Senior Infrastructure Reliability Engineer

Sterling St James LLC; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Newport News, VA is seeking a Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer to optimize and manage utility systems focused on industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air. You will design, develop, operate, and improve systems, troubleshoot, lead projects, and advise on regulatory matters to support safe, compliant, and efficient food manufacturing.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 5+ years in ammonia refrigeration, and relevant certification;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is required.
• 5+ years in operations, maintenance and optimization of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• RETA CIRO/ANSI/IIAR2/Garden City certifications or equivalent required.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop Capital Infrastructure Plans with facilities and project engineering.
• Coordinate design and development with professional refrigeration resources.
• Assist in compliance issues with facilities and PSM Management Team.
• Develop designs: equipment selection, quotes, and scheduling.
• Implement new systems and standardize equipment requirements.
• Lead optimization of utility systems to meet operating needs.
• Plan and budget for utilities engineering improvement projects.
• Test and evaluate new technology for reliability improvements.
• Analyze complex operations to support Operations management.
• Perform load, charge, and relief calculations to identify deficiencies.
• Lead multiple projects across disciplines with proper protocols.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Analytical skills

Math skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

RETA CIRO certification

ANSI/IIAR2 certification

Garden City Program Operator II

Job description

Job Title: Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer

Location: Newport News, Virginia

Salary: $95K -117K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer:

As a Sr. Utilities Reliability Engineer, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and managing utility systems across our facilities. Your focus will be on industrial refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems—ensuring their design, development, operation, and optimization. You’ll have the opportunity to troubleshoot and improve existing systems, implement new projects, and provide valuable guidance on regulatory matters. This is your chance to make a direct impact on the success of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our systems are efficient, safe, and compliant, all while helping us deliver top-quality food products.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer:

• Work directly with facilities teams and project engineering on developing Capital Infrastructure Plans.
• Engage professional refrigeration engineering resources during the design and development of projects.
• Assist facilities and PSM Management Team in compliance-related issues as requested.
• Assist in developing designs, including selecting equipment, obtaining quotes, and scheduling work as requested.
• Develop and assist in the implementation of resolutions to issues related to facility refrigeration systems.
• Implement new systems and standardize equipment requirements.
• Assist with the planning and budgeting process for various utilities engineering improvement projects, with the goal of meeting project expectations and time requirements.
• Optimize utility systems based on facility operating requirements.
• Research and assist in testing new technology.
• Assess and understand complex operations and systems to support Operations management.
• Identify and correct deficiencies within existing systems by performing load, charge, and relief calculations.
• Lead multiple efforts in different fields, ensuring adherence to proper protocols and practices.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of related experience in operations, maintenance and optimization of Ammonia Refrigeration systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration. ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent certification from another nationally recognized ammonia training program; required.
• Possess a deep theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and can apply that knowledge to the roles and responsibilities of the position.
• Strong reading, math, writing, analytical skill required.
• Perform assigned tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Ok with travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

• Electrical experience and troubleshooting in low and high voltage circuits, motors, and controls a plus.
• Waste water operations experience is preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.