Area Reliability Engineer

Sappi; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi Cloquet mill in Minnesota seeks a Reliability Engineer/Supervisor to maximize asset reliability and performance. You will lead predictive and preventive maintenance programs, applying vibration analysis, lubrication management, IR thermography, and NDT to evaluate asset health and guide improvements.

You will analyze machine data, diagnose issues, and drive cross‑functional collaboration with operations, engineering, and procurement to reduce downtime and extend asset life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 2+ years of reliability or maintenance experience in an industrial setting.
• Experience with vibration analysis and lubrication is preferred.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to interpret data trends and propose proactive solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead predictive and preventative maintenance activities to optimize equipment reliability.
• Apply vibration analysis, motor spectral analysis, and NDT methods to assess asset condition.
• Interpret data trends, identify risks, troubleshoot equipment, and implement improvements.
• Champion reliability improvement initiatives and KPI utilization.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, procurement, and maintenance teams.
• Coach others in reliability tools, technologies, and processes.

Skills

Reliability engineering

Maintenance leadership

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Vibration analysis

NDT methods

Lubrication management

IR thermography

Job description

Sappi North America
Sappi Cloquet, established in 1898, produces high-quality graphic papers used in premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising for the fashion, automotive and travel industries, as well as speciality papers. Cloquet manufactures Verve, a dissolving pulp used for the textile and home goods markets. Energy saving and clean water initiatives at Cloquet have won environmental recognition, aligning with the mill's commitment to sustainability.

Reliability Engineer / Supervisor

Join our team as a Reliability Engineer/Supervisor, where you’ll play a critical role in maximizing the performance, reliability, and life of our mill assets. In this highly visible position, you will lead predictive and preventative maintenance strategies using cutting‑edge tools such as lubrication management, infrared thermography, vibration monitoring, non‑destructive testing (NDT), and comprehensive inspection programs.

You’ll combine technical expertise with leadership to analyze equipment data, diagnose emerging issues, and predict failures before they occur. Your insights and initiatives will directly contribute to improved asset health, reduced downtime, and long‑term operational success.

This position is ideal for a self‑starter who enjoys problem‑solving, driving improvement, and working cross‑functionally to elevate maintenance practices across a dynamic site.

What You’ll Do

• Lead predictive and preventative maintenance activities to ensure optimal equipment reliability.
• Apply advanced vibration analysis, motor spectral analysis, and other NDT methods to assess asset condition.
• Interpret data trends to identify risks, troubleshoot equipment issues, and make proactive recommendations.
• Champion reliability improvement initiatives, including RCFA, FMEA, work management best practices, and improved KPI utilization.
• Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, procurement, and maintenance teams to drive alignment and deliver results.
• Guide, coach, and influence others in the adoption of reliability tools, technologies, and processes.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (required).
• 2+ years of experience in reliability or maintenance, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Experience with vibration analysis and machinery lubrication (preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership in implementing new technologies or maintenance methodologies.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively at all organizational levels.
• High mechanical aptitude with the ability to connect data insights to physical equipment.
• Strong computer skills and comfort with maintenance or analysis software tools.
• Self‑motivated, resourceful, and capable of working with minimal direction.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.

Safety-Sensitive Position

This is a safety-sensitive position within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job while working in operational areas that contain magnetic and electromagnetic field exposure, moving equipment, vehicular traffic, elevated work areas, and other industrial hazards.

As a safety-sensitive employer, Sappi maintains a drug-free workplace. Successful candidates for safety-sensitive positionsmust pass all required pre-employment screeningsanddrug testing, which includes testing for marijuana/cannabis.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.