Senior Utilities Operator

Abbott • Chicago, IL

4d • $23 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the GES Global Engineering Services division and is located at Abbott Park, IL. Lake County Utilities is a 24/7 operation responsible for generating and distributing plant utilities such as chilled water, compressed air, fresh water, electricity, natural gas, purified water, and steam/condensate to the Abbott Park, Abbott Park East, and K-Complex Sites. These facilities include manufacturing rooms, R&D and quality control labs, warehouses, and administrative offices. The primary function of this role is the operation and maintenance of plant utilities systems and mechanical equipment in a safe and reliable manner, ensuring compliance with all corporate, state, and federal requirements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience as an industrial and/or commercial Mechanic/Maintenance Technician or equivalent job experience or training
• Understanding of mechanical systems and equipment, including pumps, valves, piping, etc.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, proper lubrication procedures with oil and grease, etc.
• Ability to troubleshoot and determine the cause of improper machine operation and make/coordinate necessary adjustments and repairs.
• Capability of using standard department information tools, including CMMS, computers, tablets, data gathering systems, and logs.
• Good mathematical, written, and verbal communication skillsets.
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent activities.
• Strong willingness to listen and learn.
• Attention to detail and follow up.
• Possess a critical thinking mindset and can provide unsolicited, innovative solutions.
• Leads by example.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment with skillsets to negotiate and reconcile differences.
• Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks, environment, process, or schedule.
• Takes prompt action, beyond minimum requirements, to complete objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in pump maintenance, repair, and alignment.
• Experience in maintenance of utilities equipment/systems (boilers/steam & condensate, chillers & cooling towers/chilled water, compressors/compressed air oil-free, distillation units/pretreatment & purified water, etc.).
• Experience with Maximo and/or CMMS maintenance programs.
• Technical/Trade school completion/certification/training or equivalent.
• Multi-skill capability with familiarity with the application and operation of tools and equipment used by various trades and/or service providers.
• Knowledgeable of various software applications, including Microsoft Applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Word, etc.).
• Understanding of Quality systems/programs and maintaining the proper GMP/compliance environment as required.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the operation of utilities generation and distribution equipment to meet the utilities needs of Abbott Park, including boilers, chillers, compressors, distillation units, gauges and controls, and pumps.
• Maintaining sanitary effluent sample stations and obtaining samples for Corporate Environmental Control and North Shore Water Reclamation District.
• Monitoring the utilities process via the control room Distributed Control System, observing for equipment problems, and taking corrective actions.
• Making adjustments and controls to respond to requested levels, setpoints, and parameters.
• Obtaining samples and conducting laboratory analysis on boiler water, tower water, condensate, potable and service water, and recording readings according to procedures.
• Troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and machine components for utility systems.
• Supporting the fabrication and installation or rearrangement of new or existing equipment.
• Performing periodic equipment and system lubrications and inspections.
• Performing and/or coordinating preventive and demand maintenance of utilities equipment such as air compressors, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, distillation units, and water softeners.
• Responding to equipment and/or plant/site emergencies.
• Using precision tools and equipment to complete mechanical maintenance jobs.
• Comprehending and utilizing complex manuals and drawings related to equipment and/or system installation, modification, and maintenance.
• Auditing equipment and developing replacement part lists.
• Leading other personnel and/or external service providers in task completion.
• Providing on-the-job training for new employees, including directing other Abbott personnel and/or external service providers.
• Following all plant, site, GMP, and safety rules, including proper lockout/tag out and confined space entry procedures.
• Fully supporting the Maintenance Excellence program, including work order planning, scheduling, execution, and completion practices.
• Working independently with minimum supervision.
• Overseeing equipment useful life inspections (e.g., boilers, condensate tanks).
• Serving as an operations and maintenance resource to other Abbott organizations beyond Lake County Utilities.
• Supporting larger efforts such as capital project installations and site/plant recovery activities.

Benefits

• Free medical coverage in HIP PPO medical plan in the next calendar year (for qualifying employees).
• Excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit for an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED