Plant Reliability Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the role of a Plant Reliability Engineer has never been more critical.

As industries evolve and technology advances, the demand for skilled individuals who can optimize, maintain, and safeguard our industrial plant systems grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Plant Reliability Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate profile,
• Or merely interested in the multifaceted world of plant reliability engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Plant Reliability Engineer job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Plant Reliability Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Plant Reliability Engineers are responsible for maintaining and improving the efficiency and reliability of industrial plants and facilities.

They use their technical knowledge and expertise to identify and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect plant or business operations.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Analyze and predict component and system reliability and performance using failure mode, operational data and statistical tools
• Plan, develop, and oversee predictive and preventive maintenance programs
• Identify and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect plant or business operations
• Develop and implement strategies for improving the reliability of assets
• Conduct root cause analysis of plant failures and implement corrective measures
• Collaborate with production and maintenance personnel to ensure coordinated work efforts
• Provide technical guidance on component and equipment design to enhance performance and reliability
• Manage projects related to installation, modification, and repair of equipment and systems
• Perform life cycle and cost analysis, and carry out performance evaluations of new or existing systems
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards and policies related to plant operations and maintenance

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plant Reliability Engineer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and maintainability of production systems.

This includes monitoring system performance, identifying and resolving issues, and working with the maintenance team to implement repair and maintenance procedures.

The ideal candidate is a problem solver with a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering.

They should be familiar with root cause analysis and predictive maintenance strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operations and key performance indicators to predict and prevent failures
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies and procedures
• Identify and resolve reliability issues
• Work with the maintenance team to execute repair procedures and preventive maintenance
• Participate in the design and modification of new and existing equipment and systems
• Implement continuous improvement activities to enhance plant reliability
• Conduct root cause analysis on failed components and implement corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Proven experience as a Reliability Engineer or a similar role in an industrial setting
• Strong knowledge of reliability practices and predictive maintenance
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and team working skills
• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or similar certification is preferred
• Proficiency in using computer software and databases to analyze and predict plant reliability

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Plant Reliability Engineer
• Work Environment: Industrial plant environment with potential exposure to hazardous materials. Protective equipment is provided.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 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 Plant Reliability Engineer Do?

Plant Reliability Engineers work in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants and power plants.

Their primary role is to ensure the reliability and functionality of plant systems and equipment.

They are tasked with identifying and managing asset reliability risks that could negatively affect plant or business operations.

This includes loss elimination, risk management, and life cycle asset management.

Plant Reliability Engineers often use a variety of data analysis tools to predict and strategize against potential equipment failures, as well as to develop systems to keep machinery operating at optimal levels.

They are also responsible for implementing and managing predictive and preventive maintenance programs, providing training for maintenance personnel, and leading failure analyses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

In addition, Plant Reliability Engineers work closely with other engineers and maintenance staff to design and modify equipment to improve safety, reliability, and maintainability.

Overall, their role is to ensure that the plant can operate efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Plant Reliability Engineers possess a combination of technical knowledge, analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to ensure the optimal functionality and longevity of plant systems.

These include:

• Deep understanding of engineering principles, specifically mechanical or electrical, to maintain and improve the reliability of plant systems and machinery.
• Analytical skills to evaluate performance data and equipment history in order to identify patterns, potential issues and areas for improvement.
• Problem-solving abilities to efficiently and effectively address any operational issues that arise, ensuring minimal disruption to plant operations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with other engineers, technicians and plant staff, as well as to articulate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Project management capabilities, including time management and organizational skills, to oversee plant improvement projects from concept to completion.
• Attention to detail in order to identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and safety protocols, ensuring that all plant operations and improvements are in compliance.
• Technical proficiency with software and tools used in plant operations and maintenance, such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Plant Reliability Engineers typically possess 1 to 2 years of experience, often earned through internship or part-time roles in industrial maintenance or mechanical engineering.

They may also have gained practical experience during their studies in roles relating to plant operations, maintenance or reliability engineering.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have developed their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level roles such as Plant Maintenance Engineer, Maintenance Technician or similar roles within an industrial setting.

This experience may also include tasks related to plant reliability, root cause analysis, and condition monitoring.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge in reliability centered maintenance, predictive maintenance, and failure mode effects analysis.

They likely have some leadership experience, having overseen small teams or projects, and are ready for more complex roles or management positions within plant reliability engineering.

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Plant Reliability Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or a related field.

In-depth knowledge in areas such as maintenance management, reliability engineering, predictive maintenance, and root cause analysis are essential for this role.

Understanding of methodologies like Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) are also desirable.

Some positions may require a Master’s degree or higher level of education in Engineering or Maintenance Management, especially for roles with higher responsibility or specialization.

Professional certification from organizations like the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ) are highly valued.

These certifications demonstrate the individual’s expertise in the reliability and maintenance field and their commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends.

Experience with relevant software, such as Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), is often required.

Knowledge of safety regulations and standards is also necessary for this role.

Continuous professional development through workshops, courses, and seminars is encouraged to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Salary Expectations

A Plant Reliability Engineer earns an average salary of $93,615 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on the level of experience, qualifications, and the region in which they work.

The size and industry of the employing company may also significantly impact earnings.

 

Plant Reliability Engineer Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills required for a Plant Reliability Engineer?

Plant Reliability Engineers should have strong problem-solving skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

They should also have good knowledge of reliability analysis tools and maintenance processes, and strong familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Good communication and teamwork skills are also important, as they often need to collaborate with various teams within the organization.

 

Do Plant Reliability Engineers need a degree?

Yes, a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is typically required for the role of a Plant Reliability Engineer.

Some companies might also require a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Additional certifications or training in reliability or maintenance management can also be beneficial.

 

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

In addition to a degree in engineering, look for experience in plant operations, maintenance, and reliability engineering.

Knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulations is important.

Familiarity with reliability tools and software, such as root cause analysis, reliability centered maintenance, and failure modes and effects analysis, is also valuable.

Certifications in reliability engineering or maintenance management can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Plant Reliability Engineer?

A good Plant Reliability Engineer is analytical and detail-oriented, able to identify potential issues before they become problems.

They are also proactive, constantly looking for ways to improve processes and reduce downtime.

Good communication skills are crucial, as they must be able to explain complex technical information to non-technical colleagues.

They should also be team players, able to work effectively with different teams within the organization.

 

What are the daily duties of a Plant Reliability Engineer?

A Plant Reliability Engineer typically starts their day by reviewing any equipment or system failures that occurred overnight.

They then work to identify the root cause of the failures and develop solutions.

They may also conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks.

Throughout the day, they collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure all equipment is functioning optimally.

They also work on long-term projects to improve overall plant reliability and efficiency.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a plant reliability engineer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about troubleshooting and maintaining machinery.

It’s about laying the foundation for a sustainable future, one equipment at a time.

With our handy plant reliability engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But don’t just stop here.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating pinpoint-accurate listings or enhancing your resume to its finest.

Remember:

Every piece of equipment is part of the larger machinery.

Let’s create that sustainable future. Together.