Manager, Thermal Engineering

USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For more than 120 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 8,500 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values: safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.

We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.

USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general/managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Thermal Engineering will lead a team of engineers and consultants responsible for thermal engineering activities as well as energy efficiency tasks focused on the reduction of Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions. Thermal activities include the design, optimization, commissioning and troubleshooting of key USG process heating equipment, including kilns, calciners and air heating equipment.

The successful candidate will be a technically strong, knowledgeable, and highly motivated individual who will be a champion for Thermal engineering team. Must be self-sufficient and able to meet project deadlines. Will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including other disciplines within Corporate Engineering, manufacturing, tech services, and third-party vendors.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Support

• Use available resources (internal & external) to respond to requests for support related to emergency repairs, troubleshooting, production, and major maintenance problems.
• Follow-up with manufacturing plants when support is requested to ensure that the support being provided is effective and comprehensive to the problem(s) at hand.
• Manage regional support program, ensuring quarterly update reports are sent to all plants.
• Support issues related to emissions testing and meeting permit limits.

Project Development

• Lead development projects, including creation of Scope of Work for Thermal driven projects, with focus on safety, environmental requirements, performance, quality, and reliability.
• Support development activities including sizing of thermal equipment (burners, blowers, ductwork, piping, fuel trains, dampers…etc.).
• Ensure all required equipment specs, RFQs proposals are completed on time.
• Lead team in developing and reviewing general arrangement and P&ID drawings.
• Create Work Order Estimates and track hours throughout project.

Project Execution

• Support creation of equipment specifications and procurement packages.
• Work closely with design groups on development of all necessary drawings, construction documents and manuals.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing efforts for all major equipment and ensure safe delivery to plant on time.
• Work with Project Management and other stakeholders to develop and meet project timeline.
• Support onsite commissioning and startup activities for all Thermal equipment, coordinating with other disciplines, Project Management, plant and vendors. Ensure new equipment meets success criteria.

Combustion Safety Program

• Lead this key initiative which covers all USG plants in North America that have combustion equipment. Initiative requires frequent communication with various stakeholders and management of extensive amounts of data.
• Manage auditing of thermal equipment, leak testing, burner tuning and repairs to existing equipment. Foundation is based on meeting NFPA codes and requirements.
• Develop annual scope and budget and prepare annual presentation for Manufacturing leadership.
• Plan and manage annual Combustion Safety Training events, at plants and third-party training facilities.
• Provide monthly updates on progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure annual scope is completed on time.

Kiln Efficiency Initiative

• Lead development and expansion of Kiln Efficiency dashboard. Explore opportunities for synergies with Advanced Analytics team.
• Develop projects to add new devices/sensors to improve ability to monitor/track/trend kiln efficiency.
• Use data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency through maintenance, operations, or upgrades.

Sustainability Collaboration

• Explore renewable solutions to reduce manufacturing scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions, including hydrogen combustion, solar thermal, and electrification.
• Work closely with Tech Services and Manufacturing on planning and execution of 2030 roadmap.
• Partner with third parties to obtain government grants/subsidies.
• Manage efforts associated with Hydrogen Hub program.
• Identify, champion and develop projects designed to improve efficiency and reduce use of natural gas, including heat recovery, heat pumps and heat exchangers.

General

• Approximately 25-50% travel to manufacturing plants and other project sites in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• Research new equipment/solutions to improve safety, efficiency and reliability.
• Stay up to date with changes to codes (i.e. NFPA, CSA) and industry standards.
• Direct team to develop written procedures and specifications to improve project efficiency through standardization.
• Ensure Thermal engineers have all tools, equipment and training required for job, with up-to-date calibration and quality.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.

Experience

• Prior experience participating in large industrial projects/programs.
• 5+ years prior technical experience, with 10+ years preferred, in the design, specification, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup of complex process equipment.
• Experience in the gypsum industry preferred.

Required Skills

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize a number of time-sensitive responsibilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a team of local and remote engineers.
• Ability to work independently and effectively while leading technical work.
• Strong ability to use and understand mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with USG’s manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of NFPA requirements.
• Experience with natural gas fired equipment.

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability/veteran