Utilities Technician

The Ritedose Corporation; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Columbia, South Carolina, is seeking a Utilities Technician responsible for the operation and maintenance of critical utility systems in sterile manufacturing. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with GMP standards, including preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. Candidates should have an Associates Degree or equivalent experience in industrial HVAC and mechanical systems. An industrial HVAC background is essential, while experience in a pharmaceutical setting is preferred. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks are required.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or four years of experience in industrial HVAC or mechanical systems.
• Must have experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably pharmaceutical.
• Understanding of control systems and automation controls.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain critical utility systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on utility equipment.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements and maintain inspection-ready documentation.

Skills

Industrial HVAC

Mechanical systems understanding

Good oral and written communication

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

Associates Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Utilities Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation of critical utility systems supporting sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This role ensures reliable, compliant, and inspection-ready operation of GMP utilities, including purified water, steam, HVAC, compressed air, and plant support systems. The position requires hands-on technical capability, working knowledge of GMP documentation practices, and the ability to develop and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for utility systems.

Critical Utility Operation & Monitoring

• Operate, Monitor, And Maintain Site Utility Systems Including
• Boilers and plant steam systems
• Pure steam generator
• Electric steam generators
• Chillers
• RO skid / purified water system
• CDI unit
• WFI stills
• Compressed air systems
• Nitrogen system
• Wastewater treatment system
• Air handling units
• Air rotation units
• Associated pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and control systems

Responsibilities Include

• Performing daily utility rounds and system performance checks
• Monitoring system trends and responding to alarms
• Supporting cleanroom HVAC pressure cascades and temperature/humidity control
• Supporting WFI loop and critical water system monitoring
• Identifying and addressing abnormal system conditions

Secondary Support Systems and Equipment

• Operate, monitor, and maintain site support systems and equipment including:
• Elevators
• Conveyors
• Compactors
• Doors and door systems
• Other secondary systems used to support the facility operations

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on utility equipment
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues
• Interpret P&IDs, system drawings, and control diagrams
• Execute and document work orders in Epicor
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and shutdown activities
• Coordinate and oversee contractor activities related to utilities

SOP Development & Documentation

• Author, revise, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for utility systems
• Develop preventive maintenance procedures and job plans
• Support creation of troubleshooting guides and system operating instructions
• Ensure documentation meets GMP and regulatory standards
• Participate in deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls
• Assist with commissioning, qualification, and validation documentation

GMP Compliance & Inspection Readiness

• Ensure utility systems operate in compliance with GMP requirements
• Maintain inspection-ready utility spaces and documentation
• Support regulatory inspections and internal audits
• Provide technical input for risk assessments and system impact evaluations

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures including LOTO, confined space, and hot work permits
• Ensure safe operation of high-pressure steam, hot water, and compressed systems
• Identify and escalate environmental or safety risks

Qualifications

• Associates Degree and/or four years experience in industrial HVAC, mechanical systems, or water processing and generation systems in the food or pharmaceutical industries.
• Must have industrial HVAC background. Residential HVAC background alone is not sufficient.
• Possess an understanding of supporting HVAC mechanical systems, such as chillers, air compressors, steam generation equipment, etc.
• Possess an understanding of control systems, including actuators and valves, sensors, and automation controls, and their function in HVAC and automated systems.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical environment is a plus.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both in a group and independently.
• Understanding of basic computer skills.