Maintenance Reliability Engineer (Greater Chicago Area)

George Thomas has partnered with a global packaging manufacturer who specialize in sustainable fiber based solutions serving the retail and foodservice markets.

We are actively hiring for a Maintenance Reliability Engineer to drive equipment reliability, developing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and maximizing operational performance as the site continues to grow.

You will join a company that is undergoing a major facility expansion and therefore have an opportunity to make visible impact immediately.

Location: Lake County, IN (100% Onsite)

How you will add value to the team

• Create and refine maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability, availability and whole-life value.
• Analyse failure patterns and condition data to identify priorities and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Apply RCA, FMEA, RCM and risk-based methods to remove defects and prevent recurring issues.
• Improve preventive, predictive and condition-based maintenance plans using performance trends and equipment history.
• Review engineering designs and recommend changes that enhance safety, efficiency and maintainability.
• Develop asset lifecycle plans and lead cross-functional reliability reviews.
• Define testing requirements and support the introduction of engineering improvements.
• Recommend suitable diagnostic equipment, analytical software and maintenance resources.
• Work closely with production, engineering and maintenance colleagues to strengthen equipment, processes and product quality.
• Lead reliability projects, continuous-improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Coach technicians in precision maintenance, lubrication and condition-monitoring techniques.
• Support safety, GMP, regulatory and quality standards while delivering agreed operational KPIs.

To be considered for this role you must have

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, science or a related technical subject; mechanical engineering is preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in a process or manufacturing environment, including automation and control systems.
• Practical knowledge of predictive and condition-based maintenance programmes.
• Experience interpreting vibration, thermal imaging, ultrasound and lubricant-analysis findings.
• Understanding of precision alignment, bearing installation, torque control, contamination prevention and lubrication management.
• Experience with RCM, RCA, FMEA, asset criticality, PM optimisation, Lean methods and defect elimination.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and reliability measures including MTBF, MTTR and planned versus unplanned work.
• Strong project-management, analytical, communication and team-development skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work accurately with limited supervision.
• General digital literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Relevant reliability, condition-monitoring, safety or continuous-improvement certification is desirable.

Apply via the link or reach out to me directly for a confidential discussion - View email address on apply.placed-app.com