Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the industrial era, the focus on Maintenance and Reliability Engineers has never been sharper.

As machinery and technology evolve, the demand for proficient individuals who can maintain, optimize, and ensure the reliability of our mechanical and electrical systems escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Maintenance and 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 captivated by the nuts and bolts of maintenance and reliability engineering,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance and Reliability Engineers are key players in ensuring the optimal performance of equipment and machinery in a range of industries.

They work to minimize downtime and increase productivity by predicting and preventing mechanical issues before they occur.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing maintenance strategies, procedures and methods
• Carrying out routine maintenance work and responding to equipment faults
• Diagnosing breakdown problems and determining ways to prevent them in the future
• Managing stocks of supplies and equipment spare parts
• Investigating equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and make recommendations for improvement
• Monitoring and controlling maintenance costs
• Writing maintenance strategies to help with installation and commissioning guidelines
• Ensuring there is continuous coverage of the machinery and equipment in case of breakdowns
• Participating in reliability studies and recommending improvements to existing equipment and processes
• Developing and implementing asset management plans and predictive maintenance programs
• Working with other teams to increase product and process quality and reliability
• Overseeing the work of maintenance technicians and ensuring adherence to safety regulations

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Maintenance and Reliability Engineer to join our team.

This role involves ensuring the continuous operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by implementing a maintenance plan, and troubleshooting issues when they arise.

The Maintenance and Reliability Engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing maintenance strategies, failure identification processes, and repair procedures.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of maintenance methodologies, as well as practical experience in mechanical and electrical systems.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies for all machinery and equipment
• Use data analysis to optimize maintenance activities and reduce downtime
• Identify potential failure points and develop preventative measures
• Design and implement reliability and maintenance programs
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to execute maintenance tasks
• Conduct failure mode and effect analysis to identify areas for improvement
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for equipment purchases and maintenance
• Train maintenance personnel on new procedures and protocols
• Ensure all maintenance operations comply with safety regulations
• Monitor and adjust maintenance programs as necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Maintenance Engineer or similar role
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems
• Experience with data analysis and statistical fault diagnosis
• Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures
• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs
• BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maintenance and Reliability Engineer
• Work Environment: Industrial setting. Some travel may be required for site visits and inspections.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Manager or Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 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 a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Do?

Maintenance and Reliability Engineers typically work for corporations across a range of industries, including manufacturing, utilities, transportation, oil and gas, and many more.

They can also work as consultants providing their expertise to multiple clients.

Their main duty is to ensure that the machinery, equipment, and systems used in production or services are reliable and working efficiently.

They achieve this by conducting routine inspections, performance analysis, and overseeing maintenance procedures.

They work closely with other maintenance staff and production teams to identify potential equipment faults and resolve them before they result in significant downtime or accidents.

Maintenance and Reliability Engineers are also involved in designing and implementing maintenance strategies, procedures, and methods.

They often carry out quality inspections on jobs, manage stocks of spare parts, and control maintenance tools and equipment.

Their role is to minimize the frequency of costly breakdowns and repair expenses by implementing preventive maintenance and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.

They are also responsible for investigating equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operations, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.

In some cases, these engineers may be involved in the redesign of equipment or machinery to improve its reliability and performance.

They are also expected to stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to implement them for better performance and efficiency.

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A competent Maintenance and Reliability Engineer should have the skills and qualifications that are in line with the requirements of the role, including:

• Having a solid understanding of equipment functions and design, being able to identify, diagnose and fix equipment issues in an efficient and timely manner.
• Utilizing strong analytical skills to identify patterns of failure and assess the reliability of production systems and components, in order to improve equipment uptime and overall reliability.
• Applying a thorough knowledge of maintenance planning and predictive and preventive maintenance techniques.
• Demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills to troubleshoot complex machinery issues, and create effective solutions to maintain operation efficiency.
• Displaying excellent communication skills to relay technical information to non-technical team members and stakeholders, as well as to work in close collaboration with other engineers, technicians, and managers.
• Using project management skills to oversee maintenance projects, ensuring they are completed in a timely manner and within budget.
• Having a deep understanding of reliability analysis and risk management techniques, to assess and minimize the chances of equipment or process failure.
• Being familiar with industry-standard software and tools used for maintenance management and data analysis.

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Maintenance and Reliability Engineers generally hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

During their studies, they should have gained practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in fields like manufacturing, industrial automation, or mechanical systems design.

Engineers with 1-2 years of experience often work as Junior Maintenance Engineers or Reliability Technicians.

These professionals typically gain valuable hands-on experience in areas such as preventive maintenance, root cause failure analysis, reliability-centered maintenance, and the use of Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

Mid-level professionals with 3-5 years of experience usually have held roles as Maintenance Engineers or Reliability Engineers.

They have developed their skills in predictive maintenance, risk management, and maintenance strategy development.

Additionally, they may have experience with industry-specific systems and standards, such as ISO 55000 for Asset Management.

Senior Maintenance and Reliability Engineers, with more than 5 years of experience, often have a proven track record in improving equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

They may also have leadership experience, overseeing a team of maintenance technicians, and managing large-scale maintenance projects.

Additionally, they may hold relevant certifications, such as Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).

These professionals are typically ready for roles like Maintenance Manager or Plant Engineer.

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Maintenance and Reliability Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in mechanical or electrical engineering.

They also need strong foundational knowledge in areas such as machinery reliability, maintenance practices, reliability-centered maintenance, asset management, and root cause analysis.

Some positions may require Maintenance and Reliability Engineers to have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field, particularly for those looking to advance into managerial roles or specialized duties.

In addition to formal education, professional certification such as Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) can be beneficial and may be preferred or required by some employers.

It is also beneficial to have practical experience in maintenance and reliability roles within the industry, which can be obtained through internships or entry-level positions.

Ongoing education and professional development are crucial in this field, as technology and best practices continually evolve.

Engineers may need to attend seminars, workshops, or training programs to stay updated with the latest developments.

Familiarity with maintenance management software and other digital tools is also important, as these are commonly used in the industry.

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer is $86,761 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as work experience, educational qualifications, the size and sector of the employing company, and the cost of living in the geographical location of employment.

 

Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer need?

Maintenance and Reliability Engineers need to have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify the root causes of equipment failures and develop effective solutions.

They need strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Project management, communication, and teamwork skills are also vital in this role.

 

Do Maintenance and Reliability Engineers need a degree?

Yes, a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer typically needs a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.

Professional certification, such as the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), is also highly desirable.

 

What should you look for in a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer resume?

Look for a degree in Engineering and relevant work experience in maintenance and reliability roles.

Candidates should have experience with reliability-centered maintenance, predictive and preventive maintenance, and root cause analysis.

Proficiency in CAD software, data analysis tools, and knowledge of relevant industry regulations and standards are also important.

Certifications like the CMRP can be an added bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Maintenance and Reliability Engineer?

A good Maintenance and Reliability Engineer is detail-oriented and analytical, able to identify subtle patterns in data and draw accurate conclusions.

They are proactive, always looking for ways to improve equipment performance and reliability.

Strong interpersonal skills are also important, as these engineers often work as part of a team and must effectively communicate their findings and recommendations to others.

 

What are the daily duties of a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer?

Daily duties include planning and implementing preventive maintenance programs, analyzing equipment failures and developing solutions to prevent future issues, and working with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

They may also be involved in training staff on equipment maintenance procedures, preparing budgets for maintenance activities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the nuts and bolts of what it means to be a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about fixing machinery.

It’s about guaranteeing the smooth operation of critical systems, one maintenance task at a time.

With our specialized Maintenance and Reliability Engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone towards precision-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every maintenance task contributes to the overall reliability of the system.

Let’s ensure that reliability. Together.

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