Reliability Engineer

LOCATION: 5203 Dupont Site Road, Richmond, VA 23234

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