Reliability Engineer

IPL Schoeller; Tamworth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IPL Schoeller is seeking a Reliability Engineer to improve equipment performance and minimize downtime at the Tamworth plant. The role focuses on predictive and preventive maintenance, RCFA, FMEA, and reliability-centered maintenance to drive continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with maintenance, production and engineering teams to implement proactive strategies and track KPIs, with responsibilities including on-site execution and deputising for the Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

• Degree prerequisites in engineering and related fields.
• Professional certifications such as CRE or Lean Six Sigma.
• Experience with plastics processing environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Improve equipment performance and reduce downtime.
• Develop proactive maintenance strategies and programs.
• Lead RCFA and FMEA investigations.
• Apply RCM principles to optimize maintenance.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, engineering and quality teams.
• Monitor reliability KPIs and report trends.
• Deputise for Engineering Manager when required.
• Work on-site at the Tamworth plant.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

FMEA

Preventive Maintenance

Predictive Maintenance

Vibration Analysis

Thermography

CMMS

Statistical Analysis

MTBF/MTTR

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical Engineering

CRE – ASQ

Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

CMRP – SMRP

Tools

CMMS

Vibration analysis tools

Thermography tools

Job description

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)

The role

As a Reliability Engineer, you will be responsible for improving equipment performance, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the long-term reliability of manufacturing systems in a plastics production environment. Your expertise in predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, and failure prevention will be essential in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. You will work closely with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to develop proactive maintenance strategies, optimize asset performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. A strong analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability will help ensure sustainable, high-quality production with minimal disruptions.

You will also be responsible to deputise for the Engineering Manager in their absence.

The role is based on-site at our Tamworth Plant.

The hours of work are Monday to Friday (40hrs) 07:30-16:00.

As An Reliability Engineer At IPLS You Will

• Equipment Performance Optimization – Monitor and analyze equipment performance data to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Predictive & Preventive Maintenance – Develop and implement maintenance programs using condition-based monitoring, vibration analysis, thermography, and other predictive tools.
• Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) – Investigate equipment failures and recurring issues, identifying long-term corrective actions to prevent future breakdowns.
• Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) – Apply industry best practices to optimize maintenance strategies and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Spare Parts & Asset Management – Work with maintenance and supply chain teams to ensure optimal inventory of critical spare parts.
• Compliance & Safety – Ensure that maintenance and reliability processes comply with industry regulations, environmental standards, and workplace safety guidelines.
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams – Work closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and quality teams to improve equipment reliability and plant performance.
• Data Analysis & Reporting – Utilize systems and other tools to track equipment history, analyze trends, and report reliability KPIs.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives – Identify opportunities to reduce unplanned downtime, increase uptime, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Technology Integration – Evaluate and implement new reliability technologies.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as:
• Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) – ASQ
• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Maintenance and Reliability Certification (CMRP) – SMRP
• Strong understanding of plastics processing technologies (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming).
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, GMP, FDA compliance).
• 5–8 years of experience in reliability, maintenance, or process engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably in plastics packaging.
• Proven track record in:
• Conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Using condition monitoring tools (e.g., vibration analysis, thermal imaging, oil analysis).
• Experience with CMMS systems for asset tracking and maintenance planning.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, downtime tracking, and performance metrics like MTBF and MTTR.
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Six Sigma projects.
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, production, quality, and maintenance teams.
• Ability to manage capital projects related to equipment upgrades and reliability improvements.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety standards relevant to packaging operations.