Career Profiles
Not every journey into health care starts with a childhood dream or a medical degree. For some, like Steve Mangan, it begins with a desire for change and ends with a fulfilling career that impacts lives every single day.
“I accidentally got into health care by trying to get out of factory work,” Steve shares. As a maintenance mechanic in a local factory, Steve was searching for better opportunities and a fresh start. What he found was a career in health care facilities — a shift from keeping production lines running to helping keep hospitals safe and functional. It was unexpected, but transformative.
Today, Steve serves as senior manager of facilities maintenance and operations at Mercy, overseeing a 200,000-square-foot orthopedic hospital with a brand-new emergency department opening soon. His role is a blend of leadership, technical expertise and problem-solving.
A typical day includes:
Every day is different, and every task contributes to the hospital’s ability to care for patients.
What keeps Steve coming back each day? “The people,” he says. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of everyone.” Whether it’s helping a co-worker or ensuring a safe environment for patients, the sense of teamwork and shared purpose is what makes the job meaningful.
In a field where “everything can and will fail at some point,” Steve emphasizes the importance of knowledge. “My job is to mitigate that. The best way to do that is to learn as much as you can about the equipment involved in a health care environment.”
There’s a common misconception that hospital maintenance is just about changing light bulbs and drinking coffee. “While we do enjoy coffee,” Steve jokes, “the team is always busy.” Facilities systems technicians handle plumbing, HVAC, generators, electrical systems and life safety — everything that keeps a hospital running smoothly.
Technology and artificial intelligence are already reshaping the field. From self-testing exit lights to automated maintenance tracking, innovation is making health care facilities more efficient. “[AI] will help correct deficiencies in life safety documentation, preventive maintenance and more,” Steve predicts. The future is bright — and tech-driven.
For students and job seekers considering health care, Steve offers this advice:
Find a mentor and stay engaged.
Health care is constantly evolving, and it’s a career full of surprises and growth. “20-year-old me would be extremely surprised and proud of what he was going to accomplish,” Steve reflects. Even without direct patient contact, his work has a profound impact on safety, comfort and care.