About this role
Facility Engineer – GMP Manufacturing Utilities & Facilities
Position Summary
The Facility Engineer serves as the technical leader for facility infrastructure, critical utilities, and maintenance reliability programs within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of plant utility systems including centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, steam boilers, building automation systems (BAS), and process support equipment.
The Facility Engineer provides technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to maintenance technicians while supporting operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This individual will work closely with site operations, engineering, quality, and client stakeholders to ensure facility systems consistently support manufacturing requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Utilities & Infrastructure Leadership
- Provide technical leadership for all facility utility systems and critical infrastructure.
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of:
Centrifugal chillers
- BAC cooling towers
- Cleaver-Brooks boilers
- Steam and condensate systems
- Compressed air systems
- HVAC systems
- Electrical distribution systems
- Building Automation Systems (BAS) and facility controls
- Analyze utility performance and implement solutions to improve reliability, efficiency, and equipment life cycle.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex utility and equipment failures.
GMP Compliance & Regulatory Support
- Ensure facility operations comply with GMP requirements and company standards.
- Support investigations, deviations, corrective actions, and root cause analysis related to utility systems.
- Maintain documentation supporting maintenance and engineering activities.
- Participate in audits and inspections while ensuring facility systems remain inspection-ready.
- Ensure all work is performed in accordance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Maintenance & Reliability
- Develop and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Lead reliability initiatives focused on reducing downtime and improving system performance.
- Utilize CMMS systems (SAP) to manage work orders, maintenance histories, and asset strategies.
- Monitor equipment condition and identify opportunities for proactive maintenance improvements.
- Support capital improvement projects and facility upgrades.
Team Development & Mentorship
- Mentor, train, and develop maintenance technicians and utility operators.
- Provide hands-on coaching to improve troubleshooting, technical skills, and system knowledge.
- Create developmental training plans that support career growth and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance development of maintenance personnel.
Client & Operational Support
- Partner with manufacturing, operations, quality, and engineering teams to support production objectives.
- Coordinate contractors and service providers performing specialized maintenance activities.
- Participate in operational reviews and provide utility performance metrics and recommendations.
- Communicate system status, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership and stakeholders.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Facilities Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of experience supporting facilities and utilities in a GMP-regulated environment.
- Demonstrated experience with:
Centrifugal chillers
- BAC cooling towers
- Cleaver-Brooks boilers
- Building automation and control systems
- HVAC and utility distribution systems
- Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, food manufacturing, or other regulated production facilities.
- Proven leadership experience mentoring and developing maintenance teams.
- Experience working with CMMS platforms and maintenance reliability programs.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control drawings, electrical schematics, and engineering documentation.
- Knowledge of GMP requirements, change control, validation support, and facility compliance programs.
- Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Operational Performance
- Utility system uptime and reliability
- Preventive maintenance completion rate (>95%)
- Reduction in equipment failures and downtime
- Energy and utility efficiency improvements
GMP & Compliance
- Audit readiness and inspection performance
- Completion of GMP documentation requirements
- Compliance with safety and regulatory standards
Team Development
- Technician training and certification completion
- Development and advancement of maintenance personnel
- Knowledge transfer and cross-training effectiveness
Client Satisfaction
- Responsiveness to facility issues
- Support of production and operational objectives
- Stakeholder satisfaction and communication effectiveness
Ideal Candidate: A hands-on engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise in GMP facility utilities with the ability to coach, mentor, and elevate a maintenance team while ensuring world-class reliability, compliance, and customer service.