Facilities Manager

Kinovate Life Sciences, Inc. established in 2004 in Oceanside, California. A wholly owned subsidiary of Nitto Denko Corporation ( Kinovate was spun-off from Oceanside, CA based R&D facility Nitto Denko Technical Corp ( with a mission to provide the highest quality materials to niche life science markets worldwide.

Since its inception, Kinovate has grown to become the market leader in solid support in the oligonucleotide synthesis field. We are bringing the most creative minds in science and technology to develop medical discoveries and breakthroughs. Our customers are well-known in the biotechnology industry. We are in a growth phase within ISO work environment and leading towards a GMP Certification. KLS is seeking extraordinary people to join the team. KLS is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

Why Work Here. Great place to work. Small subsidiary of large international company headquartered in Japan. Generous discretionary bonuses. Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance effective from date of hire. Additional benefits include 401(k), 3 weeks vacation in your first year, 12 paid yearly holidays, 5 paid sick days, tuition reimbursement and more.

JOB SUMMARY :

Under general supervision, oversee the operations and maintenance of facilities, including buildings, manufacturing suites, labs , tank farm and utilities, ensuring compliance to applicable (GMP, ISO, OSHA, NFPA, etc.) internal and external standards and regulatory requirements. Schedule, prioritize repairs and assign work to maintenance crews and projects. Direct multiple-level maintenance technicians (internal and external) engaged in operating, repairing, maintaining, and installing machines, tools, and equipment. Provide day-to-day guidance and leadership to staff comprising of recruitment, selection, training, disciplining and employee conflict resolution. Partner with contractors to ensure projects are kept on schedule and within budget. Execute various technical tasks related to building maintenance and upkeeping and equipment maintenance; provide general and technical assistance to the department head.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and / or RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Provides day-to-day leadership to staff including but not limited to recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, disciplining employees including conflict resolution, developing personal growth opportunities.

2. Oversees operation of tank farm, ensuring the equipment is maintained and operated according to KLS procedures and regulatory requirements.

3. Schedules repairs, maintenance, and installation of machines, tools, and equipment to ensure continuous production operations, as well as maintenance and remodeling projects of building and facility (tank farm, HVAC, Air Compressors, DI water System, etc.) to order to provide a clean, safe, efficient, environmentally friendly environment and ensure continuous production operations.

4. Plans budgets and schedules facility modifications, including cost estimates as well as inspect construction and installation progress.

5. Evaluates work orders to determine priorities and assignments based on technical expertise.

6. Confers with engineers, quality control, production, and senior management to resolve maintenance issues and recommend measures to improve the conditions of machines, equipment and building.

7. Develops preventive maintenance program in conjunction with maintenance staff to ensure optimum capital utilization.

8. Identifying areas for improvement in facility operations and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and compliance.

9. Develops and reviews Standard Operating Procedures for process and equipment under the responsibilities of the Facilities department.

10. Analyzes production, quality control, and maintenance reports and statistics to plan and modify maintenance activities.

11. Inspects operating machines and equipment for conformance with operational standards. Research alternative suppliers and technology methods to perform maintenance work with cost and quality. Requisitions tools, equipment, and supplies required for projects.

12. Identifies and selects suitable automated systems necessary to control critical process and facility parameters.

13. Directs training and indoctrination of contractors to improve work performance and acquaint employees with company policies and procedures. Evaluates and proposes changes to documentation, new programs, training, and cost reductions associated with manufacturing / production tools.

14. Utilizes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMW) software tools to improve performance and resolve issues such as unplanned maintenance, downtime, and variation in equipment performance.

15. Champions the cleaning and maintenance of facility and monitors contractor’s performance.

16. Prepares budget and monitors expenditures of funds in the budget.

17. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Facilities Lead

2. Facilities Associate

MINIMUM EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE :

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and eight (8) years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Highly regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical or medical device experience, a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES :

1. Principles of management, training, employee relations, and performance management, including basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

2. Working knowledge of materials, methods, terminology, equipment, and tools used in the maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment, including installation of programmable equipment and safety management practices.

3. Working knowledge of NFPA, OSHA, GMP and ISO principles and requirements.

4. Ability to work independently and in small or large groups and foster cooperation in a team environment using interpersonal skills to influence others.

5. Ability to apply critical thinking skills and create a repeatable thought process to questions and provide solutions. Ability to solve complex technical problems with minimal oversight.

6. Intermediate to advanced ability in reading, analyzing, and interpreting standard scientific and technical journals.

Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or business community members. Ability to effectively present information to staff across the organization in non-technical terms for understanding. Ability to draft well-written technical reports to communicate with staff, management, and external customers and suppliers.

7. Intermediate to advanced ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret various technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

8. Ability to use software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and understand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Computerized Automated Design (CAD) / Electrical CAD software, Parts & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), and SolidWorks software.

9. Exposure and working knowledge of Hazardous Materials storage and tank farm operations.

10. Working experience with Bulk chemical transportation and tanker truck loading and offloading operations.

11. Strong ability to read schematics, blueprints, technical drawings, etc.

12. Working knowledge of electrical and electronic control systems, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

13. Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronics integration systems design related to production equipment such as Fanuc or Robotics and instrumentation engineerings such as air and liquid distribution equipment and systems controls.

14. Understanding manufacturing processes or procedures (e.g., raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT : (Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

8. Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hours) push / pull carts with equipment.

9. Ability to drive a forklift occasionally (up to 3 hours / day)

10. Fine hand manipulation of light-moderate strength is required to operate touch screen displays on machinery.

11. Must be able to see / focus for close eye work (small figures) and discriminate colors.

12. Requires close (clear vision at 20 inches or less) and distance (clear vision at 20 feet or more) vision.

13. Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up / down or left / right while eyes are fixed on a point) and depth vision (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) are required to troubleshoot and correct machine issues and operate a forklift.

14. Must be able to speak / hear verbal communications and respond to machine alarms / buzzers.

15. Occasional exposure to noise, gas / fumes / mists, and chemicals or hazardous materials while using personal protective equipment when required.

16. May drive a company or personal vehicle while on company business.

17. Must wear safety shoes in required areas.

18. Must be able to work extended hours per the demands of the business.

19. Travel, up to 5% as required, to support the needs of the business.

20. Must possess a valid driver’s license and remain qualified as a Driver under the company Driver Policy.