Reliability Engineer

Smurfit Westrock•Roanoke Rapids, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Reliability Engineer improves equipment reliability, asset availability, and overall plant performance through reliability engineering practices. The role leads reliability initiatives, implements predictive and preventive maintenance strategies, conducts root cause analyses, and partners with Maintenance and Production teams to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and lower maintenance costs while supporting safe, efficient operations. The position leads projects to improve equipment uptime and asset performance, develops and sustains maintenance programs, serves as the site subject matter expert on equipment reliability, and drives continuous improvement. It analyzes equipment condition and maintenance data, investigates recurring failures, validates work requests and repair strategies, and supports safe work practices through training and alignment with site and corporate safety standards. The Reliability Engineer works with Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering to align reliability initiatives with production objectives, promote reliability-centered maintenance, and coach and mentor reliability team members. A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 2–3 years of relevant experience are required. The position is based at the NC Roanoke Rapids Mill. Relocation support is available. Candidates must undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
2–3 years of experience in manufacturing maintenance, reliability engineering, or field service engineering.
Strong analytical capabilities and the ability to interpret large datasets to make data-based decisions.
Ability to identify failure modes, conduct root cause analysis, and implement preventative solutions.
Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Candidates must undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Responsibilities

Lead reliability projects to improve equipment uptime, optimize asset performance, and reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
Develop, implement, and sustain predictive and preventive maintenance programs aligned with plant reliability goals.
Serve as the site subject matter expert for equipment reliability, supporting internal teams and coordinating with external vendors.
Identify chronic equipment issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) to eliminate recurring failures and improve long-term equipment performance.
Review condition monitoring, predictive maintenance data, and work order history to identify emerging failure trends.
Perform quality assurance checks on equipment condition data to support accurate maintenance planning and execution.
Validate maintenance work requests and repair strategies before scheduled outages or planned work.
Develop and deliver safety-related training for maintenance and technical personnel.
Champion safe work practices and ensure reliability activities align with site and corporate safety standards.
Partner with Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering to align reliability initiatives with production objectives.
Promote reliability-centered maintenance principles and encourage site-wide engagement and accountability.
Coach and mentor reliability team members.