Mechanical Reliability Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of advanced machinery, the focus on mechanical reliability engineers is more critical than ever.

As technology continually evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, maintain, and ensure the reliability of our mechanical systems grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a mechanical 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 mechanical engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable mechanical reliability engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Mechanical Reliability Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and durability of mechanical systems.

They use principles of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, and enhance systems and equipment to improve reliability and maintenance.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing the reliability of mechanical systems and recommending improvements
• Conducting failure analysis studies on equipment and developing strategies to reduce downtime
• Designing and implementing maintenance strategies, procedures and methods
• Carrying out routine inspections and scheduled maintenance work
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical faults
• Recommending modifications to extend equipment life or improve performance
• Monitoring and controlling maintenance costs
• Working with other professionals in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions
• Using specialized software and analytical tools to monitor and simulate mechanical systems
• Documenting all reliability studies and maintenance operations for future reference

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The ideal candidate should be capable of developing, coordinating and conducting technical reliability studies and evaluations of engineering design concepts.

You will be responsible for recommending design or test methods and statistical process control procedures for achieving required levels of product reliability.

The role also involves comprehending and analyzing data and product specifications to determine product and customer requirements.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing engineering solutions to repetitive failures and other maintenance problems.
• Investigating and analyzing root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Designing and implementing maintenance strategies, procedures and methods.
• Maintaining statistical process controls.
• Monitoring and controlling maintenance costs.
• Carrying out quality inspections on jobs.
• Liaising with client departments, customers and other engineering and production colleagues.
• Monitoring and managing maintenance resources.
• Controlling maintenance tools, stores and equipment.
• Adhering to safety, health and environmental standards.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Mechanical Reliability Engineer or similar role.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and statistical process control.
• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts, including electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, specifications and schematics.
• Proficient in the use of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Excellent troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner.
• Technical writing skills.
• BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Mechanical Reliability Engineer
• Work Environment: Industrial setting with occasional field work. Some travel may be required for meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Mechanical Engineer or Maintenance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $74,500 minimum to $109,700 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 Mechanical Reliability Engineer Do?

Mechanical Reliability Engineers primarily work in manufacturing or production companies, although they can also work in design consultancies, research facilities, or energy utility companies.

Their main responsibility is to ensure that equipment and machinery used in production processes are reliable, safe, and efficient.

They achieve this by conducting regular inspections, performing tests, analyzing data, and implementing changes or improvements where necessary.

Mechanical Reliability Engineers work closely with other engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff to identify potential issues that could lead to equipment failure or inefficiency.

They utilize predictive and preventive maintenance techniques, and often leverage state-of-the-art software and hardware tools to monitor equipment performance.

They are also responsible for designing and implementing maintenance strategies, managing critical spares inventory, and conducting root cause analysis on mechanical failures to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, they play a crucial role in ensuring that all machinery and equipment comply with safety regulations and standards, minimizing the risk of accidents in the workplace.

In case of equipment breakdowns, Mechanical Reliability Engineers are often involved in troubleshooting and may oversee repair processes.

They are also expected to stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology to ensure their strategies are up-to-date and effective.

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Mechanical Reliability Engineer should possess a combination of technical and soft skills as well as practical industry knowledge to ensure machinery and equipment maintain a high level of reliability, including:

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical engineering principles to understand, maintain and improve machinery reliability.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical malfunctions and create effective solutions.
• Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) software to design and simulate mechanical systems.
• Outstanding communication skills to clearly explain complex mechanical concepts to non-engineers and to effectively collaborate with different teams.
• Exceptional analytical skills to interpret data from machinery and use it to improve performance and reliability.
• Proficient project management skills to plan and execute maintenance procedures without disrupting ongoing operations.
• Good attention to detail to monitor equipment, identify minor issues before they become major problems and ensure all parts of the machinery are working optimally.
• Understanding of safety regulations and standards in the industry to ensure all maintenance and operations are conducted safely.
• Physical stamina to conduct inspections and maintenance on large machinery and equipment.

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Experience Requirements

For entry-level roles as a Mechanical Reliability Engineer, candidates are often expected to have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships or cooperative education programs during their undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering.

This experience can be obtained in various industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, or energy.

It’s beneficial to have hands-on experience with reliability testing, predictive maintenance, and failure analysis techniques.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience should possess a deeper understanding of reliability engineering principles and have applied these concepts on the job.

They should be familiar with using reliability software and statistical analysis tools, and may have experience in planning and leading reliability improvement projects.

Mechanical Reliability Engineers with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have advanced technical expertise, and possibly some experience in a managerial role.

They may have overseen larger reliability studies or improvement initiatives, and should be able to mentor junior engineers.

Professional certifications in reliability engineering or related fields may also be a plus at this level.

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Mechanical Reliability Engineers typically possess a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.

This undergraduate program offers foundational knowledge in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.

They must also have a strong grasp of reliability and maintenance principles, predictive and preventative maintenance practices, and root cause analysis.

Familiarity with reliability software and tools like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and statistical process control is often required.

For more advanced positions, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a specialized discipline like reliability engineering or systems engineering.

This advanced education offers a deeper understanding of reliability, risk management, and systems optimization.

Some Mechanical Reliability Engineers may also choose to pursue professional certification programs such as the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).

These certifications demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and their expertise in the field.

Additionally, good problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of safety protocols and regulations in the industry.

Ongoing professional development and continuous learning are key to staying updated with the latest technologies, methods, and best practices in the field of mechanical reliability engineering.

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Salary Expectations

A Mechanical Reliability Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $87,040 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the industry, and the geographical location.

 

Mechanical Reliability Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Mechanical Reliability Engineer need?

Mechanical Reliability Engineers require strong problem-solving skills to identify and fix mechanical issues.

They also need to have a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles and the ability to apply these to real-world systems.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they need to explain complex technical issues to non-engineers.

Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) software is often required as well.

 

Do Mechanical Reliability Engineers need a degree?

Yes, Mechanical Reliability Engineers generally need a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or further specialization in reliability engineering.

These professionals must also have a thorough understanding of reliability principles and predictive maintenance technologies.

 

What should you look for in a Mechanical Reliability Engineer resume?

A Mechanical Reliability Engineer resume should showcase a solid educational background in mechanical engineering or a related field.

Look for experience in designing, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems.

Familiarity with reliability principles and predictive maintenance technologies should also be evident.

Certifications, such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), are a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Mechanical Reliability Engineer?

A good Mechanical Reliability Engineer has strong analytical skills, allowing them to diagnose and correct mechanical issues effectively.

They should be detail-oriented and safety-conscious, ensuring that all systems are reliable and safe to operate.

An effective Reliability Engineer also has strong communication skills, enabling them to relay complex technical information to other team members and stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Mechanical Reliability Engineers?

Hiring Mechanical Reliability Engineers can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

These professionals need a unique combination of mechanical engineering knowledge, familiarity with reliability principles, and practical experience.

Thus, you may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits, a positive work environment, and opportunities for professional development to attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth about what it really means to be a mechanical reliability engineer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about fixing machines.

It’s about creating a reliable and efficient future, one machine at a time.

Equipped with our handy mechanical reliability engineer job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating meticulously curated job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every mechanical adjustment is a piece of the larger machinery.

Let’s construct that future. Together.

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