Powerhouse Assistant Chief Engineer

About the role

The Assistant Chief Engineer reports to the Associate Director of Engineering and is responsible for supervising Power Plant operating personnel while ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of utility services supporting the Rahway site.

Responsibilities

• Direct the safe and efficient operation of Power Plant equipment within established design parameters to provide reliable utility services for site operations.
• Maintain operational control of the Steam Plant (up to 900 psi), Electric Cogeneration Plant (15 MW capacity), Demineralized Water Plant, compressed air systems, potable water distribution systems, and process cooling tower operations.
• Continuously monitor Power Plant operations through review of operating logs, maintenance records, control systems, communications, and field conditions. Investigate discrepancies, implement corrective actions, and recommend operational and equipment improvements.
• Oversee water chemistry testing programs to ensure compliance with standards for potable water, demineralized water, boiler feedwater, and cooling water systems. Respond appropriately to deviations and system upsets.
• Provide first-line supervision for twenty-four (24) licensed hourly operators in a 24/7 operating environment. Ensure compliance with company policies, Code of Conduct requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Establish performance expectations, foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, support employee development, and address labor relations matters and grievance resolution processes.
• Coordinate plant operations to optimize reliability, efficiency, safety, environmental compliance, and utility quality. Partner with maintenance, engineering, environmental, and site operations teams to support plant performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• New Jersey Gold Seal Boiler Operator License required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in utility, power generation, steam plant, cogeneration, or industrial plant operations.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience in an industrial or utility environment.
• Experience overseeing boilers, turbines, water treatment, and utility distribution systems.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of steam generation, cogeneration systems, water treatment processes, and utility distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, environmental compliance requirements, and operating procedures.
• Ability to analyze operational data, troubleshoot complex system issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a 24/7 critical utility environment.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems, plant control systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Adaptability, cGMP Compliance, Codes of Conduct, Collective Bargaining, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Corrective Action Management, Decision Making, Electromechanical Troubleshooting, Employee and Labor Relations, Employee Grievances, Facility Operations, HVAC Systems, Inventory Management, Maintenance Management, Operational Efficiency, People Leadership, Plant Maintenance, Power Plant Operations, Production Scheduling, Product Safety Standards, Safety Compliance, Steam Generators, Systems Troubleshooting, Technical Support.

Licenses/Certifications

• New Jersey Gold Seal Boiler Operator License required.
• Additional utility or power plant operating licenses and certifications are preferred.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $106,200.00 - $167,200.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Schedule

• 1st - Day shift.
• 24/7 operating environment.

Employee Status: Regular. No relocation or VISA sponsorship provided. Valid Driving License required.