Reliability Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment and process failures using structured problem‑solving tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone, and FMEA.
• Analyze equipment performance data and failure trends to identify systemic reliability issues and recommend solutions.
• Develop and implement engineering improvements to enhance equipment reliability, performance, and lifecycle.
• Partner with Maintenance and Production teams to validate failure modes and ensure sustainable solutions are implemented.
• Provide engineering support for troubleshooting complex mechanical issues across production systems including conveyors, ovens, pumps, and continuous process equipment.
• Identify and implement design improvements or modifications to existing equipment to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Design and develop mechanical components, guards, and equipment modifications using CAD tools (AutoCAD / Inventor).
• Create detailed fabrication drawings and specifications for internal use or external vendors.
• Coordinate with vendors and fabrication shops to ensure designs meet functional, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
• Support installation and validation of fabricated components to ensure proper fit, function, and performance.
• Support and/or lead capital improvement projects, including scope definition, equipment specification, installation support, and commissioning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, improving throughput, and enhancing process stability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement equipment and process enhancements.
• Ensure all engineering solutions comply with OSHA, environmental, and company safety standards.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including equipment specifications, engineering standards, and modification records.
• Support development and improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to equipment and process performance.

Essential Skills

• Project management
• Mechanical engineering
• Lean manufacturing
• Manufacturing engineering
• Experience managing projects over $5,000
• Continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting
• Strong mechanical background
• Ability to work cross‑divisionally and coordinate with different teams
• Reliability engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Process improvement

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred but not required

Contract‑to‑Hire position based in Chesapeake, VA.

Work Environment

Onsite position in Chesapeake, VA. Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM with flexible hours. Approximately once a month you may be called after hours, and you will participate in a rotating Saturday schedule every 5‑6 weeks with flexible compensatory time. This role helps build and formalize a new team, shaping protocols for manufacturing reliability and continuous improvement.

Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM with flexible hours; on‑call approximately once a month after hours; rotating Saturday schedule every 5‑6 weeks with flexible compensatory time.

Pay

$40.00 – $50.00 per hour, with compensation based on qualifications, experience, geographic location, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for 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)