Reliability Engineer
Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite, Manufacturing Environment)
Compensation: $80K–$115K base + benefits
Reports to: Maintenance Manager
Type: Full-time | Core Operations Role | High-Impact Individual Contributor
Sector: Heavy Industrial Manufacturing (Paper Mill)

About The Company
This is a global leader in the paper manufacturing sector with a strong commitment to reliability, safety, and continuous improvement. The Ashland facility is a high-throughput operation where well-maintained, high-performing equipment is critical to meeting production goals. The team is growing and seeking a hands-on Reliability Engineer to strengthen equipment performance, reduce downtime, and drive maintenance excellence across the site.

The Opportunity
This role is ideal for an engineer passionate about problem-solving, equipment performance, and continuous improvement. You’ll lead root cause analyses, develop and maintain predictive and preventive maintenance programs, and be a key partner to operations and maintenance leadership. If you enjoy blending hands-on analysis with systems-level thinking in a high-impact environment, this role offers the chance to make a tangible difference every day.

What You’ll Do
Reliability Strategy & RCA Leadership

• Lead root cause analyses (RCA) on recurring or critical equipment failures

• Convene and facilitate RCA committees to drive resolution and accountability

• Propose and implement solutions, ensuring long-term effectiveness

Predictive & Preventive Maintenance

• Develop and maintain reliability-centered maintenance strategies within the CMMS

• Monitor and refine predictive tools and technologies to reduce unplanned downtime

• Study environmental and system-wide variables impacting equipment reliability

Maintenance Process Improvement

• Support Defect Handling (DH), Breakdown Elimination (BDE), and Condition Inspection (CID) practices

• Train and coach operators and technicians in maintenance best practices

• Partner with Maintenance to establish priorities and align on operational goals

Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Analyze equipment trends and failure data to recommend upgrades or changes

• Help reduce the negative impact of machine issues on production output

You’d Be a Great Fit If You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Proven ability to lead RCAs and implement practical, effective solutions

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a bias for action

• Excellent prioritization, organization, and communication skills

• Familiarity or interest in Lean Production principles

Bonus Points For:

• Experience in high-volume industrial or paper mill environments

• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and maintenance performance metrics

• Hands-on exposure to condition-based monitoring technologies

Why Join Us

• Take ownership of the plant’s reliability program and make it your own

• Collaborate with experienced teams in a supportive, high-accountability culture

• Build a career in a global manufacturing leader with strong operational backing

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