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