Senior Maintenance Technician (fermentation/bacterial/purification))

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Senior Maintenance Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, utility systems, supporting bacterial fermentation, purification, and related GMP manufacturing operations. The role requires strong technical expertise, hands-on execution, documentation compliance, and the ability to support production while maintaining safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Minimum QualificationsAssociate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or related technical field; or equivalent military/industry experience.5+ years of maintenance experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, chemical, or regulated manufacturing environments.Experience supporting fermentation, bioprocessing, utility, and process equipment.Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead complex maintenance activities.Strong understanding of GMP requirements and documentation practices.

Core ResponsibilitiesEquipment Maintenance & ReliabilityPerform preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on manufacturing and utility equipment.Execute maintenance activities on fermenters, bioreactors, centrifuges, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, filtration systems, autoclaves, CIP/SIP systems, and supporting utilities.Support equipment reliability initiatives and continuous improvement projects.Identify and implement root cause corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and performance. Troubleshooting & Problem SolvingDiagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, instrumentation, and process-related failures.Utilize systematic troubleshooting methodologies to identify root causes of equipment issues.Support investigations related to equipment deviations, failures, and recurring maintenance concerns.Participate in failure analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities. GMP Compliance & DocumentationExecute maintenance activities in accordance with GMP, safety, and quality requirements.Complete work orders, maintenance records, logbooks, calibration records, and equipment documentation accurately and contemporaneously.Support audits, inspections, and quality assessments.Follow approved procedures, change controls, deviations, and maintenance SOPs.

Work ManagementUtilize Maximo CMMS to manage work orders, preventive maintenance activities, equipment history, and spare parts.Review, update, and close maintenance work orders with complete and accurate documentation.Support planning and scheduling activities to optimize maintenance resources.Maintain equipment records and ensure data integrity within the CMMS system. Technical SupportProvide technical guidance and mentorship to maintenance technicians and contractors.Support equipment installations, commissioning, qualification, and startup activities.Participate in shutdowns, maintenance outages, and capital projects.Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, Facilities, and Quality teams. Required Technical Knowledge GMP KnowledgeComprehensive understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).Knowledge of data integrity principles and ALCOA+ requirements.Familiarity with deviation management, change control, CAPA, and audit readiness.Understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology regulatory expectations.

Documentation KnowledgeAbility to complete maintenance documentation accurately and compliantly.Experience reviewing and executing SOPs, work instructions, and maintenance procedures.Knowledge of technical reports, equipment records, and controlled documentation practices.Understanding of documentation review and approval workflows. Maximo CMMS KnowledgeProficient in IBM Maximo or equivalent CMMS systems.Ability to create, execute, update, and close work orders.Experience managing preventive maintenance schedules.Knowledge of equipment hierarchy, asset management, and spare parts inventory.Ability to analyse maintenance history and reliability metrics. Piping Systems KnowledgeUnderstanding of process and utility piping systems.Experience with stainless steel sanitary piping systems.Knowledge of valves, pumps, fittings, gaskets, and piping components.Familiarity with steam, compressed air, purified water, WFI, clean utilities, and process transfer systems.Ability to identify piping system issues and perform repairs safely.

Drawing InterpretationAbility to read and interpret:Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)Mechanical drawingsEquipment assembly drawingsElectrical schematicsInstrument loop diagramsSingle-line electrical drawingsFacility and utility drawingsAbility to use drawings for troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and system modifications. Hands-On Technical ExecutionStrong mechanical aptitude and repair skills.Experience performing equipment disassembly, repair, alignment, and reassembly.Ability to perform precision maintenance activities.Skilled in the use of maintenance tools, measuring devices, and diagnostic equipment.Experience supporting equipment startup and operational testing. Troubleshooting ExpertiseAdvanced troubleshooting ofMechanical systemsElectrical systemsInstrumentation and controlsPneumatic systemsProcess equipmentUtility systemsAbility to use structured root cause analysis methodologies.Experience resolving complex equipment failures with minimal supervision.

Preferred QualificationsExperience in bacterial fermentation or microbial manufacturing operations.Knowledge of CIP/SIP systems and sterile manufacturing practices.Experience with PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.Reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) experience.Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.Technical certification in maintenance, instrumentation, electrical, or mechanical disciplines. Key CompetenciesSafety LeadershipGMP ComplianceTechnical ExpertiseTroubleshooting and Root Cause AnalysisAttention to DetailDocumentation ExcellenceCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationContinuous Improvement MindsetPlanning and OrganizationReliability FocusCustomer Service Orientation