Maintenance Reliability Engineer
Location: Petersburg, VA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: Starting at $85,000 per year, depending on experience
Position Summary
We are hiring a Maintenance Reliability Engineer to support equipment performance, maintenance optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing operation. This role combines engineering analysis with hands-on plant support and is well suited for someone who enjoys troubleshooting equipment issues, partnering with maintenance teams, and implementing long-term reliability solutions.
The ideal candidate will have experience improving asset reliability, reducing unplanned downtime, and supporting maintenance strategies that increase operational efficiency.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design and improve maintenance and reliability programs for production equipment.
- Investigate recurring equipment failures using Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Support and enhance preventive and predictive maintenance activities.
- Apply condition-monitoring techniques including vibration monitoring, thermal imaging, and lubrication analysis.
- Work closely with maintenance and operations personnel to improve equipment uptime and performance.
- Monitor maintenance and reliability metrics and recommend improvement opportunities.
- Participate in equipment upgrades, capital projects, shutdowns, and major repairs.
- Coordinate with vendors and service providers to improve equipment functionality and reliability.
- Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance personnel.
- Assist with troubleshooting mechanical and electrical equipment issues on the plant floor.
- Promote compliance with safety, environmental, and operational requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years of reliability engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- At least 5 years of experience supporting or maintaining industrial equipment.
- Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
- Experience utilizing CMMS platforms for maintenance planning and tracking.
- Familiarity with reliability methodologies such as RCM, RCFA, FMEA, and TPM.
- Strong troubleshooting skills involving mechanical and electrical systems.
- Ability to analyze maintenance data and implement corrective actions.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable working directly in a production environment and supporting field activities as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in heavy manufacturing, metals, steel, or similar industrial operations.
- Professional certification such as CMRP, CRE, or related credentials.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
- Familiarity with large industrial assets including cranes, furnaces, rolling equipment, or material handling systems.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) program with employer contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Company-paid life insurance
- Annual performance bonus opportunity
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional growth and advancement opportunities