Reliability Engineer

SUMMARY 

Responsible for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes with the primary focus on analyzing equipment performance, identifying potential failures, and implementing proactive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime, improve productivity, and extend equipment life. Requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality, to achieve optimal equipment reliability and production efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Equipment Reliability Improvement: Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Maintenance Strategy Development: Develop and implement preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and enhance reliability.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Lead RCA for equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintenance Optimization: Collaborate with the maintenance team to optimize schedules, reduce unplanned breakdowns, and improve overall maintenance efficiency.
• Performance Monitoring: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and equipment uptime.
• Spare Parts Management: Support maintenance planning by identifying critical spare parts and optimizing inventory levels.
• Continuous Improvement: Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to identify and implement process improvements that boost equipment performance and production efficiency. 
• Waste Reduction: Lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve equipment utilization, and extend asset life.
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): Conduct FMEA on critical assets to identify potential failure modes and prioritize actions to mitigate risks. 
• System Reliability: Implement long-term solutions to prevent recurring equipment issues and improve system reliability.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret equipment performance data to identify failure patterns and areas for improvement.
• Reporting: Generate and present reports on reliability metrics, equipment performance, and maintenance effectiveness to stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, and quality) to ensure reliable and efficient production processes.
• Training & Support: Provide technical support and training to maintenance teams on best practices for equipment maintenance and reliability.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all maintenance and reliability activities comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Safety Audits: Participate in safety audits and contribute to the development of safety procedures for equipment use and maintenance.

Food Safety  

Responsible and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work. If this position is vacant for any significant period of time the obligation for completion of all food safety and quality related tasks will become the responsibility of the direct manager or a qualified designee. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education: 

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Reliability engineering certification is a plus (e.g., Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional - CMRP). 3-5 years of experience in reliability engineering, maintenance engineering, or a similar role in a manufacturing environment. Previous experience in can making, metal forming, or packaging industry preferred.

Skills/Knowledge: 

Involved in manufacturing engineering projects of a complex nature. Applies a diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments. Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods. May consult with more senior engineers on complex problems. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong communication and collaboration abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement. 

Computer Skills:  

The ability to work effectively in a Microsoft Windows environment (Word, Excel, Outlook, and internal software programs), with advanced presentation skills and the ability to create and maintain spreadsheets, input, retrieve, and organize information. Proficient in Project Management. Strong understanding of reliability principles, maintenance strategies (preventive, predictive, and condition-based), and root cause analysis (RCA). Familiarity with FMEA, Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software. Solid knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including motors, gearboxes, conveyors, and pneumatic systems.

Physical Demands: 

The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.