Reliability Engineer

Domtar Products•Hawesville, KY

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Reliability Engineer is responsible for developing and leading asset reliability strategies that maximize equipment uptime, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend asset life in a demanding pulp and paper manufacturing environment. This role focuses on improving the performance and efficiency of mechanical systems through the application of reliability engineering principles, advanced maintenance strategies, and data-driven decision-making. Working closely with maintenance, operations, engineering, and planning teams, the Reliability Engineer will implement predictive and preventive maintenance programs, manage condition-based monitoring technologies, and lead root cause investigations. The role also supports capital projects, drives asset criticality assessments, and promotes continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and improve production reliability. This position requires a hands-on, results-oriented professional with strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in an industrial setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
Minimum five (5) years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering within manufacturing or heavy industrial environments (pulp and paper experience preferred).
Strong knowledge of RCM, FMEA, RCFA, CMMS systems, and predictive maintenance technologies.
Demonstrated commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Proven leadership and organizational skills, adept at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Highly self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while taking ownership of results.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Effective at leading and influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills
Proficient with reliability engineering tools, CMMS platforms, and data analysis systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of precision, preventive, and predictive maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability.
Champion Root Cause Problem Elimination (RCPE) and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA) to proactively address equipment failures.
Manage and optimize condition-based monitoring programs, including vibration, infrared, oil analysis, and ultrasound technologies.
Establish and maintain robust systems and tools that enable maintenance and operations teams to monitor and interpret equipment and process health data effectively.
Optimize maintenance strategies using asset criticality and reliability data to focus efforts on high-impact equipment.
Analyze failure data and trends to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with planning and scheduling teams to ensure timely and efficient execution of maintenance activities aligned with reliability goals.
Serve as a subject matter expert on reliability tools, CMMS platforms, and emerging technologies.
Develop and deliver training and communications to enhance reliability awareness and engagement among maintenance and operations personnel.
Monitor and report on key reliability and maintenance KPIs, such as MTBF, MTTR, and OEE.
Partner with capital project teams to embed maintainability and reliability into new equipment and systems.
Lead improvements that enhance equipment reliability, process performance, safety, product quality, cost efficiency, and working conditions.
Actively participate in mill-wide projects and cross-functional initiatives that support plant-wide success.