Mechanical Reliability Engineer

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our CA - Columbia site's Engineering team based in Gaston, SC. The ideal candidate for the Mechanical Reliability Engineer position will be results driven and motivated by challenges;

they will use excellent attention to detail, problem solving, and interpersonal communication skills to provide technical expertise and support across all functions of site operations.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Manager and serving as an active member of our Maintenance & Engineering team at our Gaston, SC (Columbia, SC) facility, the primary responsibility of the Mechanical Reliability Engineer will be accomplished through the following tasks :

• Champion site / company-wide reliability improvement efforts by providing technical assistance in resolving equipment design, operation, and maintenance problems to reduce overall life cycle costs.
• Provide technical support to maintenance technicians in troubleshooting / repair of rotating equipment.
• Formulate, implement, maintains, and audit Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Diagnostic Maintenance (PdM) programs by properly measuring, testing and analyzing equipment condition for development of an appropriate preventative maintenance schedule to reduce premature equipment failures
• Analyze historical, PM and PdM data and make recommendations for reliability improvement and failure avoidance to compare with expected design life of mechanical equipment
• Implement and coordinate the utilization of Predictive Maintenance technologies such as Vibration Analysis, Ultrasonic Inspection, Tribology, and infrared thermography.
• Administer the plant lubrication program looking for opportunities to maximize benefits.
• Further develop and coordinate the administration for the plant preventive maintenance program, including the control of all data and the specification for the content and frequencies of work and inspections using historical data.
• Develop, audit, and report reliability centered maintenance metrics from SAP data using Excel Pivot Tables and macros.
• Coordinate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) processes and track the implementation of recommendations through resolution.
• Utilize reliability tools such as failure calculations, failure evaluations, and cost and risk analysis to evaluate and prioritize reliability issues.
• Participate in audits to measure effectiveness of reliability related activities such as equipment repairs, part quality and failure investigation process.
• Assist Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations departments in developing procedures, training and processes to ensure equipment is operated within its design parameters
• Develop maintenance procedures to minimize variability in plant repairs, which should ultimately improve reliability.
• Provide training to mechanics and / or operators as necessary to ensure that reliability is factored into daily tasks.
• Coordinates with plant and production engineers in analyzing equipment maintenance problems, project work and determining low cost solutions
• Analyzes the effects of preventive maintenance on equipment reliability and maintenance costs for evaluation as a basis for equipment design decisions
• Manages equipment reliability records in SAP or formal reports
• Technical resource for Maintenance, Operations, and Project Engineering in the development, design and installation of capital projects
• Assists in coordinating the activities of outside contractors as appropriate to facilitate maintenance engineering objectives
• Devises new approaches to complex problems through adaptations and modifications of standard technical principles.
• Capital project creation / management while controlling costs.
• Performs all duties following established safety rules and guidelines
• Some travel may be required (20% estimated)

Required Skills

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical)
• Minimum of 5 years experience working in a chemical plant environment

Preferred

• PE License (or intent to become) with Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI)
• Experience in the implementation of maintenance processes and procedures, and the proper design, installation and maintenance of rotating equipment.
• Certification / experience in vibration analysis and / or infrared thermography.
• Experience with SAP - Creating / maintaining maintenance plans, work notifications and orders
• Intermediate-to-Advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge (pivot tables, macros, etc.)
• Strong safety background
• Thorough maintenance background including :
• Predictive Technologies
• Vibration Analysis (ability to interpret vibration spectrum)
• Tribology, Infra-Red and Ultrasonic Programs
• Preventive Maintenance
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems
• Planning and Scheduling
• PM Optimization a plus
• Root Cause Failure Analysis
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to manage and control cost
• Strong communication / interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills AutoCAD or similar drafting software, SAP, Microsoft Office Suite & Microsoft Project
• Machine Design
• Solid mechanics, stress analysis, machine dynamics, component analysis
• Understanding of basic materials engineering and corrosion science
• Proficiency in reading and understanding technical manuals, engineering documentation, and fabrication / inspection codes

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins, PET Recycling (rPET), and Specialty Polymers.

This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities within the Alpek Polyester umbrella.

We are committed to improving people’s lives through our products, innovations, and a commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas, Mississippi, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.

V., one of Mexico's largest corporations.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements.

Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.