Mechanical Reliability Engineer

Department: Engineering 
Reports to: Mechanical Engineering Supervisor
FLSA:  Exempt

Position Description

The Mechanical Reliability Engineer provides technical expertise for fixed and rotating equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role drives equipment reliability, mechanical integrity, turnaround execution, and continuous improvement initiatives through troubleshooting, project management, engineering support, and compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements. The position collaborates closely with operations, maintenance, inspection, contractors, and vendors to improve asset performance and long-term equipment reliability.

Essential Functions

Under limited supervision and with much decision-making 

• Serve as a subject matter expert for mechanical engineering expertise and technical support for fixed and rotating equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. Lead and implement Management of Change (MOC) documentation when technical resources are required.
• Provide troubleshooting and support for equipment issues, failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and prevent recurring failures. 
• Develop, review, and maintain engineering documentation, including work orders, repair procedures, equipment specifications, and MOC documentation. 
• Plan, scope, and support mechanical turnaround activities, including inspection plans, repair and replacement work, equipment-level work packages, and provide budget management and justification against fixed turnaround budget.
• Own post-turnaround review and closeout including lessons learned, resolution of open action items, adjustments to the plan when necessary and justified, provide post-turnaround continuous improvement initiatives in preparation for future turnarounds.
• Support and advance the Mechanical Integrity (MI) program, including closing PSM gap-assessment items, by developing and maintaining inspection and testing strategies for fixed equipment, piping, relief devices and structural items ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards (API, ASME) and recognized engineering practices (RAGAGEP). 
• Support MI data management, deficiency tracking, and fitness-for-service decisions with maintenance and inspection groups.
• Scope, manage, and execute small capital and maintenance projects from concept through installation and handover to improve asset reliability, safety, and operational performance. 
• Review engineering, vendor, and contractor deliverables (ITPs, WPS/PQR, data books, line lists) to ensure compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and project requirements. 
• Collaborate with turnaround team, operations, maintenance, inspection personnel, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams to support site initiatives needing mechanical engineering input and help drive continuous improvement efforts. 

Other Responsibilities

• Assist in the accomplishment of Company goals. 
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the department supervisor. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

Supervises others: No

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Experience Requirements 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and ABET-accredited program required. Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license and API 510, 570, 580 or 653 certifications preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of mechanical, reliability or turnaround engineering experience in a refinery, petrochemical or chemical plant.
• Working knowledge of rotating equipment (centrifugal pumps, mechanical seals, mag-drive pumps) and fixed equipment (heat exchangers, vessels, piping). Demonstrated experience preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA PSM mechanical integrity requirements and relevant API and ASME codes and standards.
• Direct experience with planning, maintenance, reliability, asset integrity, turnaround/outage planning, and post-turnaround closeout preferred.
• Experience with root-cause analysis, materials selection for corrosive services, and solids-handling equipment preferred.
• Experience with sulfuric acid alkylation (STRATCO) or other acid service preferred.
• Experience with API 610 and API 682 pump and mechanical seal flush plan preferred.
• Experience with CMMS or MI software (e.g., eMaint, MI Suite) and plant historian data (e.g., PI).
• Ability to analyze inspection and historian data in Excel preferred.

 Knowledge / Skills Requirements

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic operating environment. 
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented petrochemical or industrial manufacturing setting. 
• Advanced analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to evaluate complex mechanical issues and develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions. 
• Working knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and recommended practices, including API, ASME, ASTM, and NACE.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, equipment specifications, technical reports, and vendor documentation. 
• Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and Process Safety Management (PSM) principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
• Positive team player with the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with contractors, vendors, and team members at all organizational levels. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. 

Physical Requirements / Work Environment 

• Work is performed in a petrochemical manufacturing and industrial plant environment. 
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, varying temperatures, and elevated noise levels. 
• May involve working around operating equipment, industrial processes, and hazardous chemicals. 
• Requires adherence to all safety procedures and regulatory requirements. 
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory. 
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, and movement throughout the facility may be required. 

This job specification is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties and comply with additional instructions as assigned by the supervisor to meet business needs.