Mechanical Utilities Engineer: Plant Systems & Energy

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a Mechanical Utilities Engineer to provide SME support for global manufacturing plants. Responsibilities cover steam, cooling water, plant air, and related utility systems, plus equipment like boilers, chillers, and heat exchangers.

You will lead design work, participate in capital planning, and oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of mechanical utility systems while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 2+ years relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of hydronic systems, steam systems, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, piping and valve selection, and heat transfer fundamentals.
• Proficiency with engineering tools and software: AutoCAD (preferred), SolidWorks (as applicable), hydraulic/piping calculation tools, simulation tools (e.g., KYPipe, TRACE, FluidFlow3), and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with automation and controls basics (DCS/BMS/PLC) and integration of mechanical systems with building or plant control systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing specifications, reports, and drawings.
• Able to work safely in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces following safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support and troubleshooting for plant processes and utilities to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.
• Implement and manage preventative maintenance strategies and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) for utility assets.
• Perform energy and sustainability analyses; identify, quantify, and implement energy savings and heat-recovery opportunities.
• Prepare engineering calculations, P&IDs, isometrics, equipment datasheets, schematic drawings, load profiles, and material lists.
• Provide engineering assessment of utilities connection requests.
• Lead design and technical specification of mechanical utility systems for new construction, renovations, and plant upgrades, including sizing and selection of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, valves, and control systems.
• Support capital planning: provide lifecycle cost estimates, ROI, risk assessments, and budgetary forecasts.
• Support procurement: develop bid packages, evaluate vendor submittals, and perform technical vendor reviews.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of mechanical utility systems; develop testing protocols and witness FAT/SAT.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards, environmental permits, and safety requirements (ASME, NFPA, ASHRAE, local plumbing and mechanical codes, OSHA).
• Manage and update sitewide utilities standards
• Mentor junior engineers, operators and technicians; lead training for system operation and emergency procedures.

Skills

Hydronic systems

Steam systems

Boilers

Chillers

Pumps

Piping & valves selection

Heat transfer fundamentals

DCS/BMS/PLC basics

Strong communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Closely related engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

hydraulic/piping calculation tools

simulation tools (KYPipe, TRACE, FluidFlow3)

Job description

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a Mechanical Utilities Engineer to provide SME support for global manufacturing plants. Responsibilities cover steam, cooling water, plant air, and related utility systems, plus equipment like boilers, chillers, and heat exchangers.

You will lead design work, participate in capital planning, and oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of mechanical utility systems while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.