Manager, Plant Engineering

FuelCell Energy; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid leave

Job summary

FuelCell Energy is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager in Torrington, CT to lead our facilities group and ensure daily operational readiness under the VP of Operations.

You will drive maintenance programs, manage budgets, and oversee capital projects to improve equipment reliability and ESG performance. Strong leadership, contractor coordination, and data-driven decision making are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Plant/Facility/Equipment Management in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment of at least 50,000 square feet.
• Alternatively, 15 years of manufacturing industry experience combined with an Associate’s Degree will be strongly considered.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering desired.
• Minimum of 4 years hands‑on applicable experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high degree of customer service; must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of a multi-plant Facilities Group.
• Researches, negotiates, schedules, and coordinates work performed by outside contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
• Collaborates with plant management and staff to improve safety, production quality, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Champions preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Prepares and administers the department budget within established guidelines for maintenance and repair of building, grounds, equipment, and utility infrastructure.
• Leads or supports capital project execution, including equipment purchases, contracted labor, and in-house construction/fabrication projects.
• Maintains a CMMS and inventory of spare parts; prepares reports and analyzes data to improve plant operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Maintenance management

Project budgeting

Contractor coordination

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Associate’s Degree + 15 years experience

Tools

CMMS

MS Office

Job description

FuelCell Energy is redefining how the world produces and uses power. As a leading clean energy technology company, we're helping businesses, communities, utilities, and data centers meet growing energy demands with reliable, always-on power solutions.

With nearly a gigawatt of fuel cell platforms deployed worldwide, we're accelerating the transition to a more resilient energy future. Join a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and industry pioneers who are tackling some of the world's most complex energy challenges while shaping the next generation of sustainable power.

Your work here won't just power facilities. It will help power the future.

The pay for this position ranges from $130000- $157100.

Overview

We are currently looking for a Plant Engineering Manager to join our fast-paced facilities team. This position will report directly to the Vice President, Chief of Saff - Operations and will play a key role in our daily operational readiness as well as our continued operational efficiency and capacity evolution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for leading and managing all aspects of a multi-plant Facilities Group.
• Researches, negotiates, schedules, and coordinates work performed by outside contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
• Collaborates with plant management and staff to effectively utilize equipment to improve employee safety, production quality, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Participates in cross-functional teams to achieve corporate and departmental Objectives and Key Results
• Reviews the operation of plant equipment and systems to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Works with management to achieve corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments and requirements.
• Champions preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Initiates technical strategies to meet changing business needs and demonstrates leadership in implementing and maintaining preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Prepares and administers the department budget within established guidelines for maintenance and repair of building, grounds, equipment, and utility infrastructure.
• Leads or supports capital project execution, including equipment purchases, contracted labor, and in-house construction/fabrication projects.
• Manages on- and off-hour emergency response, including but not limited to power outages, equipment repair, damage control, and assignment of support personnel as needed.
• Maintains a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and physical inventory of spare parts in an orderly manner.
• Prepares reports, analyzes data, and makes recommendations for improving plant operations and solving maintenance-related problems.
• Ensures that maintenance technicians are adequately trained, equipped, and motivated so the maintenance program can be accomplished in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.
• Actively participates in root cause analysis and problem resolution.
• Responsible for departmental compliance with all aspects of corporate Environmental, Health and Safety programs.
• Establishes clear direction and continuous improvement expectations for the team.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of direct experience in Plant/Facility/Equipment Management in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment of at least 50,000 square feet. Strong preference for experience with automated/semi-automated equipment along with a tolerance for manual processes.
• Alternatively, fifteen (15) years of manufacturing industry experience combined with an Associate’s Degree will be strongly considered.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering desired.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on applicable experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high degree of customer service; must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Certifications (not required)

• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

Candidate Must Be Knowledgeable and Experienced In

• Skilled trades knowledge across carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems, including basic PLC (programmable logic controller) troubleshooting.
• Troubleshooting and repairing industrial equipment, including multi-axis machines, furnaces, conveyors, presses, lifts, shears, and brakes.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Machine shop tools and equipment, including pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with a cloud-based CMMS platform for preventive and predictive maintenance preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Must be able to physically work throughout the 170,000-square-foot Torrington manufacturing facility, including the production floor, mechanical rooms, and outdoor grounds, in normal seasonal Connecticut temperatures and conditions.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs.
• Must be able to distinguish colors.
• Ability to work at elevated heights and operate or ride in forklifts and man-lifts as needed.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces as required.
• Willing and able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hats, and other PPE as designated.
• Must be able to effectively read, write, and speak English to ensure team communication and to follow written procedures.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel locally for company business.
• Frequent travel to, or support of, the Danbury, CT location as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

FuelCell Energy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We offer a competitive compensation package as well as comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life/disability insurance, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, and generous paid leave.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• company-paid life/disability insurance
• 401(k) plan
• employee stock purchase plan
• generous paid leave

The successful candidate is required to complete a drug screen, criminal background check, and employment and education verification.

FuelCell Energy, Inc. is committed to ensuring that its application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all U.S. job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.

We thank all candidates for their interest in a career with FuelCell Energy. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.