Department Manager, Utility Systems

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

33d•$150,000 - $221,000

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a senior infrastructure leader to serve as Department Manager of Utility Systems Infrastructure within the Facilities Division. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial management, and long-term infrastructure planning for the laboratory’s campus-wide utility systems supporting mission-critical scientific research facilities across Argonne’s 1,500-acre campus. Reporting to the Facilities Division Director, this position is responsible for the reliability, resilience, modernization, and long‑term planning of the laboratory’s electrical, thermal, and water utility systems. The Manager ensures the safe and reliable 24/7 operation of critical infrastructure while leading long‑term capital planning and modernization initiatives that support the laboratory’s scientific mission and future growth. The Manager leads a multidisciplinary organization of engineers, supervisors, operators, skilled trades personnel, and contractors responsible for operating and maintaining Argonne’s central utility infrastructure systems and ensuring the reliability, performance, and long-term modernization of the laboratory’s critical infrastructure. The Department Manager serves as a key member of the Facilities Division leadership team and contributes to the development and execution of divisional infrastructure strategy supporting the Laboratory mission.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (accredited engineering program & degree), or equivalent
10 years leadership experience managing complex utility infrastructure systems
Experience managing both engineering teams and union trade workforce in an industrial, institutional, or campus environment
15+ years demonstrated experience overseeing large‑scale infrastructure operations, contractor services, developing maintenance, reliability, and infrastructure asset management strategies

Nice To Haves

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or related advanced technical degree, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong business and financial acumen.
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Experience managing utilities within a national laboratory, research campus, or large institutional infrastructure environment
Experience leading large capital infrastructure programs and modernization initiatives
Experience supporting long‑range infrastructure planning and energy strategy

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for the safe and reliable operation of campus‑wide utility infrastructure
Oversee high‑voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems
Oversee central steam generation plants and steam distribution networks
Oversee central chilled water plants and chilled water distribution systems
Oversee potable water distribution systems and sewer collection systems
Oversee water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities supporting campus operations
Ensure coordination of utility infrastructure operations with environmental compliance, safety, facility operations, research programs, and other Laboratory organizations to support mission-critical operations.
Lead for the technical parameters & capacity needs of the Labs energy and water sources including power, natural gas and domestic water.
Manages the financial budgets, effort and resources of a $ 12 M Department budget and a $ 40 M Energy budget.
Serve as a primary Facilities Division liaison with the Department Of Energy Argonne Site Office (ASO) on matters related to energy procurement, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and associated contractual and operational requirements.
Lead development of long‑term utility infrastructure master plans supporting laboratory growth
Establish multi‑year capital infrastructure investment strategies
Identify infrastructure renewal, resiliency, and modernization priorities
Coordinate infrastructure planning with laboratory leadership, scientific programs, and external engineering partners
Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise supporting laboratory strategic infrastructure initiatives
Establish reliability‑centered maintenance strategies for mission‑critical infrastructure
Implement predictive and preventative maintenance programs across utility systems
Lead asset lifecycle management and infrastructure renewal planning
Monitor infrastructure performance and reliability metrics to support continuous improvement
Provide oversight for off‑hours infrastructure support teams and emergency response capabilities
Ensure operational readiness for major infrastructure incidents or utility disruptions
Coordinate response and recovery efforts during major infrastructure outages
Ensure compliance with Department of Energy requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards
Promote a strong safety culture across engineering, operations, and maintenance organizations
Ensure infrastructure operations align with Argonne safety and operational policies
Ensure energy efficiency and conservation opportunities are evaluated and incorporated into infrastructure modernization and capital investments
Support laboratory‑wide energy management strategies
Identify opportunities for advanced energy technologies and system optimization
Support institutional sustainability and energy stewardship objectives