Utility Engineer

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

Company Summary:

Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) is a vertically integrated manufacturer of solar cells, modules and custom‐designed solar power applications. Canadian Solar’s world‐class team of professionals works closely with our customers to provide them with solutions for all their solar needs. Founded in 2001, Canadian Solar is one of the world’s fastest‐growing companies in the solar industry and has been listed on the NASDAQ since November 2006.

Job Title: Utility Engineer

Department: Facility

Reports to: Facility Manager

Location: Shelbyville, KY

Job Description:

The Utility Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, and optimizing the facility’s utility systems to ensure stable, efficient, and compliant support for energy storage manufacturing operations. This role focuses on water-related systems, including UPW, PCW, wastewater, cooling water, and process water, as well as other critical utilities such as compressed air, vacuum, and gas distribution. The Utility Engineer works closely with facility, production, EHS, and external vendors to ensure uninterrupted utilities supply and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities:

Utility System Operation & Monitoring

- Oversee the day-to-day operation of critical utility systems, including high-purity and process water systems (UPW, PCW, RO/DI), cooling infrastructure (chillers and cooling towers), boilers and hot-water systems, wastewater treatment, compressed air and vacuum systems, and process gas supply and exhaust.

- Ensure utilities operate within required parameters to support cell and ESS manufacturing processes.

Water System Management

- Monitor and maintain water quality, including flow rate, temperature, pressure, pH, conductivity, purity levels, and contamination control.

- Perform routine inspections and water sampling while ensuring compliance with process specifications.

- Troubleshoot mechanical and chemical issues in water treatment systems.

- Coordinate chemical dosing, filter changes, resin regeneration, membrane maintenance, and cleaning procedures.

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

- Develop and execute PM plans for all utility equipment.

- Respond promptly to system alarms, deviations, or utility failures.

- Diagnose root causes of issues with pumps, valves, piping, sensors, tanks, and control units.

- Work with maintenance technicians to ensure fast and safe repairs.

Utility Optimization & Energy Efficiency

- Analyze utilities usage and identify opportunities for water and energy savings.

- Recommend improvements to utility system design, layout, and control logic.

- Participate in facility expansion, new line installation, and equipment commissioning (FAT/SAT).

Safety & Compliance

- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local environmental and industrial regulations.

- Support environmental reporting related to water discharge, chemical usage, and waste handling.

- Conduct regular inspections for leaks, spill prevention, and chemical storage.

- Adhere to LOTO, confined space, and hazard communication requirements.

Documentation and Reporting:

- Maintain accurate logs for utility parameters, PM activities, and repair records.

- Prepare reports on water system stability, utility performance, deviations, and corrective actions.

- Keep SOPs, manuals, P&IDs, and data sheets up to date.

Vendor and Contractor Management:

- Work with utility service providers, chemical suppliers, water treatment contractors, and OEMs.

- Review service contracts, equipment proposals, and vendor performance.

- Oversee utility-related construction and installation work.

Team Collaboration:

- Work closely with facility staff, management, and other departments to address facility needs and support operational goals.

- Provide training and support to staff on facility-related procedures and safety practices.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

- 1-2 years of experience in facility management, building systems maintenance, or a similar role. (battery or semiconductor a plus).

- Strong knowledge of water treatment processes, cooling systems, pumps, piping, and mechanical utilities.

- Understanding of wastewater treatment, environmental compliance, and facility utilities.

- Familiarity with safety regulations. local laws and regulations as well as industry standards.

- Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.

- Proficiency in facility management software and tools.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

- Certification in facility management (e.g., Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facility Management Professional (FMP)).

- Experience with energy management and sustainability practices.

- Knowledge of regulatory requirements specific to the industry or facility type.

- Ability to adapt to changing technologies and industry trends.

- Willingness to continuously learn and update skills.

Working Conditions:

- Standard office environment with frequent visits to facility areas and production environments.

- May require occasional travel to other facilities or vendor locations.

- May involve working outside of regular hours to address facility issues or oversee projects.

- May be required to work in a rotating shift depending on operational needs.

Compensation and Benefits:

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/dental/life/disability program, PTO. This is a full time position.