Maintenance Tech I

Kite Pharma•Santa Monica, CA

5d•$74,715 - $96,690•Onsite

About The Position

Kite's Santa Monica site is seeking a Maintenance Technician I to support facilities and engineering operations by performing repairs, installations, troubleshooting, and documentation for equipment used in clinical manufacturing, R&D research laboratories, utilities, HVAC systems, and core and shell facilities. The Maintenance Technician I is expected to complete all assigned work in compliance with cGMP, Kite Global standards, and site-specific procedures. This position is 2nd shift / M-F 2:00 pm- 10:30 pm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience, or High school diploma with 3 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Expert knowledge of pneumatic, mechanical, and automation systems.
Strong customer service skills with effective written and verbal communication.
Experience interpreting, writing, and maintaining maintenance documentation.
5+ years of experience working in ISO‑classified environments within the pharmaceutical industry.
Experience using work management systems, preferably Maximo.
Experience with building and equipment monitoring systems (EMS/BMS); Desigo CC / Siemens experience preferred.
Proficiency in reviewing and interpreting technical drawings and schematics.
Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
Experience collaborating with and coordinating external technical resources and vendors.
Ability to plan and schedule work activities in coordination with operations to minimize impact to production.

Responsibilities

Attend SQDIP meetings and complete assigned work orders.
Accurately document all executed work in accordance with cGMP regulations and work order management system requirements.
Troubleshoot and maintain electro‑mechanical systems, pneumatic systems, air handling units, vacuum pumps, air compressors, cooling towers, and other utility support equipment.
Support the maintenance of LN2 cryogenic tanks, incubators, and laboratory freezers.
Understand, monitor, and work within EMS/BMS platforms.
Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems, including motor controls and motor installations.
Lead and support small continuous improvement projects.
Interpret and act on data from predictive technologies such as vibration analysis and infrared thermography.
Work across various shifts and provide after‑hours, weekend, and holiday support as required by management.
Receive and respond to remote notifications via mobile devices.
Partner with planners and schedulers to ensure appropriate scheduling, effective work plans, and accurate spare parts management.
Notify the scheduler and supervisor of any work that cannot be completed within the assigned timeframe and coordinate rescheduling with timely communication to Planning, Scheduling, and Management teams.
Attend and actively participate in all required meetings.
Participate in Kite safety programs, including the development and execution of JHAs, LOTO permits, Live Work Permits, and Hot Work Permits, and promote use of the safety incident reporting tools.
Escort, oversee, and coordinate activities performed by outside contractors.
Perform all maintenance activities in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA, OSHA, EPA, AQMD, and others.
Maintain GxPLearn and GLearn training at a 100% completion rate.
Ensure all assigned areas remain audit‑ready and actively participate in addressing audit findings.
Support the Engineering group in achieving project milestones.
Collaborate with other Facilities & Engineering functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.