Safety and Reliability Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where safety and reliability are paramount, the focus on Safety and Reliability Engineers has never been more crucial.

As the industrial and technological sectors advance, the need for skilled professionals who can ensure, enhance, and uphold our safety and reliability standards only grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a Safety and Reliability Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the complexities of safety and reliability engineering,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get straight to it.

Safety and Reliability Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Safety and Reliability Engineers are responsible for ensuring that products and systems are safe and reliable.

They use their knowledge of engineering and safety standards to evaluate the reliability of designs and recommend improvements.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing safety and reliability programs for products and systems
• Analyzing potential risks and failures, and developing mitigation strategies
• Conducting reliability tests and analyzing test data to identify patterns and trends
• Evaluating the impact of design changes on product safety and reliability
• Creating and maintaining documentation related to safety and reliability processes and procedures
• Working with design engineers to incorporate safety and reliability considerations into product designs
• Conducting failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify potential failure points and assess their impact
• Regularly reviewing and updating safety and reliability policies and procedures to ensure they are current and effective
• Providing training and guidance to other team members on safety and reliability best practices

 

Safety and Reliability Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a competent Safety and Reliability Engineer to ensure that our products, systems and processes meet the necessary safety and reliability standards.

Your responsibilities will include conducting risk assessments, failure analysis, safety tests, and developing safety and reliability policies.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the entire product development life cycle and has a keen eye for identifying potential hazards and system failures.

The role of the Safety and Reliability Engineer is to ensure that our products and processes are safe, reliable, and comply with all relevant standards and regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments, hazard analysis, and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA)
• Develop safety and reliability policies and procedures
• Perform safety and reliability tests on products, systems and processes
• Document and maintain records of safety and reliability activities
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory safety and reliability standards
• Identify potential hazards and system failures and propose mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to improve product safety and reliability
• Provide training and support on safety and reliability issues
• Participate in design reviews to ensure incorporation of safety and reliability principles
• Monitor and analyze performance and reliability data

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Safety and Reliability Engineer or similar role
• Familiarity with risk assessment and reliability engineering techniques
• Knowledge of safety and reliability standards and regulations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and training skills
• Ability to document processes and write comprehensive reports
• BS degree in Engineering, Safety, or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Safety and Reliability Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional visits to production sites. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Safety and Reliability Manager or Director of Engineering.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $78,000 minimum to $130,000 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 Safety and Reliability Engineer Do?

Safety and Reliability Engineers primarily work in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and automotive where safety and reliability of operations and products are critical.

They can also work for safety consulting firms.

Their main role involves identifying and analyzing potential hazards, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of systems or products, and minimizing the risk of accidents or system failures.

Safety and Reliability Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing safety and reliability programs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards, and conducting safety and reliability assessments.

They use various tools and techniques such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis, and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies to identify and evaluate potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

In addition to this, they often work closely with other engineers and technicians to design and improve safety systems, conduct equipment inspections and audits, and provide technical advice and support on safety and reliability matters.

Safety and Reliability Engineers also play a significant role in incident investigations, analyzing incident data to identify trends, determine underlying causes, and recommend corrective actions.

They are also involved in the training of staff on safety procedures and best practices.

The ultimate goal of a Safety and Reliability Engineer is to ensure that a product, system, or process is as safe and reliable as possible, reducing potential risks and improving the overall quality and performance.

 

Safety and Reliability Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A competent Safety and Reliability Engineer should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Profound understanding of safety and reliability engineering principles and how to apply them in a range of contexts.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills to understand complex safety systems and calculate risks.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct safety and reliability studies, including Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), and Root Cause Analysis.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and precision, to ensure all safety measures are up to the required standards.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with project teams, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, and to clearly explain safety requirements and solutions.
• Proficiency in using software tools for risk and reliability analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and address safety and reliability issues.
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is commonly required, with preference for certification such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).
• Proven experience in designing, implementing and monitoring safety systems in an engineering or industrial context.

 

Safety and Reliability Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Safety and Reliability Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, specifically in fields like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.

Having a solid foundation in mathematics and physics is crucial, as these engineers often use scientific and mathematical principles in their work.

Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and regulations, is often required.

Familiarity with various engineering tools and equipment is also beneficial.

Some positions may require Safety and Reliability Engineers to have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Specializations in areas such as safety engineering, reliability engineering, or systems engineering can be advantageous.

In addition to formal education, Safety and Reliability Engineers may need to be certified by accredited bodies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).

Continued professional development is crucial in this role, as engineers need to stay up-to-date with the latest safety regulations, techniques, and technology.

Therefore, many professionals pursue additional training courses and seminars throughout their career.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification demonstrates an engineer’s commitment to their profession and their aptitude for taking on more complex projects.

 

Safety and Reliability Engineer Salary Expectations

A Safety and Reliability Engineer earns an average salary of $87,045 (USD) per year.

This compensation can fluctuate based on factors such as industry, level of experience, education, and geographical location.

 

Safety and Reliability Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Safety and Reliability Engineer need?

Safety and Reliability Engineers should have a strong understanding of safety and reliability principles, as well as the ability to apply these to various engineering problems.

This includes good analytical and problem-solving skills, a thorough understanding of risk assessment and management, and the ability to use statistical analysis software.

Communication and teamwork skills are also important as they often work with multidisciplinary teams.

 

Do Safety and Reliability Engineers need a degree?

Yes, Safety and Reliability Engineers typically require a degree in engineering, preferably in a field related to the industry they are working in.

Some roles may also require advanced degrees or certifications in safety and reliability or a related field.

 

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

A Safety and Reliability Engineer’s resume should highlight their educational background in engineering and any specialized training or certifications in safety and reliability.

Experience in conducting safety and reliability assessments, using statistical analysis software, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams are also important.

Any successful project outcomes that resulted in improved safety or reliability should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Safety and Reliability Engineer?

A good Safety and Reliability Engineer is detail-oriented and has a strong analytical mindset, allowing them to identify and solve complex safety and reliability issues.

They should be able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and work well in a team.

They should also be proactive in keeping up with latest safety regulations and standards.

 

Is it difficult to hire Safety and Reliability Engineers?

Hiring Safety and Reliability Engineers can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and skills they require.

However, creating a detailed job description that highlights the key skills and qualifications needed, and offering competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a safety and reliability engineer.

Surprising news?

It’s not just about analyzing risks.

It’s about forging a safer and more reliable future, one safety protocol at a time.

With our trusty safety and reliability engineer job description template and practical examples, you’re poised to take the leap.

But why halt the momentum?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for meticulously crafting job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every safety protocol is a piece of a broader framework.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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