Reliability Engineer - Rotating Equipment & PM Expert

Westlake; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake offers an engineering position focused on maintenance and reliability of plant equipment, with emphasis on safe, compliant operations.

You will define PM scopes, lead troubleshooting of rotating systems, perform RCA, update SMPs, and support turnarounds. The role requires a BS in mechanical engineering, 2–5 years of chemical plant experience, strong communication, and TWIC credential.

Qualifications

• BS in mechanical engineering or equivalent degree required.
• 2–5 years of chemical plant experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, strong planning and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Define preventive maintenance (PM) work order scope, classification, and frequency for mechanical equipment.
• Lead or support troubleshooting for high vibration, abnormal noise, high temperature, seal/packing failures, lubrication issues, and repeated breakdowns on rotating machinery.
• Perform or coordinate root cause failure analysis on significant rotating failures and drive corrective actions.
• Develop and update Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMPs) or PM plans, using manufacturer recommendations and field experience.
• Monitor PM compliance and documentation; work with Maintenance Supervisors and equipment owners to address inspection results and improve PM programs.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical support to operations and maintenance for rotating and fixed equipment issues; lead or assist in troubleshooting chronic or complex problems.
• Perform or coordinate failure analysis and corrective actions; monitor equipment performance and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and life cycle cost.
• Serve as a technical resource for mechanics, technicians, and supervisors; provide informal and formal training as needed
• Use SAP (or equivalent CMMS) to manage work orders, notifications, PM tasks, and equipment histories.
• Maintain and update EDMS‑based procedures, SMPs, and related engineering documents assigned to Maintenance Engineering
• Perform equipment failure analysis (i.e. RCA &/or 5-Why) to prevent reoccurrence.
• Evaluate and audit external rotating repair/machine shop service resources and capabilities.
• Provide technical support on turnarounds and outages, both planned and unplanned.
• Provide technical support, review, and input on projects for infrastructure recapitalization and reliability improvements.
• Stay abreast and facilitate the incorporation of new reliability technology and industry best practices to drive reliability improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Maintenance planning

Troubleshooting

Reliability engineering

Education

BS in mechanical engineering

Tools

SAP CMMS

Job description

Westlake offers an engineering position focused on maintenance and reliability of plant equipment, with emphasis on safe, compliant operations.

You will define PM scopes, lead troubleshooting of rotating systems, perform RCA, update SMPs, and support turnarounds. The role requires a BS in mechanical engineering, 2–5 years of chemical plant experience, strong communication, and TWIC credential.