Senior Level Utility Operator Jobs
Senior level utility operator jobs place experienced professionals in charge of system oversight, operational decision-making, and the crews or projects that keep critical infrastructure running. Most openings are on-site or field-based across Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Energy, with employers like CARIAN, HDR, and Qcells hiring at this level now.
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Description
Mechanical Engineer, Utilities (Mechanical Systems & Expansion Projects)
Position Summary
Hanwha Qcells Georgia operates a vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Cartersville, GA, covering Ingot, Wafer, Cell, and Module production. The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the reliable operation and maintenance of the plant's mechanical utility systems — including chillers, cooling towers, process cooling water, compressed air, exhaust and HVAC, pumps, and piping — and for owner-side management of utility construction for plant capacity expansion projects, from design review through installation, commissioning, and turnover, in a 24/7 critical manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Utility Operation & Maintenance
- Operate, inspect, and maintain mechanical utility systems, including chillers, cooling towers, PCW, compressed air and dryers, vacuum, boilers/hot water, MAU/AHU, exhaust fans and scrubbers, and UPW/wastewater equipment.
- Plan and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs for rotating equipment (pumps, fans, compressors, motors) and static equipment (tanks, heat exchangers, piping, valves).
- Perform LOTO, line breaking, and safe work practices in accordance with OSHA and site safety procedures.
Troubleshooting & Reliability
- Serve as first-line technical responder for mechanical utility failures, leaks, and abnormal operating conditions; lead root cause analysis and corrective action reports.
- Use condition monitoring data (vibration, temperature, pressure, flow) to identify degradation and improve equipment reliability.
- Participate in the on-call rotation for after-hours mechanical emergencies.
Expansion Project Construction Management
- Serve as owner's mechanical representative for utility construction in plant capacity expansion projects; review design drawings, specifications, and contractor submittals.
- Support long-lead equipment procurement, RFQs, and technical bid evaluations for mechanical utility equipment and installation work.
- Monitor contractor scope, schedule, quality, and safety in the field; manage RFIs, change requests, and punch lists.
- Witness installation inspections, welding and material verification, pressure/leak tests, and flushing/cleaning of piping systems.
- Participate in FAT/SAT, start-up, and commissioning (Level 3–5), and manage turnover of new systems to operation and maintenance.
Coordination
- Coordinate with EPC/mechanical contractors, design firms, equipment vendors, and internal Process, Electrical, Automation, and EHS teams.
- Coordinate utility shutdowns and tie-ins with production to minimize impact on plant operation.
Documentation & Technical Support
- Maintain P&IDs, equipment lists, as-built drawings, maintenance records, and critical spare parts lists.
- Provide technical guidance and training to mechanical technicians and operators.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in operation, maintenance, construction, or commissioning of mechanical utility systems in industrial, manufacturing, or process plant environments.
- Working knowledge of rotating and static equipment, including pumps, fans, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, and piping systems.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.
- Familiarity with OSHA safety requirements and applicable codes such as ASME B31 piping codes and the International Mechanical Code.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English with contractors, vendors, and plant personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Owner-side or contractor-side experience managing mechanical/piping construction and commissioning on industrial expansion or greenfield projects.
- Experience in semiconductor, solar, battery, chemical, or other mission-critical manufacturing facilities.
- Experience with HVAC, cleanroom utilities, exhaust/scrubber systems, or UPW/wastewater treatment systems.
- Knowledge of welding procedures, NDT methods, pressure testing, and piping material selection.
- Experience with vibration analysis or condition monitoring of rotating equipment.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or other drawing review tools.
- Engineering certification or license (e.g., FE/EIT or PE).
- OSHA 10/30 certification.
Working Conditions
- Work in a 24/7 manufacturing facility, including mechanical rooms, utility buildings, rooftops, construction sites, and outdoor areas.
- Participation in on-call rotation and occasional after-hours, weekend, or shutdown work.
- Required to wear PPE as specified by task.
- Ability to climb ladders, work in confined or elevated spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Hanwha Q CELLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
Description
Mechanical Engineer, Utilities (Mechanical Systems & Expansion Projects)
Position Summary
Hanwha Qcells Georgia operates a vertically integrated solar manufacturing facility in Cartersville, GA, covering Ingot, Wafer, Cell, and Module production. The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the reliable operation and maintenance of the plant's mechanical utility systems — including chillers, cooling towers, process cooling water, compressed air, exhaust and HVAC, pumps, and piping — and for owner-side management of utility construction for plant capacity expansion projects, from design review through installation, commissioning, and turnover, in a 24/7 critical manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Utility Operation & Maintenance
- Operate, inspect, and maintain mechanical utility systems, including chillers, cooling towers, PCW, compressed air and dryers, vacuum, boilers/hot water, MAU/AHU, exhaust fans and scrubbers, and UPW/wastewater equipment.
- Plan and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs for rotating equipment (pumps, fans, compressors, motors) and static equipment (tanks, heat exchangers, piping, valves).
- Perform LOTO, line breaking, and safe work practices in accordance with OSHA and site safety procedures.
Troubleshooting & Reliability
- Serve as first-line technical responder for mechanical utility failures, leaks, and abnormal operating conditions; lead root cause analysis and corrective action reports.
- Use condition monitoring data (vibration, temperature, pressure, flow) to identify degradation and improve equipment reliability.
- Participate in the on-call rotation for after-hours mechanical emergencies.
Expansion Project Construction Management
- Serve as owner's mechanical representative for utility construction in plant capacity expansion projects; review design drawings, specifications, and contractor submittals.
- Support long-lead equipment procurement, RFQs, and technical bid evaluations for mechanical utility equipment and installation work.
- Monitor contractor scope, schedule, quality, and safety in the field; manage RFIs, change requests, and punch lists.
- Witness installation inspections, welding and material verification, pressure/leak tests, and flushing/cleaning of piping systems.
- Participate in FAT/SAT, start-up, and commissioning (Level 3–5), and manage turnover of new systems to operation and maintenance.
Coordination
- Coordinate with EPC/mechanical contractors, design firms, equipment vendors, and internal Process, Electrical, Automation, and EHS teams.
- Coordinate utility shutdowns and tie-ins with production to minimize impact on plant operation.
Documentation & Technical Support
- Maintain P&IDs, equipment lists, as-built drawings, maintenance records, and critical spare parts lists.
- Provide technical guidance and training to mechanical technicians and operators.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in operation, maintenance, construction, or commissioning of mechanical utility systems in industrial, manufacturing, or process plant environments.
- Working knowledge of rotating and static equipment, including pumps, fans, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, and piping systems.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.
- Familiarity with OSHA safety requirements and applicable codes such as ASME B31 piping codes and the International Mechanical Code.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English with contractors, vendors, and plant personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Owner-side or contractor-side experience managing mechanical/piping construction and commissioning on industrial expansion or greenfield projects.
- Experience in semiconductor, solar, battery, chemical, or other mission-critical manufacturing facilities.
- Experience with HVAC, cleanroom utilities, exhaust/scrubber systems, or UPW/wastewater treatment systems.
- Knowledge of welding procedures, NDT methods, pressure testing, and piping material selection.
- Experience with vibration analysis or condition monitoring of rotating equipment.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or other drawing review tools.
- Engineering certification or license (e.g., FE/EIT or PE).
- OSHA 10/30 certification.
Working Conditions
- Work in a 24/7 manufacturing facility, including mechanical rooms, utility buildings, rooftops, construction sites, and outdoor areas.
- Participation in on-call rotation and occasional after-hours, weekend, or shutdown work.
- Required to wear PPE as specified by task.
- Ability to climb ladders, work in confined or elevated spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Hanwha Q CELLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
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Senior Level Utility Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level utility operator job?
Employers hiring at the senior level look for candidates who have owned complex operational outcomes, not just followed procedures. Demonstrating experience leading shutdowns, coordinating cross-functional maintenance crews, or serving as the primary point of contact during system failures sets you apart. Certifications in your discipline, a history of mentoring junior operators, and familiarity with SCADA or other control systems strengthen your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire senior level utility operators?
Companies hiring senior level utility operators right now include CARIAN, HDR, and Qcells, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate among large municipal utilities, regional energy providers, and industrial facilities with continuous operations that require experienced oversight.
Are there remote senior level utility operator jobs?
Yes, though most utility operator roles require a physical presence at operational sites. About 43% of senior level utility operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve control room monitoring, regulatory coordination, or operational planning rather than hands-on field work.
What makes a utility operator role senior level?
Senior level utility operator roles are defined by scope, accountability, and leadership. These positions involve overseeing full operational systems rather than individual tasks, making independent judgment calls during abnormal conditions, and guiding less experienced operators through complex procedures. Employers expect candidates to drive process improvements, maintain compliance programs, and serve as a technical authority on equipment and safety protocols.
Which industries hire the most senior level utility operators?
Senior Level utility operator roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors rely on continuous, regulated operations where experienced operators are essential for maintaining uptime, meeting environmental standards, and managing the technical complexity that junior staff cannot handle independently.