Industrial Reliability Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced technology, the emphasis on Industrial Reliability Engineers has never been more paramount.

As industrial innovation evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, enhance, and safeguard our industrial processes grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Industrial Reliability Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of industrial reliability engineering,

You’ve come to the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable Industrial Reliability Engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Industrial Reliability Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Reliability Engineers are responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reliability of industrial equipment and systems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency.

They use a systematic, engineering approach along with knowledge of industrial systems and equipment to identify and manage asset reliability risks.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyze the reliability of industrial systems and equipment
• Design, implement and manage maintenance strategies, procedures and methods
• Carry out routine maintenance work and respond to equipment faults
• Diagnose breakdown problems and find faults in equipment
• Recommend upgrades for existing systems and equipment to improve reliability and efficiency
• Conduct risk assessments and failure analysis to identify and mitigate reliability risks
• Create and maintain documentation for equipment maintenance procedures and histories
• Work with manufacturers and suppliers to obtain necessary parts and equipment
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Train maintenance staff to ensure proper equipment operations and maintenance procedures are followed

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Industrial Reliability Engineer to join our team.

The Industrial Reliability Engineer will be responsible for monitoring and improving the reliability of our industrial processes and equipment.

The engineer will conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures, develop maintenance strategies, and design reliable systems and procedures that minimize downtime.

This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting reliability analysis of equipment and processes
• Identifying root causes of equipment failures and developing corrective actions
• Developing and implementing maintenance strategies for industrial equipment
• Designing systems and procedures that minimize downtime and improve reliability
• Performing risk assessments and creating contingency plans
• Training staff on new systems and protocols
• Providing technical support to maintenance staff
• Working closely with other engineers and professionals in the development of new equipment and systems
• Keeping up to date with the latest industrial engineering technology

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Reliability Engineer or similar role
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Knowledge of risk management and quality control
• Experience with statistical analysis software
• Excellent communication and team working skills
• BSc in Engineering, preferably in industrial or mechanical engineering

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Reliability Engineer
• Work Environment: Industrial setting. Some travel may be required for site visits and meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Plant Manager or Engineering Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Industrial Reliability Engineer Do?

Industrial Reliability Engineers are typically employed in manufacturing or production industries.

They can also work in sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and automotive.

Their primary role is to ensure the reliability and consistent performance of industrial equipment and machinery.

This often involves designing and implementing maintenance strategies, procedures, and methods.

They closely collaborate with other engineers, maintenance managers, and operational teams to identify and eliminate potential equipment failures before they occur.

Industrial Reliability Engineers are often responsible for managing and leading planned and unplanned maintenance activities to minimize downtime and disruption.

They carry out inspections and audits to ensure that all equipment and systems are in compliance with safety standards and regulations.

In addition, they may also be involved in researching new technologies and methodologies to improve overall equipment reliability and efficiency.

They use various statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and other data-driven techniques to make informed decisions about equipment maintenance and enhancements.

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Industrial Reliability Engineers should possess a variety of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry knowledge to enhance and maintain the reliability of industrial systems and processes, including:

• Thorough understanding of reliability engineering principles and methodologies to identify and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect plant or business operations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify reliability issues, root causes of failures and implement effective corrective measures.
• Strong knowledge of industrial equipment, systems, and processes, as well as the ability to use predictive and preventive maintenance tools.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to team members, stakeholders, and other non-technical staff.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate reliability activities across all stages of project and product life cycles.
• Experience with reliability analysis software and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Understanding of statistical concepts, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and other reliability risk analysis tools.
• Excellent project management skills to manage and oversee the implementation of reliability improvement initiatives.

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Experience Requirements

For entry-level Industrial Reliability Engineer roles, candidates are usually required to have 1 to 2 years of experience.

This experience can often be attained through internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in areas such as industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or process engineering.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field often have a significant amount of theoretical knowledge that can be applied in a practical setting.

Some companies may require a Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration for advanced roles.

As Industrial Reliability Engineers often work closely with production teams, experience in a production or manufacturing environment can be beneficial.

They should also have familiarity with reliability methodologies, root cause analysis, and predictive maintenance techniques.

Professionals with more than 3 years of experience may have developed more advanced skills and knowledge in the field, including areas such as statistical analysis, lean manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma methodologies.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and could be considered for managerial positions within reliability or maintenance teams.

These roles often require the ability to develop and implement strategic reliability programs, manage team members, and collaborate with other departments to ensure overall operational efficiency.

In addition to the practical experience, certain certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) can further enhance an Industrial Reliability Engineer’s qualifications.

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Reliability Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, specifically in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering.

Besides having a strong theoretical foundation, they also need practical experience and in-depth knowledge in areas such as quality control, preventive maintenance, and reliability analysis.

Having a good grasp of statistics, probability, and data analysis is also essential as these skills are frequently used in the role.

Knowledge in software like AutoCAD, CATIA, MATLAB, and reliability software like Reliasoft is beneficial.

For higher-level roles or specialized positions, a master’s degree in engineering or a related field could be required.

Additionally, although not always mandatory, obtaining certifications like the Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or other relevant qualifications can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their profession and enhance their employability.

Continuing education to keep up with emerging technologies and advancements in the field is also advisable for Industrial Reliability Engineers.

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Salary Expectations

An Industrial Reliability Engineer earns an average salary of $85,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location.

Some highly experienced engineers in this field can earn up to $100,000 (USD) per year or more.

 

Industrial Reliability Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills are necessary for an Industrial Reliability Engineer?

An Industrial Reliability Engineer should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills as they will often be required to troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues.

They should also have a good understanding of industrial processes, machinery, and systems.

Knowledge of risk management and statistical analysis is also beneficial.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary, as the role involves collaborating with different teams and departments.

 

What educational background is required for an Industrial Reliability Engineer?

Industrial Reliability Engineers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, specifically in fields such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering.

Some employers may require a master’s degree or a professional engineering (PE) license.

Additionally, hands-on experience in the industry or related field is often preferred.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Reliability Engineer’s resume?

An Industrial Reliability Engineer’s resume should highlight relevant education and certifications, as well as experience with reliability and maintenance of industrial systems and machinery.

Knowledge of specific industry standards and regulations, as well as experience with reliability analysis tools and software, should also be evident.

The resume should showcase their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and expertise in risk management.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Reliability Engineer?

A good Industrial Reliability Engineer is meticulous and detail-oriented, with an ability to recognize patterns and discrepancies in data.

They should be proficient in dealing with complex systems and possess a deep understanding of machinery and equipment operations.

They must be comfortable working in a team environment and have excellent communication skills to explain complex processes and concepts effectively.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Industrial Reliability Engineer?

Hiring an Industrial Reliability Engineer can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and experience required for the role.

This is a niche field, and finding candidates with the right skill set and experience can be difficult.

Employers may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being an industrial reliability engineer.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about maintaining equipment.

It’s about orchestrating the seamless flow of industrial operations, one mechanical piece at a time.

Leverage our detailed industrial reliability engineer job description template and real-world examples, and prepare to make your next professional leap.

But why put a cap on it?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to utter perfection.

Always remember:

Every mechanical gear you maintain is integral to the larger industrial machinery.

Let’s engineer that future. Together.

How to Become an Industrial Reliability Engineer (Complete Guide)

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