Reliability Engineer

Smurfit Westrock plc; Roanoke Rapids (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a Maintenance Reliability Engineer in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The role focuses on improving equipment reliability and overall plant performance through effective engineering practices, leading to reduced downtime and optimized asset life.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, with a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in data analysis and maintenance management systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 2-3 years of experience in manufacturing maintenance or reliability engineering.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Lead reliability projects to optimize asset performance.
• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis to improve equipment performance.
• Develop and deliver safety-related training for personnel.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Identifying failure modes

Conducting root cause analysis

Preventative solutions implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Maintenance Reliability Engineer

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
• 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