Rotating Equipment Reliability Engineer

Kern Energy CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Energy is seeking a Rotating Equipment Reliability Engineer to enhance the performance of refinery assets. You will analyze efficiency, monitor KPIs, and lead reliability initiatives across pumps, turbines, compressors, and motors.

Ideal candidates bring extensive rotating equipment experience, strong root cause analysis skills, and the ability to collaborate with maintenance and operations to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and related certifications preferred.
• 10+ years rotating equipment maintenance and reliability experience in refinery or petrochemical plants.
• Experience with PSM and Mechanical Integrity programs.
• Familiarity with API, vibration analysis and condition monitoring.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement reliability strategies for rotating equipment.
• Monitor performance, maintain bad actor programs, and report KPIs.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis to reduce downtime.
• Coordinate with maintenance and operations on shutdowns.
• Ensure spare parts availability and manage CMMS records.
• Provide technical guidance and train maintenance personnel.

Skills

Rotating equipment knowledge

Vibration analysis

Root cause analysis

Condition monitoring

Safety regulations

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

API vibration analysis certification

Tools

CMMS knowledge

Job description

Kern Energy is seeking a Rotating Equipment Reliability Engineer who is a key contributor to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical refinery assets. This role requires expertise in rotating equipment, including pumps, compressors, turbines, and motors, with a focus on maximizing equipment performance and reliability. Working closely with maintenance and operations teams, the engineer monitors equipment KPIs, supports asset integrity strategies, analyzes performance trends, and develops and implements reliability improvement initiatives that reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and optimize operational performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate Kern's core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection while making a measurable impact on refinery performance.

• Collaborate with the Operations and Engineering teams to develop and implement reliability improvement strategies and repairs for rotating equipment.
• Maintain and report bad actor programs.
• Run the oil sampling and vibration monitoring.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades, modifications, or replacements to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot rotating and reciprocating equipment to eliminate excessive maintenance costs, performance deficiencies, and reliability issues.
• Utilize condition monitoring techniques, such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis, to assess the health and performance of rotating equipment or reciprocating compressors.
• Minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance by conducting root cause analysis for failures and developing action plans to prevent a recurrence of equipment malfunctions that are reported to the head of Maintenance.
• Communicate with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to schedule a repair shutdown at an agreed-upon date.
• Function as a project manager by verifying the availability and capability of the contract repair crew when needed. Develop detailed job plans, cost estimates, and schedules, and establish critical path controls for machinery activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of equipment maintenance activities, including work orders, inspection reports, and equipment performance.
• Generate reports on equipment performance, maintenance trends, and reliability metrics to determine the priority of the repairs.
• Develop recommendations and make work order requests required for upgrades of problem equipment.
• Review proposed designs for adherence to Refinery, industry, and regulation
• Leads refinery through consideration of Total Cost of Ownership when selecting equipment, components, or support systems.
• Ensure an adequate supply of spare parts and consumables for rotating equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels, track usage, and initiate requisitions for timely procurement. Optimize inventory management processes to minimize downtime and inventory carrying costs.
• Document information in the Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS for electrical, instrumentation, and process control systems and equipment.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures while performing maintenance and repair tasks.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety guidelines by collaborating with the Environmental, Health & Safety Group.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate safety measures to mitigate hazards associated with rotating equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the operations and maintenance teams regarding the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of rotating equipment.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance the knowledge and skills in the functions of the Maintenance Reliability Program of personnel involved in equipment operation and maintenance.
• Develop, maintaining, and acting upon rotating equipment key performance indicators.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Fill in as rotating equipment maintenance team supervisor as needed.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills

• Knowledge of industry codes and standards, ASTM, NACE, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of various types of rotating equipment, including pumps, compressors, turbines, and motors.
• Proficiency in analyzing equipment performance data and conducting root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering concepts and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and industry standards applicable to refinery operations.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Certifications in relevant areas (e.g., API, vibration analysis) are desirable.
• 10 Yrs. Rotating Equipment (Reciprocating and Centrifugal Pump and Compressor) maintenance experience preferred.
• 10 Yrs. Rotating Equipment reliability experience (maintaining and troubleshooting) in a refinery or petrochemical plant.
• Experienced with regulatory matters.
• Experienced with PSM and Mechanical Integrity programs.
• Experienced with PM, PdM, and condition monitoring development.