Senior Utilities Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Utilities Operator
Location: North Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire (Converts after 3 months) | Onsite
Target Pay Range: $33.00 - $40.00/hour (DOE)
Work Schedule: 3rd Shift (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM); Schedule rotates every 4 weeks
Benefits: PTO, Paid Holidays, BCBS Medical, Dental/Vision, 401(k), ESOP

Job Summary:

Our client is seeking an experienced Sr. Utilities Operator to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot critical facility utility systems supporting a large manufacturing and research campus. This role ensures the reliable operation of steam, chilled water, compressed air, purified water, water treatment, natural gas, and other plant utilities while supporting manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse operations.

The ideal candidate has experience operating industrial utility systems in a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, or other regulated environment and possesses strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Must-Have Skills:

• 5+ years of industrial maintenance or utilities experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment
• Experience operating and troubleshooting industrial utility systems
• Strong mechanical skills with pumps, valves, piping, rotating equipment, process systems, or related
• Experience performing independent mechanical troubleshooting and repairs
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, and/or technical manuals
• Ability to support a 24/7 operation with occasional overtime or emergency response

Job Duties:

• Operate and monitor boilers, chillers, compressors, pumps, cooling towers, water treatment, distillation systems, and related utility equipment
• Monitor utility systems through a DCS and respond to alarms or abnormal conditions
• Adjust operating parameters to meet facility demands
• Perform utility sampling and basic water quality testing
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain plant utility equipment
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on utility systems
• Support equipment installations, startups, modifications, and commissioning activities
• Conduct inspections, lubrication, and reliability checks
• Respond to equipment failures and facility emergencies
• Maintain maintenance records and work orders using CMMS
• Coordinate work with contractors and maintenance personnel
• Train employees on equipment operation and safe work practices
• Follow safety procedures including LOTO and confined space requirements
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and capital projects
• Serve as a technical resource for utility operations and maintenance

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 7+ years of industrial maintenance, utilities, or facilities operations experience
• Experience supporting utility systems in pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, food, chemical, or other regulated industries preferred
• Working knowledge of:
  • Boilers, steam, and condensate systems
  • Chilled water systems and cooling towers
  • Oil-free compressed air systems
  • Water treatment and purified water systems
  • Distillation equipment
• Experience with pump repair/alignment and Maximo (or similar CMMS) preferred
• Multi-craft maintenance experience (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or utilities) preferred
• Familiarity with GMP environments and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong troubleshooting, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work flexible hours as needed

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.