Equipment Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Reliability Engineer to support and enhance manufacturing equipment reliability through part obsolescence management, technical research, upgrade planning, and project coordination.

About the role

This hands-on position evaluates mechanical and electrical components for availability, compatibility, replacement options, and long-term supportability, with a strong focus on CNC, PLC, and manual machinery. The Reliability Engineer works closely with maintenance, engineering, suppliers, and project stakeholders to identify at-risk components, develop replacement strategies, maintain technical documentation, and support equipment upgrade implementation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanical and electrical equipment issues and identify failed or at-risk components that may impact manufacturing reliability.
• Review mechanical, electrical, and assembly drawings to accurately identify repair and replacement parts.
• Support the planning, scheduling, and implementation of component upgrades and equipment improvement projects to enhance equipment performance and uptime.
• Track project milestones, follow-up items, vendor deliverables, and implementation schedules to ensure projects remain on time and within scope.
• Recommend new technologies and replacement strategies to improve long-term equipment supportability and reduce obsolescence risk.
• Perform project planning and management activities, including defining scope, timelines, and resource needs for reliability and upgrade projects.
• Coordinate communications and follow-up meetings with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve technical issues and align on solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including equipment records, parts lists, and upgrade documentation to support ongoing maintenance and future projects.
• Provide process support and troubleshooting guidance to maintenance and production teams for CNC, PLC, and manual machines.
• Contribute to process improvements by identifying recurring issues, proposing corrective actions, and supporting implementation of reliability-focused initiatives.

Requirements

• Proven experience in reliability engineering with a focus on manufacturing equipment.
• Hands-on experience with CNC, PLC, and manual machines in a production environment.
• Experience performing preventative and corrective maintenance on manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, and machine documentation.
• Experience coordinating vendors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve technical and logistical issues.
• Project planning and project management skills, including scheduling and tracking tasks and milestones.
• Experience with CMMS, ERP, parts databases, Excel, or similar systems for tracking equipment, parts, and project data.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent practical experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the automotive industry.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a machining environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively across maintenance, engineering, and supplier teams.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience in project plan execution, process improvements, and project tracking.

Skills

• Python experience for data analysis or automation is preferred.
• SharePoint experience for document management and collaboration is preferred.
• Experience with data automation tools or workflows is an advantage.
• Background in reliability engineering, including obsolescence management and long-term supportability planning, is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate component options and recommend effective replacement strategies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a team environment.
• High level of organization and attention to detail in managing technical documentation and project activities.

Work Environment

This role operates within a large, high-volume manufacturing facility that produces engines and differentials for a wide range of vehicles. The plant spans more than one million square feet and supports the assembly of various engine types under one roof, contributing to a fast-paced and dynamic production environment.

The Reliability Engineer works closely with maintenance, engineering, production, and supplier teams on the shop floor and in office settings, regularly interacting with CNC, PLC, and manual machines and their associated support systems. Work involves hands-on equipment investigations, review of technical documentation, and coordination of upgrades and improvement projects. Standard business hours typically apply, with flexibility required at times to support production schedules, project timelines, and critical equipment issues. The environment emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and long-term equipment reliability, with frequent use of digital tools such as CMMS, ERP systems, Excel, and collaboration platforms.

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Huntsville, AL. The role is fully onsite and may require flexibility to support production schedules, project timelines, and critical equipment issues.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include the following for eligible candidates:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)