Area Reliability Engineer 1

Sappi; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi in Cloquet, Minnesota, is seeking a Senior Electrical Reliability Engineer to enhance electrical reliability strategies within their facility. The role emphasizes maintenance engineering and asset health management and requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electrical Engineering, with 5+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing. Responsibilities include troubleshooting electrical failures, overseeing maintenance programs, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The role offers opportunities to mentor and collaborate across teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with electrical systems in an industrial environment.
• Experience in reliability-centered maintenance methodologies.
• Professional certifications such as CMRP or CRE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical reliability-centered maintenance programs.
• Provide technical expertise for troubleshooting electrical failures.
• Oversee reliability improvements for electrical distribution systems.

Skills

Electrical reliability

Maintenance engineering

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electrical Engineering or related field

2-year technical degree with relevant experience

Tools

Predictive maintenance technologies

Electrical distribution systems

RCM methodologies

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.

The Senior Electrical Reliability Engineer leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of electrical reliability strategies across the facility. This role places strong emphasis on electrical reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM), asset health management, and long‑term equipment performance. The engineer serves as the subject‑matter expert for electrical systems, driving improvements that enhance safety, reduce downtime, and optimize lifecycle cost.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the creation, execution, and optimization of electrical reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM) programs, including failure mode analysis, criticality assessments, and maintenance strategy development.

Provide advanced technical expertise for troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis of electrical equipment failures, ensuring sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

Develop and maintain electrical asset health models, predictive maintenance technologies, and condition‑based monitoring programs (infrared thermography, partial discharge testing, motor circuit analysis, etc.).

Oversee reliability improvements for electrical distribution systems, including switchgear, transformers, MCCs, drives, motors, and protective relaying.

Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to strengthen reliability culture and ensure alignment with plant goals.

Lead or support capital projects related to electrical infrastructure upgrades, equipment replacements, and reliability enhancements.

Maintain and improve electrical equipment standards, maintenance procedures, and documentation.

Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends, prioritize improvements, and recommend long‑term reliability strategies.

Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards (NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA) and champion safe work practices.

Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel in electrical reliability best practices.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology and 5+ years of experience working with electrical systems in an industrial manufacturing environment. Candidates with a related 2‑year technical degree and 5+ years of relevant experience may also be considered.

Strong background in electrical reliability, maintenance engineering, or industrial electrical systems.

Demonstrated experience with reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM) methodologies.

Proficiency with electrical distribution systems, motors, drives, and protective relays.

Experience with predictive and condition‑based monitoring technologies.

Strong analytical, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Professional certifications such as CMRP or CRE preferred.

Preferred Experience

Experience in heavy industrial, manufacturing, pulp & paper, chemical, or similar environments.

Familiarity with digital reliability tools or asset management systems (EAM/CMMS platforms).

Experience with arc‑flash studies, power system analysis, and electrical system modeling software.

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.