), and fire/life safety systems.
• Vendor Management: Proven experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and on-site performance.
• Process Management: Strong understanding of change management controls, MOPs, SOPs, and risk mitigation in a critical environment.
• Skills: Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills with a proven record of providing excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of lab-specific utility systems such as Reverse Osmosis Deionized (RODI) Water, Clean Dry Air (CDA), Process Exhaust, and Gas/Chemical monitoring systems.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP), or similar.
• Experience managing operational and capital budgets.