Reliability Engineer

Job Title: Reliability Engineer | Food ManufacturingLocation: Homewood, ILHire Type: Direct HireTarget Compensation: $100,000–125,000/year + bonusBenefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, retirement planMust-Have Skills:Reliability engineering or maintenance leadership experience in manufacturingStrong root cause analysis and preventative/predictive maintenance experienceExperience improving equipment uptime and reducing downtimeKnowledge of CAPA processes and reliability-centered maintenanceExperience with CMMS, ERP systems, and maintenance tracking toolsStrong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skillsJob Summary:Seeking a Reliability Engineer to lead equipment reliability and maintenance improvement initiatives within a food manufacturing environment. This role will focus on reducing downtime, improving asset performance, leading root cause investigations, and implementing preventative and predictive maintenance strategies. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, hands-on troubleshooting abilities, and experience driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.Job Duties:Develop and implement maintenance and reliability strategies to improve equipment performanceLead root cause analysis investigations and implement corrective/preventative actions (CAPA)Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance programsTroubleshoot equipment issues to maximize reliability, efficiency, and asset lifespanMonitor downtime events and lead continuous improvement initiativesManage spare parts inventory and ensure availability of critical componentsTrack and report KPIs related to equipment reliability and maintenance performanceSupport new equipment installations and modifications to ensure operational reliabilitySupervise, mentor, and train maintenance personnel on reliability-centered maintenance practicesEnsure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standardsQualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred5–7 years of manufacturing experience required; food or USDA-regulated environment preferredStrong knowledge of reliability engineering principles and maintenance best practicesExperience with predictive maintenance technologies and asset management systemsFamiliarity with OSHA and workplace safety standardsCertification in Reliability Engineering or Maintenance Management is a plusProficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and data analysis toolsStrong communication and leadership skillsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a manufacturing environment