Senior Utilities and Maintenance Technician

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

As the Senior Utilities and Maintenance Technician, the Utility Mechanic / Operator is responsible for the safe, compliant operation, monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of critical and non-critical utility systems supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratories, and GMP operations. This role ensures continuous, reliable utility services while maintaining compliance with cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
As an individual contributor, you will take a compassionate and people-focused approach to your work. You will proactively collaborate with others to create a supportive and inclusive environment, always acting in line with the organization’s values. By using strong interpersonal skills, you will work effectively with diverse viewpoints, manage relationships thoughtfully, and make decisions that meet both individual and team needs. You will be accountable for delivering results, adapting to challenges, and helping achieve business goals. Additionally, you will take ownership of your tasks, act with initiative, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. You will handle change with resilience and clarity, staying flexible in a fast-paced environment while keeping the needs of patients at the center of your efforts.

This role reports to the Manager, Maintenance and Utilities 

Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
•    Operate, monitor and maintain plant utilities including:
o    Purified Water (PW), Water for Injection (WFI)
o    Clean Steam and Plant Steam
o    Chillers, cooling towers, and HVAC support systems
o    Compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, and specialty gases
o    Boilers, heat exchangers, and hot water systems
•    Respond to alarms, deviations, and abnormal operating conditions
•    Proactively diagnose complex equipment malfunctions, conduct timely repairs, and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence; escalate unresolved or critical issues to appropriate management or technical experts, providing clear documentation and recommendations. 
•    Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by adhering to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards. 
•    Provide technical support for the start-up, commissioning, and turnover of new systems throughout the site, ensuring seamless integration and compliance. 
•    Maintain accurate and comprehensive maintenance records in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), FDA regulations, and audit requirements. 
•    Collaborate closely with process engineers, quality assurance, manufacturing staff, and other cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support operational goals. 
•    Document root causes equipment failures and recommend effective, long-term solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.

Individual contributor, with responsibility to lead or work with cross-functional project teams.

Education/Experience
•    High School Diploma with 3-5 years relevant experience. 
•    Associates/Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Technical Skills
•    Demonstrate proficiency in CMMS platforms such as D365 EAM, SAP PM, Maximo, or equivalent systems to manage calibration schedules, documentation, and asset history. 
•    Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and service partners to deliver high-quality, customer-focused calibration and maintenance solutions. 
•    Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to ensure accurate documentation and effective coordination across teams. 
•    Apply strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain data integrity, ensure compliance, and achieve audit readiness.
•    Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, and execute planned shutdowns, ensuring adherence to timelines, safety protocols, and operational requirements.

Non-Technical Skills
•    Results-oriented and able to navigate ambiguity.
•    Set clear outcomes, track progress, follow through on commitments, and ensure actions lead to measurable results that advance organizational objectives.