Equipment Reliability Specialist

Russell Stover • Iola, KS

6d

About The Position

The Equipment Reliability Improvement Specialist improves and maintains the mechanical integrity of food-manufacturing machines. This individual-contributor role serves as the technical subject matter expert for equipment and provides hands-on technical coaching to maintenance and operations teams. The specialist focuses on reliability improvement, maintenance planning, and parts management to maximize machine uptime.

The role supports troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and mechanical performance improvements; develops preventive and corrective maintenance job plans in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); identifies repair parts and structures inventory records; assesses equipment reliability needs; and recommends improvements to increase uptime and reduce unplanned downtime. The specialist also supports continuous improvement by analyzing machine performance data and recommending mechanical or procedural enhancements. Other duties may be assigned.

The position is based in a food-manufacturing plant environment with varied equipment and exposure to food ingredients and allergens. The employer describes a climate-controlled environment for most roles, protective gear, GMP and daily safety training, and a dress code focused on food safety and hygiene.

Requirements

• Experience with industrial mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning, mechanical troubleshooting, and reliability concepts.
• Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial maintenance, reliability, or equipment diagnostics within manufacturing.
• Experience using a CMMS such as SAP, Maximo, Carl, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis using 5-Why, Fishbone, and Failure Mode Analysis.
• Hands-on experience with vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasound, and oil analysis.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, rotating equipment, motors, gearboxes, conveyors, and electrical troubleshooting fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, LOTO, machine guarding, and safe work practices.
• Ability to analyze downtime data, failure trends, and maintenance KPIs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial maintenance, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• CMRP, CRL, or equivalent reliability credential.
• Experience with TPM, 5S, Kaizen, or WCM/LPW methodologies.
• Experience with laser alignment, dynamic balancing, or advanced vibration diagnostics.
• Ability to understand basic ladder logic for troubleshooting.
• Experience with sanitary equipment, molding lines, packaging systems, or confectionery process equipment.
• Ability to lead reliability improvement projects, equipment upgrades, or overhaul planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical equipment expert, supporting troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and mechanical performance improvements.
• Develop and maintain detailed preventive and corrective maintenance job plans in the CMMS.
• Identify required repair parts, create accurate parts lists, and structure Mogul repair-parts inventory in the CMMS.
• Assess machine mechanical-reliability needs and develop targeted plans to increase uptime and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Provide hands-on technical coaching to maintenance and operations personnel on inspection, repair, and operation of Mogul equipment.
• Analyze machine-performance data and recommend mechanical or procedural enhancements in support of continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree