Position Description

Director, Infrastructure and Utilities

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Operations and Services, the Director of Infrastructure and Utilities is a key staff position within Facilities Operations and Service. The Director will serve as a senior leader to a large technical team comprised of plant operators, technicians, instrumentation and controls specialists, and electrical engineering

This role requires a proactive and collaborative leader who communicates effectively with technical teams, senior administrators, and campus partners. The Director must be comfortable translating complex technical information into clear recommendations, guiding staff development, fostering a constructive team culture, and driving execution of major utility initiatives and infrastructure plans.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible

Essential Job Duties

• Provide 24/7 operational oversight for Caltech’s Central Plant and all major campus utilities, including chilled water, steam, power generation, and deionized water systems.
• Manage campus and plant automation teams; oversee the Building Management System (BMS), controls infrastructure, and metering distribution.
• Supervise key functional roles including the Campus Facilities Electrical Engineer and Energy Manager.
• Guide the strategic development and performance of the Caltech BMS and analytics tools.
• Oversee all campus power systems, engineering, and utility infrastructure planning.
• Manage utility information and data in the Institute’s ArcGIS tools to ensure alignment with the Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS).
• Execute utility and energy master planning initiatives aligned with departmental goals and planning priorities.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience overseeing central plant and campus utility operations.
• Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in facilities operations, engineering, or utility infrastructure environments.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience with Building Management Systems (BMS), controls, and automation software.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience with asset management practices, including lifecycle and efficiency development.
• Experience with ArcGIS tools for utility mapping, planning, and shutdown coordination.
• Proven success leading and developing technical and skilled trades teams in Facilities, Engineering, and Facilities Information System environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field).
• Experience leading technical teams in a complex academic, research, or industrial environment.
• Experience with Tridium, SkySpark, or similar building automation and data analytics tools.
• Experience implementing GIS-based tools for utility management, shutdown coordination, and infrastructure management.
• Hands-on experience with Integrated Workplace Management Systems and knowledge of strategic asset management practices.
• Strong understanding of energy management principles and optimization of central utility or chilled water plant systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing, service-focused, and collaborative team culture.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$176,000 - $203,000 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.