Sr. Plant Engineer

As a key technical resource for the plant utility systems, you will support safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations at Takeda’s Social Circle, Georgia site. This role involves hands-on engineering support, troubleshooting utility systems, improving equipment reliability, and developing practical solutions in an operational manufacturing environment. You’ll collaborate with Maintenance, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Automation, Validation, Reliability Engineering, and EH&S to solve problems and enhance site performance. The position also supports capital projects, continuous improvement, energy and water reduction initiatives, and sustainability efforts, with a primary focus on plant utilities and operational engineering expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support and troubleshooting for critical plant utility systems, including cooling towers, chillers, boilers, HVAC, water systems, compressed air, process gases, and related distribution systems.
• Monitor system performance, analyze operational data, and develop solutions to improve reliability, capacity, efficiency, maintainability, and manufacturing continuity.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, Automation, Reliability Engineering, and EH&S to resolve issues and support site priorities.
• Lead or support engineering studies, equipment specifications, system assessments, design packages, and capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, asset reliability programs, root cause investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption, waste, downtime, and operating costs while supporting site sustainability goals and utility optimization.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, change controls, SOPs, P&IDs, specifications, and other technical documentation as required.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and technical service providers to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project and site requirements.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) for assigned utility systems, maintaining knowledge of applicable engineering standards, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Respond to occasional after-hours or weekend utility needs to support the site’s 24/7 manufacturing operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, preferably Mechanical, Chemical, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with plant utilities, facility utilities, or “dark/gray utilities,” particularly systems such as chillers, cooling towers, boilers, HVAC, or related hydraulic systems.
• Experience supporting utilities or facility systems in an operational manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Pharmaceutical experience is a plus but not required; relevant experience from other manufacturing industries will be considered.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, utility schematics, equipment specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Experience with capital projects, equipment modifications, system assessments, or facility expansions preferred.
• Familiarity with CMMS, BMS, process control systems, and/or utility management systems preferred.
• Experience with equipment from manufacturers such as Cleaver-Brooks, Trane, or Johnson Controls (JCI) is a plus.
• Knowledge of cGMP, ASME, OSHA, EPA, ISPE, or other applicable industry standards preferred.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Reliability Engineering, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate, influence, explain technical concepts, and work effectively across functions.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to take ownership, work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive issues through resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools such as Microsoft Project preferred.

Work Environment

• Work in a combination of office-based and field environments, including routine walking throughout manufacturing and utility areas to assess equipment and facility conditions.
• Work in varying environmental conditions, including cold, hot, noisy, and wet utility and production areas.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and safety footwear in designated areas.
• Access mechanical spaces and climb ladders as required to support equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and project activities.
• Work in controlled manufacturing and cleanroom environments requiring compliance with applicable gowning and contamination-control requirements, including restrictions on jewelry, cosmetics, nail products, and other prohibited items.
• Support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional off-shift activities, nights, weekends, or holidays as needed. These situations are expected to be occasional rather than a regular weekend schedule.
• Work with contractors, vendors, equipment suppliers, and other external partners while ensuring applicable safety and quality requirements are followed.
• Travel occasionally for training, project support, vendor visits, or professional development activities (less than 5%).
• Speak, read, write, and follow detailed written and oral instructions in English.
• Follow all applicable cGMP, OSHA, EPA, environmental, health, safety, and site requirements.

Pay

U.S. Base Salary Range: $89,900.00 - $141,240.00. The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term and/or long-term incentives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Company holidays.
• Well-being benefits.
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
• New hires eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation per year.