Reliability Engineer

About the role

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients serving key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection. Headquartered in London, UK, and publicly listed since 1971, the company employs approximately 3,900 people across five innovation centres and more than 29 manufacturing sites in Europe, North America, and Asia. Around 20% of sales volumes come from new and patent-protected products. Since 2021, Synthomer has held the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, recognizing its contribution to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

The Reliability Engineer is responsible for improving the reliability, safety, and performance of equipment and processes at the Synthomer Jefferson Hills chemical manufacturing facility. This role combines engineering expertise, data-driven analysis, and hands-on problem solving to minimize unplanned downtime, optimize asset life, and support safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. The position involves close collaboration with Maintenance, Operations, SHE, and Engineering to drive root-cause analysis, develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, evaluate equipment health, and support capital project planning for long-term asset integrity.

Responsibilities

• Reliability Strategy & Program Development: Develop and sustain a site-wide reliability program aligned with Synthomer global engineering standards; identify and prioritize chronic failure equipment; lead reliability improvement initiatives including defect elimination, equipment upgrades, and redesigns; support implementation of predictive technologies such as vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasound, and oil analysis.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & Failure Investigation: Lead or facilitate RCAs using structured methods (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, RCM, fault-tree); document findings and implement corrective actions with Maintenance and Operations; track effectiveness and ensure permanent solutions.
• Maintenance Program Optimization: Review and optimize PM/PdM tasks to improve effectiveness and reduce unnecessary work; develop equipment care strategies and asset management plans; support planning & scheduling to ensure job plans include proper materials, tolerances, and procedures.
• Asset Health, Performance Monitoring & Data Analysis: Use data from CMMS (e.g., SAP), historian systems, and condition-monitoring tools to evaluate equipment performance; analyze downtime trends and maintenance costs; define reliability KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, failure rate, asset criticality) and provide meaningful reporting.
• Engineering & Project Support: Provide reliability input during project development, equipment selection, and lifecycle cost evaluations; participate in MOC reviews, PHAs, design reviews, and PSSR processes; support capital projects by ensuring reliability, maintainability, and operability are incorporated into new designs.
• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Ensure equipment and maintenance activities comply with OSHA PSM, mechanical integrity requirements, and Synthomer SHE standards; support MI inspections, QA/QC documentation, and fitness-for-service evaluations; participate in audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, SHE, Supply Chain, and contractors; provide technical training to mechanics, operators, and planners as needed; act as a technical resource during outages, turnarounds, and major maintenance events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or related discipline).
• 3+ years of experience in reliability, maintenance engineering, or equipment engineering within chemical manufacturing, refining, or similar industrial environments.
• Working knowledge of reliability engineering tools and methodologies (RCA, RCM, FMEA, Weibull, etc.).
• Strong understanding of rotating equipment, fixed equipment, utilities, and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with PSM mechanical integrity requirements.
• Experience working with CMMS systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or similar credential.
• Experience with predictive maintenance technologies (vibration, IR, oil analysis).
• Background in polymer, resin, latex, or specialty chemical production.
• Knowledge of industry standards (API, ASME, NFPA).
• Experience supporting or leading capital projects.

Key Competencies

• Reliability Engineering Expertise
• Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills
• Technical Judgment
• Safety & Compliance Mindset
• Continuous Improvement Focus
• Collaboration & Communication
• Planning & Prioritization
• Root Cause Analysis Leadership

Benefits

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes