Utilities Technician

Ritedose; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ritedose Corporation in Columbia, SC is seeking an Utilities Technician to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and document critical GMP utility systems supporting sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing. Duties include monitoring purified water, steam, HVAC, compressed air, and related plant support systems to ensure compliance and inspection readiness.

Responsibilities include performing rounds, responding to alarms, supporting cleanroom HVAC control, WFI monitoring, and developing SOPs.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in HVAC or related field.
• 4+ years of industrial HVAC experience or water processing experience.
• Experience with pharmaceutical/food manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Understanding of GMP documentation practices and SOP development.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain site utility systems including boilers, steam, purified water, HVAC, and compressed air.
• Perform daily utility rounds and system performance checks.
• Support GMP documentation, SOPs, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls.
• Interpret P&IDs, system drawings, and control diagrams; document work orders in Epicor.

Skills

Industrial HVAC

Mechanical systems

Water processing systems

Automation controls

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in HVAC or related field

4 years of industrial HVAC/water systems experience

Tools

Epicor

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: The Ritedose Corporation - Columbia, SC 29203, Position Type: 6A, Salary Range: $34.09 - $34.09 Hourly, Job Category: Installation - Maint - Repair, 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.

Responsibilities:

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 elevate 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.