Mechanical/Reliability Engineer

## Mechanical/Reliability EngineerApplylocations: Chesapeake, Virginiatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR\_0000850**Company:**MCA - Alpolic**Job Description:**The Mechanical / Reliability Engineer is responsible for improving the reliability, performance, and lifecycle of manufacturing equipment across ALPOLIC’s production operations. This role focuses on root cause analysis, preventive and predictive maintenance strategy, and capital project execution to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations. The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical expertise in industrial systems, a data-driven approach to problem solving, and the ability to collaborate across Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to drive sustainable improvements in equipment performance and uptime.Reliability Engineering & Analysis* Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment and process failures using structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA) and define engineering-driven corrective actions* Analyze equipment performance data and failure trends to identify systemic reliability issues and recommend solutions* Develop and implement engineering improvements to enhance equipment reliability, performance, and lifecycle* Partner with Maintenance and Production teams to validate failure modes and ensure sustainable solutions are implementedEquipment & Process Support* Provide engineering support for troubleshooting complex mechanical issues across production systems including conveyors, ovens, pumps, and continuous process equipment* Identify and implement design improvements or modifications to existing equipment to improve safety, quality, and efficiency* Design and develop mechanical components, guards, and equipment modifications using CAD tools (AutoCAD / Inventor)* Create detailed fabrication drawings and specifications for internal use or external vendors* Coordinate with vendors and fabrication shops to ensure designs meet functional, safety, and manufacturability requirements* Support installation and validation of fabricated components to ensure proper fit, function, and performanceCapital Projects & Continuous Improvement* Support and/or lead capital improvement projects, including scope definition, equipment specification, installation support, and commissioning* Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, improving throughput, and enhancing process stability* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement equipment and process enhancementsCompliance, Safety & Documentation* Ensure all engineering solutions comply with OSHA, environmental, and company safety standards* Develop and maintain technical documentation including equipment specifications, engineering standards, and modification records* Support development and improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to equipment and process performanceWork Schedule Expectations* This position requires occasional on-call support to assist in troubleshooting critical equipment or process issues outside of normal working hours* Participation in a rotational weekend coverage schedule is required to support plant operations and reliability needs* Flexibility to respond to urgent plant issues as needed, in coordination with Maintenance and Operations leadershipEducation* Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering disciplineExperience* 5–10 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment* Experience supporting continuous process operations (coating lines, laminating, metals processing, or similar preferred)* Demonstrated experience in: + Equipment troubleshooting and root cause analysis + Equipment reliability and performance improvement + Capital project executionTechnical Skills* Strong knowledge of: + Mechanical systems (rotating equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, conveying systems) + Manufacturing equipment and process systems + Experience using data and engineering analysis to drive reliability improvements + Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D drafting required) and Autodesk Inventor (3D modeling preferred)* Ability to create: + Fabrication drawings + Equipment modifications and assemblies + Safety guarding and components* Working knowledge of: + Design for manufacturability (DFM) + Materials, tolerances, and fabrication processes (welding, machining, sheet metal) + Ability to interpret vendor drawings and ensure compliance with plant requirements + Familiarity with reliability engineering principles and methodologiesPreferred Qualifications* Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred)* Experience with predictive maintenance technologies (vibration analysis, thermography, etc.)* Project management experience supporting equipment installations or upgradesThe salary range for this position is $85,696-$107,120. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr