Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Valparaiso, IN

Description
UNDERSTANDING
The Utility Engineer Manager supports the overall operation of the food manufacturing facility by maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient plant utility systems. This role ensures production teams have dependable access to steam, compressed air, HVAC, refrigeration, water treatment, and related building systems needed to produce safe, high-quality food products. The Utility Engineer Manager also supports plant reliability, regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, and continuous improvement by identifying utility risks, responding to equipment issues, and maintaining accurate operating records.
CORE VALUES
Our 5 Core Values are more than just words, they're a way of life. We know that companies with a strong culture & a higher purpose perform better in the long run.
• Own It
• Hustle and Refuse to Settle
• Love People
• Act for the Greater Good
• Find a way
WORKING RELATIONSHIP
This position works closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, Sanitation, Quality, Safety, and outside contractors to support daily plant operations and utility system reliability.
• Reports to the Director of Engineering, based on departmental structure.
• Communicates regularly with production and maintenance leadership regarding utility performance, equipment concerns, and system conditions.
• Partners with Quality, Sanitation, and Safety teams to support GMP, food safety, environmental, and workplace safety expectations.
• Coordinates with vendors, contractors, and inspectors during service, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, repairs, and compliance activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant utility systems which includes: Chilled Water System, Boilers, Steam Distribution, HVAC Equipment, Refrigeration, Compressed Air, Cooling Towers, Waste Water Treatment Equipment, and Domestic Hot/Cold Water Systems.
• Perform routine rounds, inspections, readings, and documentation to verify equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
• Troubleshoot utility system issues and support timely repairs to reduce downtime and maintain production support.
• Complete assigned preventive and corrective maintenance activities in accordance with company expectations and equipment requirements.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, maintenance records, work orders, and shift communication related to utility systems.
• Support equipment startups, shutdowns, changeovers, seasonal adjustments, and emergency response activities as needed.
• Support and supervise employees in the water treatment tech role and others if assigned.
• Follow all company safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout, confined space, hot work, PPE, chemical handling, and emergency response requirements.
• Support food safety, GMP, sanitation, environmental, and regulatory compliance expectations related to plant utility operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, energy efficiency, operating cost, safety, and utility system performance.
• Assist with contractor coordination, inspections, audits, and equipment service activities as assigned.
• Meet daily objectives and support department KPI expectations related to safety, uptime, reliability, compliance, and work completion.
• Manage Utility Related Capital Projects from concept through commissioning
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications for Utility based projects
• Review Engineering Drawings, Equipment Specifications, and System Designs
• Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industrial utility systems such as boilers, steam, HVAC, refrigeration, compressed air, pumps, valves, and water treatment systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control-related issues associated with utility equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, procedures, mechanical drawings, P&IDs, basic electrical schematics, and operating instructions.
• Ability to use a computerized maintenance management system or similar system to document work, complete work orders, and maintain records.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to monitor gauges, meters, controls, alarms, and operating conditions.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize work safely, and communicate equipment concerns clearly to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Must be able to follow food safety, GMP, safety, environmental, and company policies at all times.
• Must be able to work in hot, cold, humid, noisy, and manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, climb ladders and stairs, and access elevated or confined work areas as required.
• Must be available to work assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-ins as needed to support critical plant operations.
EDUCATION
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Engineering Bachelors degree preferred.
• Technical school, vocational training, or related coursework in industrial maintenance, HVAC, boiler operation, power engineering, refrigeration, or mechanical systems preferred.
• Stationary Engineer license, Boiler Operator license, RETA/IIAR training, or related utility system certification preferred, where applicable.
• Three to five years of experience operating or maintaining industrial utility systems in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.