Basic Function:

Provides technical ownership of equipment and processes in an automated baked goods manufacturing facility. Works closely with the Reliability, Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure world-class levels of OEE. In the absence of the Reliability Engineer, another Engineer or the Director of Maintenance and Reliability will assume these responsibilities

Position Summary

The Reliability Engineer is responsible for improving equipment reliability, reducing unplanned downtime, and optimizing maintenance strategies to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. This role applies reliability engineering principles, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive continuous improvement in asset performance and lifecycle management.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze equipment performance, failure modes, and maintenance data to identify reliability risks and improvement opportunities.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies.

• Lead and facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for chronic or high-impact equipment failures.

• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and Safety teams to improve asset availability, maintainability, and operational performance.

• Establish and monitor reliability metrics such as MTBF, MTTR, OEE, and maintenance cost per unit.

• Support capital projects by providing reliability input on equipment selection, design reviews, commissioning, and startup.

• Improve CMMS data quality, asset hierarchies, and maintenance plans to enable data-driven decision-making.

• Identify and implement reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance technicians and operators on equipment reliability best practices.

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, food safety (if applicable), and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Reliability Engineering, or a related field.

• 3–7 years of experience in reliability, maintenance, or engineering roles within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.

• Experience with CMMS systems, vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, or other predictive technologies preferred.

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or similar).

• Working knowledge of RCM, RCA, FMEA, and Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.

• Ability to translate data and analysis into practical, actionable solutions.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing or plant-floor environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.

• Occasional off-shift, weekend, or emergency support may be required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in unplanned downtime and equipment failures

• Improvement in MTBF and asset availability

• Maintenance cost optimization

• Increased effectiveness of preventive and predictive maintenance programs

Carolina Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.