Project Utility Mechanic (8 Hours) in Charles City, Iowa at Cambrex

The Monday through Friday Utility Mechanic Position, serves as the technical lead for utility-related projects, equipment installations, facility improvements, and reliability initiatives across the site. This position is Monday-Friday 8-hours, overtime as needed, to provide dedicated support for planned maintenance, capital projects, system upgrades, and continuous improvement efforts. The position also serves as a technical resource for the maintenance team.

Unlike shift utility mechanics who primarily respond to operational needs and equipment failures, this role focuses on proactive planning, project execution, equipment reliability, and long-term asset performance.

Project Leadership

• Lead utility-related capital and maintenance projects from planning through completion.

• Coordinate installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Validation, and contractors to ensure successful project execution.

• Develop project timelines and coordinate equipment shutdowns to minimize production impact.

• Assist in budgeting, planning, and prioritization of maintenance improvement projects.

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

• Assist in developing and improving preventative and predictive maintenance programs.

• Recommend equipment modifications and process improvements.

• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate documentation for equipment modifications and projects.

Utility Systems Expertise

Serve as the site technical expert for utility systems including:

• Steam generation and distribution

• Boilers

• Cooling towers

• Water for Injection (WFI)

• Fire protection systems

• Compressed air systems

• Emergency generators

• Plant utility distribution systems

Technical Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot complex mechanical failures.

• Diagnose and repair rotating equipment.

• Measure, cut, fit, assemble, weld, and install piping systems.

• Replace pump and agitator seals.

• Perform welding and fabrication.

• Complete minor instrumentation calibrations.

• Assist with installation and alignment of new equipment.

• Utilize the CMMS to manage work orders, parts, and project documentation.

• Develop equipment maintenance procedures and standard work instructions.

Leadership

• Serve as the maintenance lead on assigned projects.

• Coordinate contractors and outside service providers.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Utility Mechanics and Maintenance Technicians.

• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with cGMP requirements.

• Assist in training team members on new equipment and systems.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support emergency utility issues when required.

• Participate in departmental planning meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

• Ability to read P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Must be able to wear a respirator (training is provided)
• Must be able to work in confined space (training is provided)
• Must be able to climb ladders
• Must be able to do overhead work, bend, and kneel for extended periods of time

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Journeyman-level mechanical maintenance experience preferred.

• Experience in industrial utility systems.

• Strong knowledge of pumps, piping, boilers, rotating equipment, and plant utilities.

• Experience leading maintenance or capital projects preferred.
• Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).