Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Utilities Project Engineer
Manufacturing | On-site (Smithfield, NC)
Salary: $106,500 DOE
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Education reimbursement
Position Summary
The Senior Utilities Project Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, optimization, reliability, and continuous improvement of critical utility systems across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and process safety teams to support industrial refrigeration systems, utilities infrastructure, capital projects, and compliance initiatives. The position plays a key role in improving operational performance, implementing standardized systems, and supporting long-term infrastructure planning across Fresh and Packaged Meat facilities.

Key Responsibilities
• Support utility operations and engineering initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Collaborate with facility teams and project engineering groups to develop Capital Infrastructure Plans
• Assist in the design, selection, quoting, and implementation of utility and refrigeration system equipment
• Coordinate with professional refrigeration engineering resources during project development and execution
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to industrial refrigeration and utility systems
• Develop and implement solutions to improve system reliability, efficiency, and operational performance
• Standardize equipment requirements and support implementation of new utility systems
• Perform load, charge, and relief calculations to identify and correct system deficiencies
• Analyze utility system performance and optimize systems based on facility operational requirements
• Support planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of utility engineering improvement projects
• Assist facilities and Process Safety Management (PSM) teams with compliance-related initiatives
• Research, evaluate, and assist in testing new technologies to support continuous improvement efforts
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to plant and maintenance teams
• Lead and support multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring adherence to engineering and safety protocols

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of related experience in operations, maintenance, and optimization of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems
• RETA CIRO certification, ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent ammonia refrigeration certification required
• Strong understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and utility operations
• Ability to apply engineering principles to operational, maintenance, and design challenges
• Experience supporting project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and implementation
• Strong analytical, mathematical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 50%

Preferred Qualifications
• Electrical troubleshooting experience including low/high voltage circuits, motors, and controls
• Wastewater operations experience preferred
• Experience working in fast-paced manufacturing or food production environments
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to build positive working relationships in dynamic operational environments

If you meet the above qualifications and would like to apply for this position, please click APPLY NOW and upload your most current resume or you may email your resume to our recruiter, Heather Murphy at Heather.Murphy@adeccona.com. Please include "Utilities" on the subject line of any e-mail. Be sure to include your contact number.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed by email. Thank you in advance for applying, however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Adecco Group is a Fortune Global 500 company and the global leader in Human Resource Solutions. Our group connects over 700,000 associates with our business clients each day through our 6,600 offices in over 70 countries and territories around the world. We offer employment opportunities at any stage in your Professional Career. For great opportunities near you, go to www.adeccousa.com today! Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.adeccousa.com/candidate-privacy/. The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pay Details: $70,000.00 to $95,000.00 per year
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.