Systems Reliability Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins Inc.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Systems Reliability Engineering Technical Specialist. This role requires expertise in reliability engineering tools and a strong background in data analysis to improve equipment reliability and support continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and significant experience in the field.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in failure mode avoidance and quantitative reliability analysis.
• Experience in leading root cause investigations.
• Ability to model and analyze product functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop reliability programs for equipment.
• Lead failure investigations using RCA tools.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify risks.
• Support implementation of predictive maintenance technologies.
• Drive projects aimed at reliability improvements.

Skills

Reliability engineering tools and methods

Problem-solving skills

Data analysis

Systems thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field

Master's degree relevant to this discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented Systems Reliability Engineering Technical Specialist to join our team specializing in Engineering for our Distribution Business Unit in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways :

Reliability Strategy Development

Develop and implement reliability programs and initiatives for Cummins equipment.

Define maintenance and inspection strategies aligned with equipment criticality and lifecycle costs.

Demonstrates good understanding and applies knowledge of the engineering discipline.

Implement predictive maintenance strategy solutions such as Preventech.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Lead or support failure investigations using tools such as RCA, FTA, and 5 Whys.

Facilitate action planning and follow-up to prevent recurrence.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Analyse equipment performance data (downtime, MTBF, MTTR, etc.) to identify reliability risks.

Develop dashboards and reports to track KPIs and recommend data-driven improvements.

Technical Support & Collaboration

Provide guidance on equipment reliability issues to Cummins site team.

Share best practices and lessons learned across sites to drive continuous improvement.

Asset Health Monitoring

Support the implementation of predictive maintenance technologies (vibration analysis, oil analysis, condition monitoring).

Interpret health data and advise on proactive maintenance actions.

Project Management

Support or lead projects aimed at equipment upgrades, reliability improvements, or cost reduction.

Drive product excellence through proactive risk management

By leading critical reliability activities and applying advanced tools like quantitative reliability analysis and failure reporting systems, you'll play a pivotal role in preventing failures and ensuring new products meet or exceed customer and business expectations.

Shape technical direction and mentor future talent

Your leadership in complex projects and process improvements, combined with your guidance to junior engineers and cross‑functional teams, will elevate the organization's reliability culture and foster a legacy of engineering excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role you will need the following :

Expertise in reliability engineering tools and methods : Proficiency in failure mode avoidance, quantitative reliability analysis, and test planning will enable you to proactively identify risks, validate product robustness, and ensure reliability targets are met.

Strong problem‑solving and data analysis skills : You’ll need to lead root cause investigations, apply corrective/preventive action systems, and use data‑driven approaches to resolve complex product issues and prevent recurrence.

Systems thinking and modeling capabilities : The ability to model, simulate, and analyze product functions across system and component levels will help you influence design decisions and predict performance under real‑world conditions.

Cross‑functional leadership and communication : Success hinges on your ability to collaborate across technical and core teams, drive alignment on reliability goals, and guide others through structured processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience :

College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.

Post‑graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making.

Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.