We are seeking a skilled and experienced Utilities Superintendent to oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all utilities, facilities, and grounds for our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Middletown DE. This role is responsible for ensuring all utilities equipment, automation & controls, and facilities are operated efficiently, safely, and maintained in compliance with Good Engineering Practices. The ideal candidate will lead a team of multi-skilled operators and maintenance technicians, manage vendor service contracts, and implement preventive/predictive maintenance programs, while working closely with cross-functional teams to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Arrange and support routine maintenance activities on all utilities equipment including but not limited to Hurst Boilers, York Chillers, Marley Cooling Towers, Kaeser Air Compressors, BWT PW System, Durr RTO, and Caterpillar Emergency Diesel Generators,
- Develop and implement the Preventive Maintenance programs on all utilities equipment and systems
- Develop and implement a comprehensive Predictive Maintenance program including electrical system thermography, rotating equipment vibration analysis, and oil sampling
- Ensure safe and efficient operation of all utilities equipment and systems
- Ensure all direct reports and contractors work safely and in strict accordance with all WuXi EHS directives, policies and procedures
- Propose new technology, new materials and new equipment to enhance existing utilities maintenance level
- Effectively manage on hand quantities of all necessary spare parts to ensure reliable equipment and systems operation
- Responsible for the development of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and emergency response policies/procedures for utility maintenance operations.
- Organize ongoing training programs for the Utilities Team
- Ensure the optimization of the performance and efficiency of all utilities equipment and systems
- Manage the overall site Energy Efficiency programs including various utility supply contracts for natural gas and electricity with local regulating agencies
- Act as official liaison to the Town of Middletown for all utility related issues - electricity supply, effluent water treatment, etc.
- Act as official liaison to the state regulatory agency DNREC and manage all aspects of the Title V air emissions permitting program for boiler Nox emissions and operation of Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer RTO
- Manage all facilities and grounds contracts including but not limited to lawn care & snow removal, janitorial services, garbage disposal and recycling, uniforms, gas cylinders, universal waste disposal, etc.
- Implement Root Cause Analysis (RCA) or other similar reliability based protocols on all equipment failures
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, work orders, SOPs, calibration, and validation reports.
- Ensure all equipment and systems are properly qualified and validated per regulatory standards.
- Participate in audits and regulatory inspections, providing necessary maintenance documentation and reports
- Responsible for state of Delaware licensing of high-pressure boiler equipment operators
- Strong working knowledge of all EHS protocols including Safe Work Permitting, Lock Out/Tag Out, Confined Space Entry, Energized Equipment Work, Elevated Work, Hot Work, Lifting Equipment Usage, Underground Excavation
- Working knowledge of electrical systems from 27.3 KV down to 480 Volts
Team Leadership & Training
- Lead and manage a team of multi-skilled maintenance technicians and equipment operators
- Provide technical support and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel including training on utilities equipment operation and maintenance.
- Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the Utilities department
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Safety teams.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Management
- Identify and implement efficiency improvements to optimize operation & maintenance operations and to reduce costs.
- Manage the Utilities Equipment Operating Budget and the associated Maintenance support budget, spare parts inventory, and vendor contracts to ensure cost-effective maintenance solutions.
- Recommend and implement energy-saving and sustainability initiatives to improve overall facility performance
- Manage the ongoing annual Capital Improvement budget for all Utilities equipment and systems
- Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, etc.) or a related field required
- 5+ years of specific Utilities equipment operation and maintenance experience in a Life Sciences/Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology or FDA-regulated environment required
- Strong knowledge of GMP, FDA, OSHA, and industry best practices in Utilities Equipment and systems operation and maintenance
- Hands-on past experience with cleanrooms, HVAC systems, water purification, compressed air, electrical systems, pressure/temperature/flow instrumentation, instrumentation testing & calibration, and automation systems a plus
- Knowledge of PLC's, HMI's, SCADA, Building Management Systems (BMS), and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) a plus.
- Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) - past experience with SAP R/4 HANA EAM module is a definite plus
- Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
- Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a plus
- Strong hands-on leadership style
- Proficient in oral & written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to read, write and speak English
- Past experience with AutoCAD or other drawing management system is a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- 10% travel is possible; both domestic and international
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions
- Must be able to wear appropriate PPE
- Must be able to work in a plant environment with variable noise levels
- Ability to stand/sit/walk for long periods of time
- Ability to lift 10 lbs. routinely
- Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach
- Ability to push/pull 10 lbs. routinely / often / occasionally
- Clarity of vision
- Ability to identify and distinguish colors
- Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions
- Ability to climb ladders / stairs / scaffolding
- Ability to work in variable temperatures (hot, cold, etc.)
- Ability to work both inside and outside in varying working conditions