The Director – Mechanical Systems (HVAC & Utilities) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the engineering, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems related to HVAC and utilities within manufacturing facilities. This role ensures reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of all mechanical infrastructure supporting manufacturing processes and product environments. The Director leads cross-functional teams to optimize utility systems, enhance energy efficiency, and align mechanical engineering efforts with overall manufacturing objectives and sustainability initiatives.
Lead the engineering, design, and operation of HVAC, steam, compressed air, water treatment, and other utility systems supporting manufacturing plants.
Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to ensure system reliability, uptime, and safety.
Develop and execute capital projects for upgrades, expansions, and energy efficiency improvements across mechanical infrastructure.
Collaborate with manufacturing, facilities, and production engineering teams to ensure mechanical systems meet process requirements and production demands.
Drive improvements in system capacity, control, and automation to optimize plant performance and energy usage.
Manage vendor and contractor relationships for mechanical system procurement, installation, and service.
Ensure all mechanical systems comply with relevant codes, standards, and environmental regulations (ASHRAE, NFPA, OSHA, EPA).
Implement and monitor safety protocols and preventive maintenance to mitigate risks related to mechanical equipment and utilities.
Lead internal audits and support external inspections related to mechanical systems and utilities.
Develop and implement energy conservation initiatives related to HVAC and utility systems to reduce operational costs and environmental footprint.
Evaluate and adopt sustainable technologies including heat recovery, variable frequency drives, and advanced control systems.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for energy consumption, system efficiency, and carbon footprint.
Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Provide technical mentoring, career development, and succession planning for the mechanical systems team.
Mechanical infrastructure management for manufacturing HVAC and utility systems
Cross-functional coordination between engineering, production, and facilities teams
Capital project execution and preventive maintenance programs
Energy efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance
Team leadership, technical expertise, and safety culture development
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Engineering, or related discipline (required)
Master’s degree or MBA in Engineering Management or Energy Management (preferred)
Professional Engineering (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) preferred
Familiarity with ASHRAE, NFPA, OSHA standards, and EPA regulations
12+ years of experience in mechanical systems engineering or facilities management within manufacturing or industrial environments
5+ years in leadership roles managing HVAC, utilities, and mechanical infrastructure
Proven experience driving capital projects, energy efficiency, and maintenance optimization
Deep knowledge of HVAC system design, steam and compressed air utilities, water treatment, and building automation systems
Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor management skills
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional initiatives
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and regulatory compliance expertise