The posting
Vestolit is hiring for a Utilities Engineer in Henry, IL (onsite)
About Orbia Polymer Solutions Vestolit:
The materials that shape everyday life, from the cities we build to the healthcare we rely on, start with people like you.
At Orbia’s Polymer Solutions (Vestolit) business, we develop essential PVC solutions that enable progress in ways both visible and behind the scenes. As a global leader serving more than 80 countries, our work supports industries and infrastructure that people depend on every day. Count on a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your work connects to something bigger. There’s a reason “people” comes first in our triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. We foster a culture where individuals are valued and where you can contribute authentically as part of a global team.
Here, what we create matters, because everything we do is connected to advancing life around the world.
The Plant Utilities Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, environmentally compliant, and efficient operation of Henry site's utility systems. Under the direction of the Production and Process Manager, the Utilities Engineer provides technical leadership and operational oversight for water treatment, steam generation, wastewater treatment, compressed air, nitrogen, cooling water, and other supporting utility systems required for manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety and environmental compliance throughout utility operations.
- Ensure all utility activities comply with company safety policies, Life Saving Rules, permit-to-work requirements, and environmental standards.
- Provide technical and operational leadership for all utility systems, including: boiler and steam generation, well water, filtered water, reverse osmosis, and demineralized water, wastewater treatment and discharge systems, cooling water, and chilled water compressed air, nitrogen distribution, and emergency utility and backup equipment systems.
- Monitor utility performance, reliability, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
- Develop and implement operating strategies to ensure uninterrupted utility supply to critical manufacturing operations.
- Analyze operating data and trends to optimize system performance and utility costs.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for utility equipment and process upsets.
- Ensure wastewater treatment operations are conducted in accordance with permit requirements and environmental regulations.
- Support compliance with NPDES permits, wastewater discharge requirements, air regulations, and other applicable environmental standards.
- Investigate environmental excursions and utility-related incidents and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Maintain required regulatory records, monitoring programs, and reporting systems.
- Support environmental audits, inspections, and permit renewals.
- Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, hazard reviews (PHA), management of change (MOC), and incident investigations as applicable.
- Conduct routine field audits and safety observations.
- Identify reliability improvement opportunities for utility equipment and systems.
- Work closely with maintenance personnel to develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Generates and prioritizes maintenance work orders to ensure utility equipment and facility repairs support environmental compliance and production demands.
- Coordinate with operators, maintenance personnel, and contractors to plan and prepare equipment for maintenance activities
- Support equipment inspections, turnaround planning, and major maintenance activities.
- Assist in development of equipment specifications and spare parts strategies.
- Lead projects focused on: Energy reduction, Water conservation, Steam efficiency improvements, Wastewater treatment optimization, Environmental performance improvements, Utility system reliability enhancements
- Provide technical justification and economic evaluations for capital expenditures.
- Manage utility-related capital and expense projects from concept through startup.
- Develop and update operating procedures, engineering standards, and training programs.
- Provide technical direction and mentoring to utility operators and technicians.
- Support operator qualification and certification programs and participate in workforce development and cross-training initiatives.
- Coordinate contractor activities and outside service providers supporting utility operations.
- Must maintain Illinois Class K License to supervise industrial pretreatment and treatment operations.
- Oversight of raw material purchasing to ensure adequate stocks.
- Provide after-hours technical support and respond to on-call situations as required.
- Develop and manage utility operating and expense budgets.
- Monitor utility consumption and cost metrics and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
- Support sustainability initiatives and corporate environmental goals.
- Serve as the site technical expert for utility systems and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Track and report key utility performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform other duties and special projects as requested by Leadership.
Education Requirement:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
Working Knowledge Requirements:
- Steam generation and distribution systems
- Water treatment technologies (RO, demineralization, filtration)
- Compressed Air and Nitrogen distribution systems
- Biological, physical and chemical wastewater treatment processes
- Cooling water systems
- Operation of Industrial controls, instrumentation, and DCS systems
- Environmental regulatory requirements
- Reliability and maintenance best practices
- Process safety management principle
Working Knowledge Preference:
- Project Management experience related to equipment and process improvements
- Detailed understanding of Energy Efficiency KPIs and how to implement and monitor system performance
- Working knowledge of ISO Standards and management systems
- Ability to lead FMEA, RCA, Ishikawa, etc., for systems and equipment failures and ensure implementation of corrective actions
- Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting water, steam, and utility operating data to identify improvement opportunities and support operational decision-making.
- Ability to perform detailed analysis of critical equipment to support the development and improvement of preventive maintenance plans
- Ability to identify and promote the implementation of new technologies for system improvement
- Experience with capital project management and execution.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment permit requirements and environmental reporting.
- Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), process automation, and data analytics tools.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience managing energy conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Experience Requirement:
- Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in utilities, water treatment, wastewater treatment, chemical manufacturing, or related operations.
- Experience with industrial boiler systems, water treatment processes, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Experience leading operational improvement initiatives and projects.
Orbia’s Polymer Solutions (Vestolit) business is a global leader in the development and manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) specialties, backed by over 75 years of expertise and a strong industrial footprint in Europe and the Americas. Our materials are used across a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, healthcare, and consumer applications, designed to meet high standards of quality, consistency, and reliability.
Committed to sustainable development, we continue to advance solutions produced with non-fossil-based resources while supporting the transition toward a circular economy. With a global network of production and innovation capabilities, we partner with customers around the world to meet evolving needs.
The compensation for this position is included above. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.
The compensation package may also include short and long-term incentive compensation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, a 401(k)-retirement savings plan, paid company holidays, paid vacation time, paid sick time, parental leave, short- and long-term disability leave, and an employee assistance program. At Orbia, we are committed to taking care of our employees and believe in providing comprehensive support so you can thrive at work and home.
Orbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
