Utilities Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Athlone; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking an experienced Utilities Engineer for Black Utilities in Athlone, Ireland. The role focuses on reliable operation, compliance in a cGMP setting, and CQV leadership for critical utility systems.

You will manage maintenance, documentation, and continuous improvement across cooling, steam, water and electrical utility infrastructure, collaborating with site teams to ensure readiness and regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or Process Engineering.
• Typically 5+ years' experience with industrial plant utilities in regulated environments (cGMP).
• Experience with black utilities (chilled water, LPHW, steam, compressed air).
• Knowledge of BMS and CMMS systems; CQV experience is beneficial.
• GMP familiarity and ability to work within a regulated manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reliable operation, compliance, lifecycle management and continuous improvement of black utility systems in a cGMP environment.
• Lead CQV strategy and execution for black utilities including chilled water, LPHW, steam and compressed air.
• Develop maintenance strategies and handover requirements for black utility systems.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation packs for black utilities.
• Drive startup readiness and performance verification to support operations.
• Operate and maintain major utility equipment and infrastructure (cooling towers, steam, electrical, fire protection, water/waste).
• Diagnose faults, manage deviations and coordinate with maintenance to minimise disruption.
• Monitor energy use, drive efficiency, and support sustainability initiatives.
• Deliver training and build capability within the engineering team.

Skills

Communication skills

Coordination

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or Process Engineering

Tools

BMS

CMMS

Job description

Utilities Engineer - Black Utilities (12 month FTC)

Key Responsibilities

Utilities Operations, Reliability & Compliance

Play a critical role in ensuring the reliable operation, compliance, lifecycle management and continuous improvement of black utility systems within a cGMP environment.

System Performance & Continuous Improvement

Monitor, review and update existing system processes and performance to improve efficiency, reliability and compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.

Risk Management & Engineering Assurance

Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards or vulnerabilities within utility systems and develop appropriate mitigation strategies, ensuring systems meet operational requirements and industry standards.

Commissioning, Qualification & Validation

Lead the CQV strategy and execution for black utilities, including chilled water, LPHW, steam and compressed air. Develop maintenance strategies and define handover requirements for black utility systems.

Technical Documentation

Maintain comprehensive technical documentation packs for black utility systems, ensuring a high standard of accuracy, completeness and compliance.

Start-Up & Operational Readiness

Drive utility start-up readiness and performance verification, ensuring systems are appropriately prepared to support operational requirements.

Plant & Utility Equipment

Operate and maintain major utility equipment and associated infrastructure, including cooling towers, steam systems, electrical distribution, fire protection, water and waste management systems, dust extraction and other site utility systems. Ensure compliance with quality, safety and environmental expectations.

Fault Finding & Deviation Management

Diagnose and resolve system failures and support the management of deviations and unexpected events, working closely with the maintenance team to minimise disruption to site operations.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Monitor plant data and trends to reduce carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency and support wider sustainability initiatives.

Training & Capability Development

Support the development of technical skillsets within the engineering team. Develop and deliver training programmes for maintenance craft personnel and other relevant stakeholders.

Digital Engineering Systems

Working knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) would be advantageous.

Other Areas of Responsibility

• Promote effective knowledge sharing between colleagues and across relevant engineering functions.
• Participate in external forums and maintain awareness of industry best practice, emerging technologies and benchmark data.
• Support the management and coordination of suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain a high level of communication, collaboration and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.

Communication & Stakeholder Interaction

The role will interact with a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Site Management
• EHS
• Engineering - Maintenance & Facilities
• Operations
• Project / Expansion Teams
• Finance
• Procurement

Communication will include:

• Written communication
• Oral communication
• Non-verbal and visual communication
• Active listening
• Contextual communication

Innovation & Change

The role will contribute to:

• Sustainability initiatives
• Utility and system optimisation
• Continuous improvement programmes
• Implementation of industry best practice
• Energy and resource efficiency initiatives
• Engineering and operational improvements

Geographic Responsibility

The workplace is anchored in Athlone, Ireland.

Some travel may be required as part of project activities, supplier engagement, commissioning activities or other business requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent qualification, in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or Process Engineering.

Experience

• Typically 5+ years' experience working directly with industrial plant utilities within heavily regulated environments, such as cGMP.
• Experience supporting construction and commissioning activities on live operational sites.
• Familiarity with GMP requirements and experience working within regulated manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with black utilities such as chilled water, LPHW, steam and compressed air.
• Experience with commissioning, qualification and validation activities would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of BMS and CMMS systems would be advantageous.

Personal Skills

• Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to interface effectively with contractors, vendors, engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively within a high-quality, structured and regulated environment.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build effective working relationships across multiple functions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and optimisation.