Facilities Manager

Ventas Group; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventas Group in Madison, WI seeks a Facilities Manager to lead maintenance, optimization, and safe operation of advanced facilities including optical labs, laser manufacturing, and cleanrooms. You will own infrastructure powering precision operations and manage cross-functional teams.

The role requires 7+ years in facilities or equipment engineering with leadership in photonics, semiconductor, or precision optics manufacturing, plus ISO 14644/EHS and CMMS expertise. Some travel and U.S.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on facilities or equipment engineering experience.
• Leadership experience in photonics, semiconductor, aerospace/defense, or precision optics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 14644 cleanroom operations and EHS protocols.
• Knowledge of NFPA, OSHA, ASME B31.3 codes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee building, utility, and grounds maintenance; manage budget and vendors.
• Ensure uptime of critical systems: HVAC, cryogenics, gas distribution.
• Lead lab build-outs and capital project management from concept to inspection.
• Enforce DoD and ITAR-compliant spaces; maintain emergency plans.
• Mentor staff and coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and IT.

Skills

Leadership experience

Photonic/semiconductor manufacturing

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering or technical field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

As the Facilities Manager, you will lead the maintenance, optimization, and safe operation of our advanced facilities. You will own the infrastructure that powers our cutting-edge operations—spanning administrative spaces, optical labs, laser manufacturing, and III-V semiconductor cleanrooms.

What You'll Do

• Drive Site Operations: Oversee all building, utility, and grounds maintenance. Manage the operating budget, vendor contracts, and specialty service providers to keep our facilities running efficiently.
• Maintain High-Tech Infrastructure: Own the uptime and performance of critical systems, including precision HVAC, temperature/humidity controls, cryogenic vessels, and high-purity gas distribution.
• Lead Capital Projects: Spearhead lab build-outs, renovations, and construction projects from initial cost estimating through final inspection.
• Enforce Compliance & Security: Ensure full alignment with EHS protocols, regulatory standards, and facility security requirements, including DoD and ITAR-controlled spaces. Keep emergency response and contingency plans razor-sharp.
• Empower People: Mentor a high-performing team of internal staff and manage external contractors. Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and IT.

What You Bring

• Background: 7+ years of hands-on facilities or equipment engineering experience. You must have prior leadership experience in photonics, semiconductor, aerospace/defense, or precision optics manufacturing.
• Education: Associate’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of cleanroom operations (ISO 14644), ESD protocols, laser safety (ANSI Z136.1), and modern CMMS platforms for asset tracking.
• Regulatory Fluency: Familiarity with industry codes (such as NFPA, OSHA, ASME B31.3).
• Requirements: Must be a U.S. person; eligibility for a U.S. security clearance may be required. Must have the ability to travel as needed.