Reliability Engineer
BUILT TO CONNECTAt Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team of more than 4,300 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home. Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before. We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.LOCATION: This is an onsite position at our Roadtec facility in Chattanooga, TN.Corporate relocation assistance is available.ABOUT THE POSITIONThe Reliability Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the consistent performance and optimal operating cost of equipment and systems. This position focuses on identifying and mitigating risks of failure, improving product reliability, and optimizing maintenance strategies. By applying engineering principles, data analysis, and reliability tools, the reliability engineer supports operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to drive continuous improvement and implement solutions that enhance system uptime and performance. New Product Development is a key area where the reliability engineer will add value.Focusing the team on reliability during the early stages of design and developing reliability centered maintenance strategies is essential for successful new product launches.KEY DELIVERABLESReliability Strategy & Roadmap Development of long-term plans to improve asset reliability and reduce downtimeDesign Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) Documentation and analysis of potential failure modes and their impact on customer operations throughout the NPD cycle as well as the asset life cycleRoot Cause Analysis (RCA) Reports Investigations and reports detailing the underlying causes of failures and recommended corrective actionsReliability Metrics & Dashboards Creation and maintenance of KPIs such as MTBF, MTTR, and machine utilizationMaintenance strategies Design and optimization of maintenance strategies based on equipment condition and performance data including Preventive & Predictive schedules, daily, weekly and monthly inspection schedulesLife Cycle Cost Analysis Assessment of total cost of ownership to guide investment and replacement decisions, integrated into the NPD cycle as part of the design reviewsRisk Assessments Identification and quantification of reliability-related risks to safety, performance, and costTraining & Knowledge Sharing Development of training materials and sessions to promote best practices for reliability across Astec service teams and customer maintenance personnelContinuous Improvement Initiatives Create a culture of continuous improvement by implementing projects aimed at reducing failures and improving system performanceKEY ACTIVITIESConduct Reliability Assessments Evaluate equipment and system performance using reliability engineering principlesPerform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Investigate failures to identify underlying causes and recommend corrective actionsDevelop and Maintain DFMEAs Analyze potential failure modes and their effects to prioritize mitigation strategiesImplement Predictive Maintenance Programs Use condition monitoring tools (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography) to anticipate failuresAnalyze Reliability Data Use statistical tools to calculate metrics like MTBF, MTTR, and failure ratesSupport Asset Management Contribute to lifecycle planning, machine criticality ranking, and replacement strategies, driving towards latest technologies in close collaboration with the Advanced Technology GroupCollaborate with Cross-Functional Teams Work with operations, service, customer maintenance, and engineering to improve system reliabilityLead Reliability Improvement Projects Drive initiatives aimed at reducing downtime and increasing equipment availabilityKEY RESPONSIBILITIESEnsure Equipment Reliability Maintain high levels of operational uptime and performanceDrive Continuous Improvement Identify and implement opportunities to enhance reliability and reduce costsLatest technologyStay close to latest technological developments in the industry to improve reliability Maintain Compliance Ensure reliability practices meet industry standards and regulatory requirementsReport Reliability MetricsProvide regular updates on reliability KPIs to stakeholders and leadershipTrain and Mentor Staff Share reliability knowledge and best practices with maintenance and engineering teamsSupport Safety Initiatives Ensure reliability efforts contribute to safe operations and hazard mitigationTo be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:A bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, a related field or equivalent and/or combination of training and experience required6+ Years of Engineering experience requiredQualified in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or equivalent preferredProven track record of deploying preventive and predictive maintenance strategiesFamiliarity with tools like DFMEA, RCA, CMMS, RCM, and reliability modeling platformsExperience leading cross-functional reliability improvement initiativesExperience analyzing failure data and presenting reliability metrics to stakeholdersHistory of working with operations, maintenance, engineering, and safety teamsExperience ensuring reliability practices align with industry standards and regulationsStrong understanding of engineering principles, asset management, and maintenance strategiesAbility to interpret complex data and identify trends, risks, and opportunitiesSkilled in diagnosing issues and implementing effective, sustainable solutionsCapable of translating technical findings into actionable insights for diverse audiencesFocused on driving efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing system performanceCompetent in using statistical methods to predict failures and optimize maintenanceStrong understanding of how reliability impacts operational safety and risk managementProficient in a combination of the following software packages, or equivalent: MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), SolidWorks 3D CAD, Oracle Cloud ERP Detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skillsSupervisor and Leadership ExpectationsNone Our Culture and ValuesEmployees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their workContinuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customersHonesty and integrity in all aspects of businessRespect for all individualsPreserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovationSafety, quality and productivity as means to ensure successWORK ENVIRONMENT Manufacturing EnvironmentShop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAs an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.