Reliability Engineer

At 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 POSITION

The 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 DELIVERABLES

• Reliability Strategy & Roadmap
• Development of long‑term plans to improve asset reliability and reduce downtime
• Design 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 cycle
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Reports
• Investigations and reports detailing the underlying causes of failures and recommended corrective actions
• Reliability Metrics & Dashboards
• Creation and maintenance of KPIs such as MTBF, MTTR, and machine utilization
• Maintenance strategies
• Design and optimization of maintenance strategies based on equipment condition and performance data including Preventive & Predictive schedules, daily, weekly and monthly inspection schedules
• Life 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 reviews
• Identification and quantification of reliability‑related risks to safety, performance, and cost
• Training & Knowledge Sharing
• Development of training materials and sessions to promote best practices for reliability across Astec service teams and customer maintenance personnel
• Create a culture of continuous improvement by implementing projects aimed at reducing failures and improving system performance

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Conduct Reliability Assessments
• Evaluate equipment and system performance using reliability engineering principles
• Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Investigate failures to identify underlying causes and recommend corrective actions
• Develop and Maintain DFMEAs
• Analyze potential failure modes and their effects to prioritize mitigation strategies
• Implement Predictive Maintenance Programs
• Use condition monitoring tools (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography) to anticipate failures
• Analyze Reliability Data
• Use statistical tools to calculate metrics like MTBF, MTTR, and failure rates
• Support Asset Management
• Contribute to lifecycle planning, machine criticality ranking, and replacement strategies, driving towards latest technologies in close collaboration with the Advanced Technology Group
• Collaborate with Cross‑Functional Teams
• Work with operations, service, customer maintenance, and engineering to improve system reliability
• Lead Reliability Improvement Projects
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing downtime and increasing equipment availability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure Equipment Reliability
• Maintain high levels of operational uptime and performance
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance reliability and reduce costs
• Latest technology

Stay close to latest technological developments in the industry to improve reliability

• Maintain Compliance
• Ensure reliability practices meet industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Report Reliability Metrics
• Provide regular updates on reliability KPIs to stakeholders and leadership
• Train and Mentor Staff
• Share reliability knowledge and best practices with maintenance and engineering teams
• Support Safety Initiatives
• Ensure reliability efforts contribute to safe operations and hazard mitigation

To 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 required
• 6+ Years of Engineering experience required
• Qualified in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or equivalent preferred
• Proven track record of deploying preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Familiarity with tools like DFMEA, RCA, CMMS, RCM, and reliability modeling platforms
• Experience leading cross‑functional reliability improvement initiatives
• Experience analyzing failure data and presenting reliability metrics to stakeholders
• History of working with operations, maintenance, engineering, and safety teams
• Experience ensuring reliability practices align with industry standards and regulations
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, asset management, and maintenance strategies
• Ability to interpret complex data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Skilled in diagnosing issues and implementing effective, sustainable solutions
• Capable of translating technical findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences
• Focused on driving efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing system performance
• Competent in using statistical methods to predict failures and optimize maintenance
• Strong understanding of how reliability impacts operational safety and risk management
• Proficient 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 skills

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

None

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing Environment

Shop 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 EMPLOYER

As 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.