Project Utility Mechanic (8 Hours)

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corp. in Charles City, IA is seeking a Monday–Friday Utility Mechanic to lead utility-related capital and maintenance projects.

You will coordinate installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Validation, and contractors to ensure on-schedule project execution. The role focuses on proactive planning, equipment reliability, and long-term asset performance, using CMMS to manage work orders and documentation while upholding cGMP

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance and capital projects for utilities from planning to completion.
• Coordinate installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Validation, and contractors for project success.
• Develop project timelines and coordinate equipment shutdowns to minimize production impact.
• Assist budgeting, planning, and prioritization of maintenance improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Implement corrective actions and maintain project documentation.
• Use CMMS to manage work orders, parts, and project records.

Skills

Read P&IDs, drawings & manuals

Communication & planning

Respirator use

Confined space

Climb ladders

Overhead work & bending

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Journeyman maintenance experience

Industrial utility systems experience

Pumps, piping, boilers knowledge

Maintenance leadership experience

CMMS experience

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world.

Job Overview

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-hour, 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications/Skills

• 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

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

• 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).

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affiantive Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.