Utilities & Maintenance Engineer (Supervisor Role)

OUR TEAM: The Promega Chappelle Manufacturing Center team consists of innovative professionals with diverse skillsets who work together to achieve our goal to safely manufacture high-quality small molecules that are used in Promega’s Life Science products to improve lives around the globe. To achieve this goal, we build strong relationships, collaborate openly, and embrace an attitude of “How can we do this the right way?” when we face challenges. We believe that to succeed as a team we need to create a space of optimistic learning and shared belonging, leveraging each other’s strengths and celebrating our differences. We are looking to build our team with members who share these values and who are inspired to take on the new opportunities that inevitably await!

YOUR ROLE: As part of the Chemistry Operations team, you will be responsible for the process utility systems that support manufacturing equipment, working to ensure reliable operation and troubleshooting issues to minimize production downtime. In this role, you will serve as the subject matter expert on these systems, providing guidance on system design and driving operational optimization across the plant. As the supervisor for the maintenance technicians, you will develop consistent and effective maintenance procedures for processing equipment and provide support and leadership to the technicians performing the work. You will contribute both independently and as part of cross-functional teams, applying your technical expertise to execute projects and enhance overall plant performance.

JOB OBJECTIVE: Identifies and executes capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives related to process utility systems supporting small molecule synthetic organic chemistry and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing. Ensures equipment readiness and reliability by overseeing maintenance activities for both process and utility equipment, while ensuring compliance with GMP and ISO standards and maintaining high availability of utility systems critical to API and RUO manufacturing.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Leads and participates in cross-functional teams to develop project drivers and business justification, evaluate options, and develop project scope, schedule, and budget. Communicates and presents project status reports to company personnel and leadership. Monitors project progress and work with team members and company leadership to address issues. Aligns project goals with technology transfer, process development, and scale-up efforts to support manufacturing initiatives.

2. Leads and develops a high-performing process maintenance team, fostering accountability, technical growth, and operational discipline. Provides mentorship and performance management via a hands-on approach through hiring, training, creative problem solving, and task prioritization to meet manufacturing needs. Ensures appropriate levels of preventive and demand maintenance support are provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner. Performs follow-up review of team’s work assignments to ensure accuracy and root-cause resolution.

3. Works independently and in teams to develop engineering and maintenance documents, such as user requirements, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and preventative maintenance plans. Exercises good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Utilizes digital tools and data systems (i.e., SAP) to support documentation and maintenance workflows.

4. Drives continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives. Leverages predictive maintenance technologies, historian data, and continuous monitoring practices to proactively manage system performance. Analyzes process utility requirements and coordinates cross-functionally to identify, prioritize and implement process improvement plans to support process equipment readiness. Determines the business case to support new process utility equipment and participate in analysis for capital project justification.

5. Utilizes troubleshooting methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, RCFA, FMEA, Fish-Bone diagrams, 5 Whys, etc.) to investigate issues with process equipment, utility systems and automation systems. Applies root cause analysis to support deviation investigations and ensure compliance with FDA standards.

6. Stays current on trends and technology advancements within the fine chemical industry through internal and external networks and areas of influence and expertise, with emphasis on automation, digital transformation, and AI in utility operations.

7. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

8. Embraces and is open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

9. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

2. Five or more years engineering experience on process utility systems (i.e chillers, boilers, etc.) in small molecule synthetic organic chemistry, fine chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology manufacturing environment.

3. Two or more years management experience, preferably managing maintenance staff.

4. Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects with little daily instruction and receiving only general guidance and vision on new projects and assignments.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of maintenance system requirements including asset and inventory management, work orders, bill of material, and corrective maintenance resolution tracking.

6. Strong organizational and communication skills and a demonstrated ability and desire to share experience and knowledge with team members.

7. Ability to handle both multiple and changing priorities with assigned timelines, budgets and resources.

8. Strong safety mindset.

9. Outstanding critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

10. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

11. Successful in implementing ideas and influencing people in a team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Engineering project experience in technical lead or project management roles.

2. Knowledge of equipment reliability techniques and methodologies.

3. Expertise in hazardous material storage, handling and disposal, process hazard analysis (PHA) methodologies, code compliance and hazardous electrical area classification.

4. Experience with cGMP practices within an FDA-regulated industry.

5. Experience in design or continuous improvement of equipment and utility systems.

6. Experience with CMMS systems, preferably SAP.

7. Experience in use of processes such as Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.

8. Familiarity with AI/data-drive maintenance strategies, including digital twins and predictive maintenance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to move around/about the facility in laboratories and manufacturing suites.

2. Ability to stand for moderate periods of time.

3. Ability to use computers in an interactive manner for extended periods of time.

4. Ability to move objects up to 50 pounds.

5. Ability to use standard personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, lab coat, protective gloves).

6. Ability to use ladders.

7. Ability to travel within the US and internationally as required (less than 10%).

At Promega, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating a culture where everyone belongs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that employment decisions are made fairly and equitably.