Vice President – Mechanical Engineering and Utilities

The Vice President – Mechanical Engineering and Utilities provides strategic and technical leadership for the design, development, operation, and optimization of mechanical systems and utility infrastructure across the organization. This executive role ensures high levels of equipment reliability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable utility operations. The position is also responsible for capital improvement initiatives and for guiding cross-functional engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Mechanical Engineering Leadership:

• Oversee the design, development, and standardization of mechanical systems including HVAC, pumping systems, compressed air, steam, cooling towers, and pipelines.

• Approve technical specifications, layouts, equipment selection, and system integration plans.

• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable codes (e.g., ASME, IS, API, AWWA).

2. Utility Systems Oversight:

• Manage all utility services including water supply, power distribution (in collaboration with electrical), compressed air, steam generation, waste heat recovery, and wastewater systems.

• Drive initiatives for energy efficiency, water conservation, and resource optimization.

• Ensure uninterrupted utility support to plant operations and critical infrastructure.

3. Capital Projects & Infrastructure Planning:

• Lead mechanical and utility aspects of CAPEX projects including facility expansions, new installations, and technology upgrades.

• Collaborate with civil, electrical, and instrumentation teams for project execution and integration.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and contractor performance.

4. Operations, Maintenance & Reliability:

• Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs for mechanical and utility assets.

• Utilize CMMS and analytics to enhance asset performance, reduce downtime, and optimize life cycle costs.

• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

5. Compliance, Risk & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations for all utility systems and mechanical operations.

• Lead audits, inspections, and implementation of risk mitigation strategies (HAZOP, FMEA).

• Establish and enforce engineering standards and operational procedures.

6. Team Development & Leadership:

• Lead a high-performing team of mechanical engineers, utility managers, and technicians.

• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration.

• Develop training and succession plans for critical technical roles.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Mechanical Systems Engineering (HVAC, Pumps, Piping, Steam, etc.)

2. Utility Infrastructure Planning, Operation & Optimization

3. Asset Reliability, Maintenance, and Lifecycle Management

4. Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation & Sustainability Initiatives

5. Capital Projects: Mechanical & Utility Design and Execution

6. Regulatory Compliance, Environmental & Safety Standards

7. Technical Leadership, Team Building, and Knowledge Transfer

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s or MBA is preferred).

• 18–25+ years of experience in mechanical engineering and utilities management, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role.

• Proven track record in managing large-scale mechanical and utility systems in industrial/manufacturing/utility sectors.

• Familiarity with statutory and regulatory standards related to utilities and mechanical systems.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Leadership

• Mechanical Design & Utility Systems Expertise

• Project Management (CAPEX/OPEX)

• Energy and Resource Management

• Engineering Codes, EHS & Compliance Knowledge

• Operations, Maintenance & Reliability Engineering

• Communication, Negotiation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Proficiency in CMMS, AutoCAD, BIM, and energy modeling tools