The Senior Utilities Technician is a seasoned expert responsible for overseeing the reliable operation, maintenance, and optimization of all critical plant utility systems, including HVAC, steam boilers, compressed air, chilled water, and water treatment. This role leads complex troubleshooting efforts, mentors junior staff, supports compliance with regulatory and safety standards, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve utility system performance and energy efficiency.
Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of boilers, HVAC units, compressed air systems, chillers, and water treatment facilities.
Monitor system parameters via SCADA, DCS, or control panels and proactively respond to alarms or performance deviations.
Develop and implement best practices for utility operation, startup, and shutdown procedures.
Perform advanced mechanical and electrical troubleshooting on utility equipment, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, sensors, and control systems.
Lead root cause analysis and coordinate corrective actions for chronic or complex utility failures.
Manage overhaul and upgrade projects for utility equipment, including vendor coordination and technical support.
Develop and refine preventive and predictive maintenance plans to maximize utility equipment uptime and lifecycle.
Utilize condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and water chemistry analysis.
Ensure maintenance records and compliance documentation are complete and accurate in CMMS.
Serve as a safety leader in utility operations, enforcing OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and hazardous material handling.
Ensure all utility systems meet environmental, food safety (GMP, HACCP), and industry regulatory standards.
Lead safety audits, risk assessments, and implement corrective actions.
Mentor and train junior and mid-level utilities technicians, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer.
Collaborate with maintenance supervisors, engineers, production, and EHS teams on continuous improvement projects.
Lead or support utility-related capital projects, equipment commissioning, and shutdown activities.
Senior-level operation and troubleshooting of HVAC, steam, compressed air, and water systems
Leadership in maintenance strategy, predictive maintenance, and root cause analysis
Safety leadership and regulatory compliance in utility systems
Mentoring and developing utility maintenance personnel
Supporting capital projects and system upgrades
Driving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
Technical diploma or associate degree in HVAC, Mechanical Maintenance, or Industrial Technology required
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline is a plus
Certified Boiler Operator (CBO), HVAC Certification, or equivalent preferred
OSHA 30, Lean Six Sigma, or TPM certifications are advantageous
7–10+ years of experience in utility system maintenance and operations in manufacturing or processing environments
Proven experience with complex troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and team leadership
Strong background in steam boiler operation, HVAC systems, water treatment, and compressed air
Expertise with industrial utility control systems (SCADA, DCS) and instrumentation
Advanced mechanical and electrical repair skills, including pumps, valves, sensors, and motors
Proficient in CMMS software and reliability tools (vibration analysis, thermography)
Leadership and mentoring skills with a focus on developing others
Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking
Strong communication and collaboration abilities