Position Objective
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Maintenance Specialist/Stationary Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the various mechanical and building systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning [HVAC], boiler, compressed air systems, vacuum systems, fire alarm, and protection systems, etc.), ensuring adequate services to the Omega Yeast facilities. The Maintenance Specialist/Stationary Engineer is responsible for monitoring and keeping accurate records of the facilities’ mechanical equipment operating parameters and meter readings on a regular basis as required for equipment performance and regulatory compliance. The Maintenance Specialist/Stationary Engineer will perform the routine mechanical and electrical work necessary to maintain the various mechanical systems in working order and will start, stop, operate, and monitor the various mechanical systems of Omega Yeast facilities. Collaborates with the Director of Operations and the Project Manager on executing maintenance and production optimization projects.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Director of Operations and Omega Yeast Project Manager on creating and maintaining a preventative maintenance program for all laboratory, Production, and Facilities equipment (Boiler, HVAC, Glycol system, air compressors, pumps, autoclaves, etc.).
- Organize and maintain spare parts inventory.
- Boiler management:
- Manage, operate and monitor equipment daily.
- Troubleshoot and fix boiler equipment including steam lines.
- Maintain thorough records keeping logs of operations, maintenance, and safety activities.
- Test and monitor water, chemical, and fuel levels, adjust as needed.
- Report boiler issues to Director of Operations which require 3rd party repair.
- Conduct regular inspections of the facilities to detect and resolve issues.
- Knowledge of safe work practices (including PPE requirements for work assignments), applicable building codes, and government regulations
- Ability to perform the basic mechanical and electrical skills necessary for routine maintenance tasks.
- Coordinate maintenance and repair work with managers and production schedule to minimize interference with departmental operations.
- Establish and maintain a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for tracking work orders, spare parts and maintenance history of plant equipment.
- Track, analyze and improve key maintenance parameters such as asset utilization, maintenance cost, PM compliance, schedule compliance, etc.
- Prioritize and organize tasks to efficiently meet department goals.
- Communicate progress reports for on-going projects and complete necessary documentation on maintenance logs.
- Find and propose solutions to improving the plant operations.
- Provide troubleshooting, diagnostic and analytical support to plant personnel as needed.
- Troubleshoot and service HVAC units.
- In collaboration with the Director of Operations, review the operation of plant equipment and systems to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure plumbing systems are functioning optimally by repairing or replacing PVC and copper pipes.
- Collaborate with the Director of Operations on working with outside vendors for additional maintenance work across all three Omega facilities.
- Maintain work premises, facilities and your work area clean and organized.
- Adhere to all Quality, Safety, and GMP policies and procedures.
- Maintain an on-call status for boiler management, emergency repairs, and for support with equipment troubleshooting.
- Assist in the safe transport of materials and supplies between facilities.
- Qualify employees on operating heavy machinery, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
- Evident analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Ability to utilize personal computers and software for routine daily tasks (reports, business communications, etc.)
- Ability to perform routine mechanical and electrical work (including, but not limited to, draining and filling systems, aligning pumps, sealing ducts, bearing and equipment lubrication, installing and/or repairing insulation, replacing steam traps, pressure gauges, indicator lamps, damper seals, pump seals or packing, fan belts, motors, etc.) to maintain mechanical equipment in working order.
- Ability to read and understand equipment maintenance and repair manuals, mechanical system design drawings, diagrams, and other documentation as required to operate and maintain various building mechanical systems.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate varying project needs.
- Clean driving record and ability to operate maintenance vehicles.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Valid City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License required.
- Proven experience in maintenance coordination in a manufacturing plant.
- Knowledge and understanding of GMP and food hygiene procedures and food safety requirements.
- Proficiency in Boiler management.
- Proficiency in HVAC troubleshooting and repair.
- Knowledge of plumbing systems and pipe repair.
- Basic electrical knowledge for troubleshooting and minor repairs.
- Project management experience.
- Experience training others on heavy machinery operation is preferred.
- Forklift certified.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to sit or stand for 8 – 10 hours each day.
- Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
- Must be able to work in both a warm or cold environment (20°F to 90°F) for hours at a time.
- Ability to work in a loud work environment.
- Ability to climb ladders, bend, or crawl into awkward spaces.
Working Conditions
- Normal office and plant environment.
- On-site 5 days a week.