Plant Engineering Manager

FuelCell Energy is a global leader in decarbonizing power and producing hydrogen through proprietary fuel cell technology. Our mission is to enable a world powered by clean energy. We offer the only technology capable of capturing carbon from an external source while producing power, as well as the only technology capable of producing hydrogen, power, and water simultaneously.

About the role

We are seeking a Plant Engineering Manager to join our fast-paced facilities team. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Chief of Staff - Operations and plays a key role in daily operational readiness, efficiency, and capacity evolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of a multi-plant Facilities Group.
• Research, negotiate, schedule, and coordinate work performed by outside contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
• Collaborate with plant management and staff to improve employee safety, production quality, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to achieve corporate and departmental Objectives and Key Results.
• Review plant equipment and systems to minimize unplanned downtime, solve problems, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Work with management to meet corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
• Champion preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Develop technical strategies to meet changing business needs and implement maintenance programs.
• Prepare and administer the department budget for maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, equipment, and utility infrastructure.
• Lead or support capital project execution, including equipment purchases and in-house construction/fabrication projects.
• Manage on- and off-hour emergency response, including power outages, equipment repair, and damage control.
• Maintain a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and physical inventory of spare parts.
• Prepare reports, analyze data, and recommend improvements for plant operations and maintenance-related problems.
• Ensure maintenance technicians are adequately trained, equipped, and motivated to accomplish the maintenance program safely and cost-effectively.
• Actively participate in root cause analysis and problem resolution.
• Ensure departmental compliance with corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety programs.
• Establish clear direction and continuous improvement expectations for the team.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of direct experience in Plant/Facility/Equipment Management in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment of at least 50,000 square feet.
• Strong preference for experience with automated/semi-automated equipment and tolerance for manual processes.
• Alternatively, fifteen (15) years of manufacturing industry experience combined with an Associate’s Degree will be strongly considered.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering desired.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on applicable experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high degree of customer service; must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Skills

• Skilled trades knowledge across carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems, including basic PLC (programmable logic controller) troubleshooting.
• Troubleshooting and repairing industrial equipment, including multi-axis machines, furnaces, conveyors, presses, lifts, shears, and brakes.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Machine shop tools and equipment, including pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with a cloud-based CMMS platform for preventive and predictive maintenance preferred.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work throughout a 170,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, including production floor, mechanical rooms, and outdoor grounds in seasonal Connecticut temperatures.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs.
• Must be able to distinguish colors.
• Ability to work at elevated heights and operate or ride in forklifts and man-lifts.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Willing and able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hats, and other designated PPE.
• Must effectively read, write, and speak English for team communication and to follow written procedures.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel locally for company business.
• Infrequent travel to or support of the Danbury, CT location as needed.

Pay

The pay for this position ranges from $120,000 to $132,000.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Generous paid leave.