Associate Director, HVAC (Hybrid)
AbbVie
June 30, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$141,500 - $268,500 USD yearly
Operations
Purpose:
The Associate Director of HVAC provides owner-side leadership and technical governance for the design, integration, and delivery of HVAC and mechanical infrastructure supporting large biopharmaceutical capital projects. Serves as Design Authority for HVAC and mechanical systems to meet manufacturing requirements, GMP standards, reliability expectations, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as owner’s senior engineering leader and design authority for HVAC and mechanical systems.
- Lead utilities and mechanical engineering team; provide technical oversight of EPC contractor design.
- Establish engineering standards and execution strategies.
- Govern design of GMP critical/non-critical HVAC and mechanical systems (cleanrooms, air handling units, environmental controls, mechanical piping, fire suppression, fire/heat detection).
- Develop facility HVAC classification philosophy, pressure cascades/control philosophy; define HEPA filtration, airflow concepts, and AHU coverage.
- Drive vendor/contractor review and selection.
- Review specifications/RFP/bids for equipment and integrated skids; technical/commercial bid analysis and recommendations.
- Apply cradle-to-grave approach (vendor deliverables review/approval, FAT/SAT, installation/start-up).
- Ensure design meets GMP, contamination control, reliability, and maintainability; integration across process systems, clean/black utilities, automation, and facility infrastructure.
- Define system boundaries/architecture including commissioning boundaries.
- Support energy efficiency and sustainability (technology-assisted pressure/air supply control).
- Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews; review deliverables (descriptions, calculations, specifications).
- Ensure compliance with global engineering standards; review/approve contractor packages.
- Resolve complex technical issues across project phases; support startup and operational readiness.
- Monitor/control cost and schedule for HVAC systems and vendor hardware/software; drive project transformation and AI/digitalization.
Qualifications:
- BS in Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
- 12+ years HVAC/mechanical principal/lead experience.
- Proven HVAC/mechanical leadership in mega-capital projects ($500MM–$1B+).
- Deep knowledge of HVAC design, codes, operations, systems, and architecture.
- Proven inclusive leadership; strong communication with senior leadership/external partners.
- Experience managing engineering contractors and global equipment vendors.
- Results-oriented with negotiation skills and risk-based decision making.
- Ability to mentor/develop next-generation leaders.
- Travel within the US and outside the US for reviews/workshops/vendor visits.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- Eligible to participate in long-term incentive programs.
Application Instructions:
- Not specified in the provided text.
The Associate Director of HVAC provides owner-side leadership and technical governance for the design, integration, and delivery of HVAC and mechanical infrastructure supporting large biopharmaceutical capital projects. Serves as Design Authority for HVAC and mechanical systems to meet manufacturing requirements, GMP standards, reliability expectations, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as owner’s senior engineering leader and design authority for HVAC and mechanical systems.
- Lead utilities and mechanical engineering team; provide technical oversight of EPC contractor design.
- Establish engineering standards and execution strategies.
- Govern design of GMP critical/non-critical HVAC and mechanical systems (cleanrooms, air handling units, environmental controls, mechanical piping, fire suppression, fire/heat detection).
- Develop facility HVAC classification philosophy, pressure cascades/control philosophy; define HEPA filtration, airflow concepts, and AHU coverage.
- Drive vendor/contractor review and selection.
- Review specifications/RFP/bids for equipment and integrated skids; technical/commercial bid analysis and recommendations.
- Apply cradle-to-grave approach (vendor deliverables review/approval, FAT/SAT, installation/start-up).
- Ensure design meets GMP, contamination control, reliability, and maintainability; integration across process systems, clean/black utilities, automation, and facility infrastructure.
- Define system boundaries/architecture including commissioning boundaries.
- Support energy efficiency and sustainability (technology-assisted pressure/air supply control).
- Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews; review deliverables (descriptions, calculations, specifications).
- Ensure compliance with global engineering standards; review/approve contractor packages.
- Resolve complex technical issues across project phases; support startup and operational readiness.
- Monitor/control cost and schedule for HVAC systems and vendor hardware/software; drive project transformation and AI/digitalization.
Qualifications:
- BS in Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
- 12+ years HVAC/mechanical principal/lead experience.
- Proven HVAC/mechanical leadership in mega-capital projects ($500MM–$1B+).
- Deep knowledge of HVAC design, codes, operations, systems, and architecture.
- Proven inclusive leadership; strong communication with senior leadership/external partners.
- Experience managing engineering contractors and global equipment vendors.
- Results-oriented with negotiation skills and risk-based decision making.
- Ability to mentor/develop next-generation leaders.
- Travel within the US and outside the US for reviews/workshops/vendor visits.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- Eligible to participate in long-term incentive programs.
Application Instructions:
- Not specified in the provided text.