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.