Reliability Engineer

Actalent; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Dental

401K

Paid Time Off

Educational Reimbursement

Holidays

Job summary

Actalent in Owensboro, KY is seeking a Reliability Engineer to analyze the performance of a large natural gas compressor fleet, troubleshoot issues, and develop maintenance strategies to keep stations operating safely and reliably. The role blends field site work with office duties and supports planning, design, and commissioning across the 5,800-mile pipeline.

You will work with operations, maintenance, and vendors, perform root cause analyses, lead improvement projects, and ensure compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ABET-accredited engineering program.
• 3+ years of experience in PLC programming, SCADA, and/or automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with compressor station installation and commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of natural gas pipeline and compressor station operations.
• Proficiency with PLCs and industrial control systems used in compressor station applications.
• Willingness to travel 25–30%.

Responsibilities

• Support the reliability, performance, and maintenance of natural gas compressor station equipment and auxiliary systems across the pipeline system.
• Analyze equipment health, operational trends, and performance data to identify opportunities for reliability and efficiency improvements.
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, failure investigations, and optimization studies on compressor and mechanical systems.
• Develop clear recommendations for equipment repair, replacement, upgrades, and redesign initiatives to improve long-term asset performance.
• Assist with the specification, evaluation, installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of mechanical equipment and control systems.
• Support preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to improve equipment availability and reduce unplanned failures.
• Lead or participate in equipment reliability and efficiency improvement projects from concept through implementation.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA

Automation systems

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

OSI PI

AutoCAD 2D

Job description

Job Title: Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineer analyzes the performance and condition of a large natural gas compressor fleet, troubleshoots equipment and control-system issues, investigates failures, and develops maintenance and equipment-improvement strategies to keep compressor stations operating safely and reliably. This role supports the planning, design, construction, alterations, maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improvement of compressor stations across a 5,800-mile natural gas transmission system. The engineer focuses on equipment performance, reliability, and maintenance, working closely with operations, project management, vendors, and maintenance personnel to improve equipment availability, reduce downtime, and optimize compressor station performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the reliability, performance, and maintenance of natural gas compressor station equipment and auxiliary systems across the pipeline system.
• Analyze equipment health, operational trends, and performance data to identify opportunities for reliability and efficiency improvements.
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, failure investigations, and optimization studies on compressor and mechanical systems.
• Develop clear recommendations for equipment repair, replacement, upgrades, and redesign initiatives to improve long-term asset performance.
• Assist with the specification, evaluation, installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of mechanical equipment and control systems.
• Support preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to improve equipment availability and reduce unplanned failures.
• Lead or participate in equipment reliability and efficiency improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Perform limited drafting responsibilities as needed to support engineering and project documentation.
• Utilize analytics and asset management tools to monitor equipment health and track reliability metrics.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, project teams, contractors, and vendors to execute projects and resolve technical issues.
• Review technical documents, equipment specifications, engineering designs, and contractor work for accuracy and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and internal requirements.
• Develop technical reports, engineering studies, specifications, and project documentation to support decision-making and project execution.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and best practices for compressor station assets.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for compressor station equipment, reliability, and asset performance initiatives.
• Oversee contractors, consultants, or other technical resources on assigned projects when required.
• Collaborate with fellow reliability engineers and specialists, including traveling together during the technical ramp-up period to gain hands‑on experience at compressor stations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, preferably in electrical, automation, or mechanical engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in PLC programming, SCADA, and/or automation systems.
• Hands‑on experience with compressor station installation and commissioning projects.
• Strong knowledge of natural gas pipeline and compressor station operations.
• Knowledge of 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and turbine engine operations and their associated control systems.
• Knowledge of auxiliary systems required to support a natural gas compression fleet.
• Proficiency with PLCs and industrial control systems used in compressor station applications.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigations on mechanical and control systems.
• Ability to interpret and review technical documents, equipment specifications, engineering drawings, and design packages.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to meet driving eligibility requirements.
• Willingness and commitment to travel as required, including day trips and overnight stays.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret equipment performance and reliability data.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external partners.
• Ability to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations in all engineering activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate.
• Experience using OSI PI or similar analytics programs for monitoring equipment performance.
• Additional experience with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in industrial control systems beyond the minimum requirement.
• Knowledge of industrial engines and compressors and their applications in natural gas transmission.
• Familiarity with natural gas transmission regulations such as 49 CFR 192 and OSHA, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Understanding of machinery analysis techniques for industrial engines and compressors, including mechanical and electrical aspects.
• Exposure to design engineering, construction, and inspection of piping systems, compressor stations, and pipeline infrastructure.
• Background or familiarity with petroleum engineering, pipeline engineering, pipeline design, and compressor and automation systems.
• Experience with electrical engineering concepts as applied to industrial control and compression systems.
• Experience with pipeline inspection and pipeline construction activities.
• Ability to contribute to the development of engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and best practices.
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary teams and supporting multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Environment

This role combines field/project site work with office-based responsibilities. The engineer spends time at compressor stations and project sites and should be comfortable working in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions when in the field. Travel is typically 25–30%, primarily to compressor stations to support PLC programming, commissioning, and startup of compressor stations and related assets. Travel may involve same‑day trips of several hours each way or overnight stays when return travel is not practical. A company vehicle, laptop, tools, credit card, and phone are provided, and field‑related expenses are covered in accordance with company policies. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional flexibility as needed to support field work and project demands. The engineer works closely with another reliability engineer and a reliability specialist and receives structured training and support during the learning and technical ramp‑up period, including traveling in tandem with an experienced engineer. Office time is spent at the assigned location, with minimal drafting responsibilities (approximately 5–10%), supported by dedicated drafters and designers using tools such as AutoCAD 2D. The environment emphasizes safety, technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, with clear expectations for adherence to safety, regulatory, and operational standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Owensboro, KY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Benefits Overview We believe great work deserves great rewards. In exchange for your passion and expertise, we provide a benefits package that supports your well‑being and growth in all aspects of life.

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Programs
• Service Awards
• Educational Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Parental & Maternity Leave
• 401K

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Owensboro,KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.