Maintenance Reliability Engineer

Smurfit Westrock; Roanoke Rapids (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Maintenance Reliability Engineer to lead reliability initiatives, improve equipment uptime, and lower maintenance costs. The role partners with Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering to advance plant reliability and safety.

Responsibilities include RCFA, condition monitoring review, and developing preventive strategies, while mentoring the reliability team for performance excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering required.
• 2–3 years of maintenance/reliability experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead reliability initiatives to improve uptime and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Develop and implement predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Serve as SME for equipment reliability and coordinate with vendors.
• Coach and mentor reliability team members.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Root Cause Analysis

Failure mode identification

CMMS experience

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

2-3 years of maintenance/reliability experience

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Reliability Engineer is responsible for improving equipment reliability, asset availability, and overall plant performance through effective reliability engineering practices. This role leads reliability initiatives, implements predictive and preventive maintenance strategies, performs root cause analyses, and partners with Maintenance and Production teams to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and lower maintenance costs while ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Reliability Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Lead reliability projects to improve equipment uptime, optimize asset performance, and reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs
• Develop, implement, and sustain predictive and preventive maintenance programs aligned with plant reliability goals
• Serve as the site subject matter expert (SME) for equipment reliability, supporting internal teams and coordinating with external vendors
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying chronic equipment issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions

Asset Health & Analysis

• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) to eliminate recurring failures and improve long-term equipment performance
• Review condition monitoring, predictive maintenance data, and work order history to identify emerging failure trends
• Perform quality assurance checks on equipment condition data to ensure accurate maintenance planning and execution
• Validate maintenance work requests and repair strategies prior to scheduled outages or planned work

Safety & Training

• Develop and deliver safety-related training for maintenance and technical personnel
• Champion safe work practices and ensure reliability activities align with site and corporate safety standards

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering to align reliability initiatives with production objectives
• Promote reliability-centered maintenance principles and encourage site-wide engagement and accountability
• Coach and mentor reliability team members to achieve performance excellence

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 2-3 years of experience in manufacturing maintenance, reliability engineering, or field service engineering

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret large datasets to drive data-based decisions
• Proficiency in identifying failure modes, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing preventative solutions
• Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Keywords: reliability engineer, mechanical reliability, senior reliability engineer, senior reliability, reliability lead, reliability leader, mechanical reliability engineer, mechanical engineering, reliability, maintenance systems, reliability systems, RCFA, root cause, equipment reliability, hydraulics, reliability planning, asset availability, vibration, vibration analysis, lubrication, lubrication analysis, thermal analysis, pump alignment, motor alignment, laser alignment, maintenance, Excel, reporting, data analysis, jd Edwards, pulp, paper, liner, linerboard, unbleached board, kraft paper, pulp, paper, containerboard, Corrugated board, corrugated medium, paperboard

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.