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
### What You'll Bring