MEP Engineer

Job Description

About Forge:

Forge, a member of Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life changing gene therapies and helping bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most.

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.

About The Role:

The Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineer supports the overall facility and equipment performance, reliability, and compliance for HVAC, electrical, other mechanical systems and general piping and plumbing infrastructure. The MEP Engineer performs troubleshooting and monitoring of key assets with the expectation of driving quality and safety compliance, asset availability and overall asset health.

What You'll Do:

HVAC & Mechanical Systems

Develops and maintains preventive and predictive maintenance for HVAC systems (GMP & non-GMP)

Maintains accurate HVAC and duct work drawings in an as built state

Manages HVAC ductwork components and knowledge including damper settings and airflow valve (Phoenix) valve calibration settings

Supports the cleanroom test, balance and recertification process

Maintains overall building pressurization philosophy

Develops maintenance strategies for refrigerated systems (refrigerators, freezers)

Supports continuous improvement and asset uptime on complex GMP systems focusing on mechanical components (Bioreactors, TCUs, Chromatography Systems, etc)

Electrical Systems

Builds preventive and predictive maintenance procedures for electrical systems, and develops programs to periodically test the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and back-up generator systems

Identifies and utilizes appropriate monitoring and diagnostic tools to test electrical systems

Maintains relationships with the power company and assesses annual power quality reports

Assesses data periodically from PQMs (Power Quality Meters)

Performs routine assessments of electrical systems on lab and production equipment to ensure safety and reliability; supporting electrical modifications as needed

Maintains as-built electrical drawings and supports electrical expansion projects

Develops and maintains electrical distribution illustrations for basic knowledge share

Plumbing & Piping Systems

Maintains accurate as-built drawings for fire suppression/protection systems and piping; supports new system installations and assists with periodic inspections to ensure ongoing compliance and functionality

Develops processes to periodically inspect pressurized gas (CO2, O2, N2) distribution header systems and components

Develops and maintains up-to-date drawings for site-wide utilities, including city water, natural gas, and drainage systems; develops and conducts periodic inspection programs to ensure system integrity and reliability

General

Supports Deviations, CAPAs, Change Controls, and audit readiness for equipment and facilities

Participates in FMEAs, PHAs, and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs)

Assists with developing, revising, and reviewing equipment SOPs

Optimizes Preventive Maintenance (PM) strategies, including work instructions and reliability improvements

Maintains Health Score Cards for critical assets to monitor performance

Coordinates shutdown planning and master schedules for planned, corrective, and project-based activities

Collaborates with Project Engineering on system handoffs and provides capital expenditure input for equipment improvements

Guides new projects on asset standardization and long-term reliability

Implements facility and equipment improvements to support compliance, quality, and safety.

Participates in FAT/SAT processes and commissioning activities

Enhances contractor PM documentation and practices as part of the contractor management program.

Provides after-hours troubleshooting support as needed

Establishes collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive the business towards achieving company objectives

What You'll Bring:

3+ years of hands-on experience in MEP systems design, operation, and/or maintenance

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required

Proficiency in HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing/piping infrastructure, with working knowledge of design principles and troubleshooting

Strong understanding of engineering documentation, including as-built drawings, SOPs, and technical specifications

Experience with Quality Management Systems (e.g., Veeva, TrackWise) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., Blue Mountain RAM)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using engineering and design tools/software

General understanding of process control and computerized systems

Effective communication skills across cross-functional teams, including the ability to convey complex technical issues clearly

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions

Exhibits professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflect positively on the company and is consistent with company policies and cultural values

Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset and a strong attention to detail

Nice to Have: Experience in engineering design and engineering troubleshooting in a regulated environment (ISO, FDA)

This role may require occasional weekend or off-hour work depending on project timelines.

Nice to Have: CAD experience

Physical Requirements:

May be required to lift up to 50 pounds of materials or equipment

Requirement to gown into Classified Areas of the facility (ISO 7 and 8 sterile gowning)

The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces

The ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 40 pounds

The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly as required

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in both a warehouse and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderate to occasionally loud. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 35 lbs. Ability to frequently operate a computer, and communicate with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. Must be able to move about the facility for moderate to extended periods of time. Ability to wear task dependent personal protective equipment as needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Life at Forge

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge's core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by.

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key.

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback.

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies.

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge's vision, mission and goals.

We've Got You Covered

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and are consistently evaluating new ways to make our benefits truly UnFORGEttable.

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance that starts on your first day at Forge, with 90% of premiums covered for team members as well as dependents

Competitive paid time off plan

Annual bonus for all full-time employees

401(K) company match

Fully-stocked kitchen with free food/drinks

12 weeks of paid parental leave - additional discount programs include childcare support & dependent care

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness benefits (financial planning services, mental health counseling, employer paid disability)

Onsite fitness facility

Professional & Personal development resources

Full-time