Operations Reliability Engineer

Worklane GmbH; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Holidays

Vacation Days

Well-being Benefit

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is seeking an Operations Reliability Engineer to support engineering and maintenance by designing, modeling, and inspecting projects. You will optimize production facilities, oversee line renovations, and manage treated and wastewater systems from an engineering perspective.

You will develop detailed plans, SOPs, and capital project executions while maintaining safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across a fast-paced beverage manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering with a focus on process controls, manufacturing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to GMPs and wear PPE in production areas.
• Improve manufacturing processes and performance metrics to reduce bottlenecks and scrap.
• Ensure reliable plant operations while optimizing maintenance and costs.
• Design, document, troubleshoot, and launch new products and processes.
• Coordinate installation of new equipment to maximize efficiency.
• Develop SOPs and Best Practices using Process Flow, FMEA, Time Study, and Poke Yoke.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to support project execution.
• Manage capital projects, budgets, and contractor oversight.
• Stay current on safety and regulatory standards and ensure compliance.

Skills

CAD modeling

Project management

Electrical principles

Manufacturing processes

Quality systems

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

BS Engineering – Industrial, Electrical

Masters preferred

Tools

CAD software

Rockwell Automation

AB control hardware

MS Office

Job description

Position Description

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Operations Reliability Engineer will support engineering and maintenance functions by performing professional engineering work related to the design, CAD modeling, construction, and inspection of various projects. Additional responsibilities include optimizing production facilities, overseeing line renovations and improvements, and managing treated and wastewater systems. This role involves preparing detailed plans and specifications to support project execution.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts)
• Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Continuously improve manufacturing processes by enhancing quality and performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure reliable plant and equipment operations while optimizing maintenance and operational costs, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Design, document, troubleshoot, and oversee the launch of new products and processes from an engineering perspective.
• Identify and resolve safety concerns related to equipment design and manufacturing processes.
• Implement hands‑on process improvements to reduce scrap and defects while improving throughput. Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and implement Best Practices using engineering methodologies such as Process Flow Design, FMEA, Time Study, and Poke Yoke.
• Coordinate the installation of new equipment to maximize production efficiency and maintainability.
• Serve as a Project Engineer, ensuring project compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and requirements. Oversee construction plans, specifications, and necessary modifications based on changing conditions.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of existing utilities’ capacity and utilization levels to support plant operations.
• Stay current on safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, ensuring plant compliance and best practices.
• Monitor and manage assigned project progress, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets. Supervise and inspect construction projects, review contractor estimates, and process change orders and progress payments.
• Prepare and submit reports as required for environmental and safety compliance, ensuring a safe and professional work environment.
• Develop and execute capital projects, including new processes, bottling lines, utilities, operational efficiency improvements, and facility management.
• Design, implement, and optimize processing systems, including batching, thermal processing, refrigeration, bottling, CIP, and utility control systems. Evaluate alternatives, select and size equipment, develop cost estimates, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with OEM vendors to develop and implement supervisory control schemes that optimize production line performance across multiple products and packaging formats.
• Develop and maintain technical drawings and documentation, including P &IDs, PID loops, ladder diagrams, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams. Oversee equipment sizing, construction packages, and project execution while managing costs and schedules.
• Ensure all designs and engineering activities comply with industry codes, regulations, and standards. Maintain company drawings and technical records while providing clear analysis and reporting.
• Manage capital appropriations, purchase orders, and contracts as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve plant performance, product quality, and employee safety, providing leadership in developing and implementing practical solutions. Participate in long‑term capital planning.
• Provide technical support for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of processing equipment, production lines, utilities, and buildings.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment to support company objectives, initiatives, and policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Drive production line performance improvements using Controls Automation and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles and practices.
• Proficiency in desktop computing, including CAD software, for engineering applications.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with vendors, facilities teams, and professional contacts as an effective team member.
• Efficient management and utilization of project resources and time to ensure successful execution.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and data security requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work.

Competencies

• Ownership – is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
• Results Focus – exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
• Communication – relates well to people; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
• Customer Focus – understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
• Problem Solving – breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.

Education and Experience

• BS Engineering – Industrial, Electrical. Masters, Engineering strongly desired
• A minimum of 3 years Process Controls Engineering experience
• Experience in food processing, bottling and packaging
• Familiarity with National Electric Code / Canadian Electric Code and Rockwell / AB control hardware/software required
• Experience with capital related project spending & controls
• Solid working experience with performance improvements and improved speed to market through line renovations and replacements.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast‑paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.

Travel Requirements

• Travel anticipated – up to 15%

Physical Requirements

• Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress – There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy or similar demands.

Other Duties

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short‑term disability and long‑term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time OffDays
• Well‑being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.