Reliability Engineer

City
Richmond
State/Province
Virginia

Overview:

The Reliability Engineer at the Zytel Polymers Plant, located at the Spruance manufacturing site in Richmond, Virginia, plays a critical role in improving equipment reliability and maximizing asset availability within the unit. This role partners with skilled and empowered Polymer Specialists (operators and mechanics) in a High-Performance Work (HPW) environment and serves as a key member of the Zytel Manufacturing Technology Resource organization. The Reliability Engineer provides technical expertise in reliability engineering, performs in-depth assessments of process equipment, and recommends improvements to enhance long-term equipment performance. In addition to leading reliability initiatives, this position also supports day-to-day troubleshooting and serves as the go-to resource for resolving equipment failures and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement equipment asset management plans using Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and other proven reliability engineering techniques.
  • Lead the execution and continuous improvement of the unit’s reliability and availability programs.
  • Apply engineering principles to perform physical failure analyses, root cause investigations, and equipment performance evaluations.
  • Analyze equipment performance trends and historical data to recommend improvements that reduce downtime and achieve lowest life cycle cost.
  • Evaluate how process variation and operational factors affect equipment reliability and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Promote standardization of equipment procedures and operations to ensure consistency across the unit.
  • Support capital projects by helping define equipment criteria and specifications, and by providing technical support during fabrication, installation, and start-up phases.
  • Participate in turnarounds/shutdowns, contributing to inspection planning, repair procedures, and post-event evaluations.
  • Conduct data-driven root cause analyses (RCAs) to address recurring equipment issues and prevent future failures.
  • Develop and implement reliability improvement plans to close gaps against performance targets.
  • Apply reliability engineering methodologies, tools, and KPIs to continuously enhance asset performance.
  • Collaborate with Process Safety Program Owners and external partners to support Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and ensure process safety integration.
  • Contribute technical insights for the selection and integration of new technologies and system upgrades, with a focus on maintainability and long-term reliability.
  • Actively participate in maintenance and reliability networks, sharing best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
  • Build and maintain technical competency in reliability engineering and actively contribute to internal forums and communities of practice.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3-7 years demonstrated experience in reliability engineering within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
  • Proficient in root cause analysis, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret performance data and drive actionable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of process safety management and familiarity with conducting PHAs.
  • Experience supporting capital projects and technology integration.
  • Certification in reliability engineering (e.g., CMRP, CRE) is an asset.
  • Six Sigma and LEAN experience

Application Methods:

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