Sr. Plant Engineer

What You Will Achieve

Responsible for providing technical and engineering expertise to maximize site HVAC/R equipment availability, reliability and reduce maintenance costs through system and process continuous improvement, i.e., LEAN principles and Continuous Improvement methodology. Develop and implement strategies and methods that improve preventive maintenance processes and procedures resulting in enhanced equipment performance. Technically support all aspects of maintenance operations while ensuring compliance with SOPs, cGMPs, safety procedures, quality standards, OSHA standards, other regulatory agency standards, good maintenance practices, and corporate initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment at the Sanford site including Solution Prep (Media & Buffer Prep), Fermentation/Cell Culture, Purification and Chemistry Suites including both traditional Stainless Steel and Single Use equipment.

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, Automation, and other site teams to troubleshoot utility/equipment issues, support operations, and implement process improvements.
• Serve as the key liaison between Manufacturing and Utilities, providing technical support for corrective work, equipment upgrades, optimization, and reliability improvements.
• Lead/support capital projects, including equipment evaluation, justification, purchase, installation, facility integration, and replacement planning.
• Provide expertise in pharmaceutical clean room requirements and maintain accountability for site-wide HVAC/R infrastructure assets in partnership with the site HVAC SME, including work planning and forecasting.
• Evaluate equipment condition, performance, maintenance history, redundancy, and operational risk to determine repair, upgrade, or replacement strategies and incorporate needs into site Master and Capital Plans.
• Develop capital investment requirements that support asset reliability, site growth, business plans, and total cost of ownership.
• Provide technical expertise for preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM), including PM task development and revisions, RCM analysis, CMMS data analysis, equipment trend reviews, failure prevention, maintenance metrics, and process improvements.
• Ensure critical equipment is appropriately covered by PM/PdM programs and that maintenance programs are supported by procedures, training, and regulatory/company compliance.
• Apply engineering principles and structured problem-solving techniques to improve equipment, processes, reliability, and manufacturing support.
• Promote a strong safety culture and participate in site/corporate engineering, safety, conformance, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Support team development through cross-functional training, mentoring, development opportunities, and diversity initiatives.
• Stay current with changing business and site requirements, including capital budgeting, reliability strategies, site/network plans, and engineering standards.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• BA/BS with at least 4 years of experience or MBA/MS with at least 2 years of experience or PhD/JD with any years of experience or associate's degree with at least 8 years of experience or high school diploma (or equivalent) with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated time management skills, ability to work on multiple projects at a time.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of Process Safety Management elements, especially Change of Design and Quality Assurance/Mechanical Integrity.
• Demonstrated skills in using computer systems such as Microsoft Office Suite, reliability analysis software, and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Experience in Plant Utility systems design and layout (Steam/Condensate, WFI, Compressed Air Building Services, Plumbing and Fire Protection).

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Mechanical/Chemical (or similar) Engineering experience.
• Experience and understanding of all applicable building, equipment, electrical and energy codes, i.e. ASHRAE, NEMA, ISA, ISPE, IEEE, UL, LEED, etc.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively with senior management, engineers, and shop craft-persons.
• Ability to instruct craftsmen and provide on the job training.
• Project management skills.
• Prioritizing multiple commitments, able to shift priorities according to changes in departmental/facility needs and be open to different ideas/approaches.
• Technical problem-solving skill.
• Be highly motivated, show initiative, and work well independently or in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead through influence and leadership skills in consensus and team building across functions and levels in the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze equipment failures using personal knowledge and internal and external resources.

Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel or Environment Requirements

This position would typically work a routine weekly work schedule, Monday through Friday, eight hours per day on day shift, but is responsible for maintenance activities that occur on a 24/7/365 schedule. The position is expected to be available on call as scheduled. Night or weekend work may occasionally be required to meet business objectives. Business travel requirements are minimal.