Senior Maintenance and Utilities Technician

Senior Maintenance and Utilities Technician

Join to apply for the Senior Maintenance and Utilities Technician role at Kyowa Kirin, Inc.

- U.S.

This position is based on-site in Sanford, NC. This is not a hybrid or remote role.

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines. The Senior Maintenance and Utilities Technician ensures reliable operation and maintenance of facility utilities and equipment at our biopharmaceutical manufacturing site by applying advanced GMP, regulatory compliance, and technical troubleshooting expertise. You will manage complex projects, mentor other technicians, and implement best practices to enhance team performance and efficiency, maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant production environment.

• Perform scheduled inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on bioprocessing equipment (e.g., bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration units) to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on facility utilities (boilers, chillers, air compressors, WFI water systems, HVAC, and other critical infrastructure).
• Diagnose complex equipment malfunctions, conduct timely repairs, and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence; escalate unresolved or critical issues with clear documentation and recommendations.
• Adhere to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and proactively identify and mitigate hazards.
• Provide technical support for start-up, commissioning, and turnover of new systems site-wide, ensuring seamless integration and compliance.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records in compliance with GMP, FDA regulations, and audit requirements.
• Collaborate with process engineers, quality assurance, manufacturing staff, and cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support operational goals.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other technicians and contractors.
• Document root causes of equipment failures and recommend effective, long-term solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Plan and execute site shutdowns effectively, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining safety, compliance, and schedule adherence.

• High school diploma or equivalent, with 3–5 years of relevant cGMP maintenance experience.
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field (engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or industrial maintenance) is preferred and may substitute for some experience.

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a GxP or other highly regulated environment.

• Proficiency with CMMS platforms such as D365 EAM, SAP PM, Maximo, or equivalent systems to manage calibration schedules, documentation, and asset history.
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders and service partners to deliver calibration and maintenance solutions.
• Clear verbal and written communication to ensure accurate documentation and coordination across teams.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail to maintain data integrity and audit readiness.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and execute planned shutdowns, ensuring safety and operational requirements.

• Results-oriented with ability to navigate ambiguity and drive measurable outcomes.
• Accountability, task management, and timely responsiveness.
• Adaptability, resilience, and clear communication in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset, cultural sensitivity, and ability to foster inclusive, global teamwork.
• Growth mindset with emphasis on continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Commitment to inclusive collaboration and healthy work-life balance.
• Integrity, humility, and prioritizing collective success.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, and ability to drive innovative solutions.
• Enterprise-wide thinking to deliver cohesive, integrated solutions.

• Requires up to 5% domestic travel, based on business needs.
• During construction/start-up, Monday–Friday day shift; during production runs, a 2-2-3 shift rotation (12-hour day shift from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) with…