Maintenance Reliability Engineer

George Thomas; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

George Thomas, in partnership with a global packaging manufacturer, is seeking a Maintenance Reliability Engineer to drive equipment reliability, implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and maximize operational performance as the site grows.

You will join a company undergoing a major facility expansion, with the opportunity to make a visible impact immediately and collaborate across production, engineering and maintenance teams to improve safety, efficiency and product

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or related technical subject.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a process/manufacturing environment, including automation and control systems.
• Practical knowledge of predictive and condition-based maintenance programmes.
• Experience interpreting vibration, thermal imaging, ultrasound and lubricant-analysis findings.
• Understanding of precision alignment, bearing installation, torque control, contamination prevention and lubrication management.
• Experience with RCM, RCA, FMEA, asset criticality, PM optimisation, Lean methods and defect elimination.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and reliability measures including MTBF, MTTR and planned vs. unplanned work.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability, availability and whole-life value.
• Analyse failure patterns and condition data to identify priorities and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Apply RCA, FMEA, RCM and risk-based methods to remove defects and prevent recurring issues.
• Improve preventive, predictive and condition-based maintenance plans using performance trends and equipment history.
• Review engineering designs and recommend changes that enhance safety, efficiency and maintainability.
• Develop asset lifecycle plans and lead cross-functional reliability reviews.
• Define testing requirements and support the introduction of engineering improvements.
• Recommend suitable diagnostic equipment, analytical software and maintenance resources.
• Work closely with production, engineering and maintenance colleagues to strengthen equipment, processes and product quality.
• Lead reliability projects, continuous-improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Coach technicians in precision maintenance, lubrication and condition-monitoring techniques.
• Support safety, GMP, regulatory and quality standards while delivering agreed operational KPIs.

Skills

Predictive maintenance

RCM

FMEA

Vibration analysis

CMMS

Lean methods

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in engineering

Tools

Analytical software

CMMS platforms

Job description

George Thomas has partnered with a global packaging manufacturer who specialize in sustainable fiber based solutions serving the retail and foodservice markets.

We are actively hiring for a Maintenance Reliability Engineer to drive equipment reliability, developing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and maximizing operational performance as the site continues to grow.

You will join a company that is undergoing a major facility expansion and therefore have an opportunity to make visible impact immediately.

Location: Lake County, IN (100% Onsite)

How you will add value to the team

• Create and refine maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability, availability and whole-life value.
• Analyse failure patterns and condition data to identify priorities and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Apply RCA, FMEA, RCM and risk-based methods to remove defects and prevent recurring issues.
• Improve preventive, predictive and condition-based maintenance plans using performance trends and equipment history.
• Review engineering designs and recommend changes that enhance safety, efficiency and maintainability.
• Develop asset lifecycle plans and lead cross-functional reliability reviews.
• Define testing requirements and support the introduction of engineering improvements.
• Recommend suitable diagnostic equipment, analytical software and maintenance resources.
• Work closely with production, engineering and maintenance colleagues to strengthen equipment, processes and product quality.
• Lead reliability projects, continuous-improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Coach technicians in precision maintenance, lubrication and condition-monitoring techniques.
• Support safety, GMP, regulatory and quality standards while delivering agreed operational KPIs.

To be considered for this role you must have

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, science or a related technical subject; mechanical engineering is preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in a process or manufacturing environment, including automation and control systems.
• Practical knowledge of predictive and condition-based maintenance programmes.
• Experience interpreting vibration, thermal imaging, ultrasound and lubricant-analysis findings.
• Understanding of precision alignment, bearing installation, torque control, contamination prevention and lubrication management.
• Experience with RCM, RCA, FMEA, asset criticality, PM optimisation, Lean methods and defect elimination.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and reliability measures including MTBF, MTTR and planned versus unplanned work.
• Strong project-management, analytical, communication and team-development skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work accurately with limited supervision.
• Relevant reliability, condition-monitoring, safety or continuous-improvement certification is desirable.