Senior Utilities Operator

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Utilities Operator to support the safe operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical industrial utility systems supporting a large manufacturing and research facility. This individual will be responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining essential facility utility systems including steam, chilled water, compressed air, purified water, natural gas, water treatment, and other plant infrastructure. The Utilities Operator will support manufacturing operations, laboratories, warehouses, and other critical site operations while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Must-Have Skills

• 7+ years of industrial or commercial maintenance experience within a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, or similar regulated environment
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining pumps, valves, piping systems, rotating equipment, and mechanical process equipment
• Experience operating and troubleshooting industrial utility systems
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical equipment failures and performing repairs independently
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, and technical documentation
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team
• Ability to support a 24/7 industrial operation, including occasional overtime, after-hours, and emergency response

Job Duties

• Operate and monitor central utility systems including boilers, chillers, air compressors, pumps, cooling towers, water treatment systems, distillation units, valves, gauges, controls, and related equipment
• Maintain environmental sampling stations and complete required monitoring activities
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment supporting plant utility operations
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on boilers, chillers, cooling towers, compressors, pumps, and water treatment equipment
• Support installation, modification, relocation, and startup of new and existing utility equipment
• Conduct equipment inspections, lubrication, and reliability checks
• Respond to equipment failures, facility emergencies, and operational issues as needed
• Utilize precision measuring tools and diagnostic equipment to perform maintenance activities
• Maintain equipment records, audit assets, and support spare parts inventory management
• Cook up maintenance activities with contractors and other maintenance personnel
• Train and mentor employees on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safe work practices
• Execute safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and other site-specific requirements
• Serve as a technical resource for utility operations and maintenance activities
• Auxiliary with capital projects, equipment installations, commissioning activities, and facility improvement projects
• Assist with preventive maintenance planning, scheduling, work order execution, and continuous improvement initiatives using CMMS systems

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• 7+ years of industrial maintenance, utilities, or facilities operations experience
• Experience supporting utility systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food manufacturing, chemical, or other regulated industries preferred
• Strong understanding of industrial utility systems including:
• Boilers, steam, and condensate systems
• Chilled water systems and cooling towers
• Oil-free compressed air systems
• Water treatment and purified water systems
• Distillation equipment
• Experience with pump repair, maintenance, and precision alignment preferred
• Experience with Maximo or other CMMS platforms preferred
• Multi-craft maintenance experience across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or utilities disciplines preferred
• Familiarity with GMP, quality systems, and regulated manufacturing environments preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
• Strong leadership, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment
• Ability to work flexible hours based on operational needs