Lead Maintenance and Utilities 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.

The Lead Maintenance and Utility Technician will manage maintenance operations at our biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), facility and equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This role is critical to ensuring the reliable operation of essential systems, minimizing downtime, and supporting a clean, compliant production environment.

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 
•    Perform scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance on bioprocessing equipment (e.g., bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration units).
•    Diagnose equipment malfunctions and execute timely, effective repairs.
•    Actively support the installation and startup of new equipment, ensuring seamless integration with control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS); assist with mechanical installation and qualification activities.
•    Coordinate maintenance activities with internal stakeholders (e.g., manufacturing and laboratory teams) to minimize operational disruptions.
•    Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
•    Provide hands-on support for the startup, commissioning, and turnover of new systems across the site.

Administrative
•    Maintain accurate records to support audits and ensure compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and FDA regulations.
•    Coordinate maintenance activities with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., manufacturing and laboratory teams) to minimize disruptions, and escalate issues promptly when necessary.
•    Collaborate closely with process engineers, quality assurance, and manufacturing staff to ensure seamless operations.
•    Resolve current issues in a timely manner, while proactively documenting root causes and recommending long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.

In this role, you'll be an Individual contributor, leading and coordinating task teams.

Education
•    Minimum of 4 years relevant maintenance experience and High School diploma or equivalent. 
•    Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.

Experience
•    Minimum of 4 years’ experience performing mechanical in both process areas and in a laboratory environment.
•    Minimum of 2 years’ experience within a GMP and/or other highly regulated environment 

Technical Skills
•    Experience with CMMS platforms, such as D365 EAM, SAP PM, Maximo or other CMMS platforms preferred.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with our clients to promote excellence in customer service. 
•    Strong communication and organizational skills.
•    Excellent attention to detail and data integrity.

Non-Technical Skills
Results-oriented and able to navigate ambiguity, you set clear outcomes, track progress, follow through on commitments, and ensure your actions lead to measurable results that advance organizational objectives. Respond promptly, take accountability, and manage tasks efficiently. Adapt to change with clarity, patience, and understanding, guiding teams through evolving challenges. Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid work ethic while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to foster alignm