A Career in Reliability Engineering

Reliability Engineering, a sub-discipline of systems engineering, focuses on ensuring that equipment performs without failure. It is crucial to the smooth operation of manufacturing facilities and plays a key role in optimising equipment performance. Pro-Reliability Solutions (PRS) delivers extensive expertise and tailored solutions through a collaborative approach, helping manufacturing and mission-critical facilities across various industries maximise reliability, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Reliability Engineers work closely with maintenance teams, utilising cutting-edge technology to reduce downtime and minimise maintenance costs. The importance of Reliability Engineering in industrial processes cannot be overstated; with the right partner, companies can achieve sustainable success and remain competitive in their sectors.

WHAT DOES A RELIABILITY ENGINEER DO?

Manufacturers continually assess their production processes to identify cost-saving opportunities. Reliability Engineers offer specialised knowledge that helps prevent and mitigate the consequences of equipment malfunctions, failures, and unplanned outages.

For those considering a career that merges problem-solving, business strategy, and manufacturing, the role of a Reliability Engineer is highly appealing. This article reviews what Reliability Engineers do and outlines the steps to pursue a career in this field.

WHAT IS A RELIABILITY ENGINEER?

A Reliability Engineer is a specialist in manufacturing and production who studies equipment life cycles and conducts analyses to guide businesses in how they invest in and maintain assets. Typically employed in industrial settings, their expertise is invaluable to any business reliant on complex machinery and systems of physical assets. When key production equipment malfunctions, the costs are substantial. Reliability Engineers are experts at identifying potential issues and preventing as many failures as possible, while also providing guidance on how to handle inevitable breakdowns efficiently.

WHAT DO RELIABILITY ENGINEERS DO?

Reliability Engineers focus on identifying and preventing failures in production systems. They analyse equipment, mechanical components, and manufacturing processes to determine which combinations offer the most reliable and fail-safe systems. They also assess the safety risks associated with equipment failure.

To prevent issues, Reliability Engineers develop maintenance strategies and analyse data to predict when and how failures might occur. They establish inspection criteria and functionality tests to monitor the health of equipment. Their typical responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to prevent equipment failures.
• Leading and managing reliability improvement programs.
• Supporting asset improvement initiatives, from concept to implementation, and reporting on outcomes.
• Monitoring equipment performance and analysing data to identify potential issues.
• Collaborating with maintenance teams to design and implement maintenance plans.
• Conducting failure analyses to investigate the causes of failures and prevent recurrences.
• Performing Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFA) and troubleshooting recurring technical failures.
• Administering predictive maintenance programs using condition monitoring techniques.
• Managing the life cycle of assets, from integration and preservation to retirement.
• Developing and implementing Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) programs.
• Participating in the design of new equipment and processes to improve reliability and efficiency.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A RELIABILITY ENGINEER IN INDUSTRY

Reliability Engineers are essential to the successful operation of manufacturing facilities. PRS clients rely on their expertise to ensure that equipment is efficient and durable. The reliability and efficiency of assets are critical factors in determining a manufacturing company’s success, as production halts and costly repairs occur when machinery and processes fail.

A Reliability Engineer can help to:

• Improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Reduce maintenance costs.
• Minimise downtime and production losses.
• Extend the lifespan of equipment.
• Enhance safety, quality and environmental performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Support the organisations sustainability journey.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIABILITY ENGINEERS AND MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS?

Reliability Engineers and Maintenance Engineers work closely together to ensure equipment runs smoothly and to resolve system disruptions. However, their focuses differ: Reliability Engineers focus on the entire lifecycle of equipment and the development of asset maintenance and care strategies aimed at preventing issues before they occur. In contrast, Maintenance Engineers manage the execution of the strategies and specialise in addressing breakdowns should they happen, quickly repairing and restoring functionality. The collaboration between the two roles leads to better maintenance protocols and fewer system failures over time.

HOW TO BECOME A RELIABILITY ENGINEER?

Here are the typical steps to pursue a career as a Reliability Engineer:

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering. Degrees in physics or computer science can also be highly valuable. Additionally, many of the most skilled Reliability Engineers have developed their expertise through hands-on experience in a trade, bringing a practical, real-world perspective to the role.
2. Gain industry experience through internships or entry-level positions in Reliability Engineering. Working with experienced Reliability Engineers provides valuable mentorship and hands-on training.
3. Consider obtaining certifications, such as:
   • Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), granted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which tests technical expertise in Reliability Engineering.
   • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), which covers maintenance practices, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
   • Certified Reliability Leader (CRL), provided by the Association of Asset Management Professionals, which emphasises asset management and reliability leadership.
   • Asset Reliability Practitioner (ARP), awarded by the Mobius Institute Board of Certification (MIBoC) recognises Reliability Engineers for their knowledge, experience and contribution to reliability improvement.

4. Develop a deep understanding of Reliability Engineering concepts, such as failure analysis, risk assessment, and reliability modelling. Stay updated with industry advancements and emerging technologies.
5. Apply for Reliability Engineer positions, including roles at Pro-Reliability Solutions, and be prepared to demonstrate your expertise. Highlight your education, certifications, and relevant work experience, and ensure you are familiar with PRS’s specific requirements for Reliability Engineers.

CONCLUSION

A career in Reliability Engineering offers a unique combination of problem-solving, technical proficiency, and strategic planning that is vital to industrial success. By ensuring optimal equipment performance and preventing costly failures, Reliability Engineers play a pivotal role in minimising downtime, reducing operational costs, enhancing safety and ensuring sustainability. 

With the right qualifications and a commitment to continuous improvement, professionals in this field can make a substantial impact on the reliability and efficiency of any organisation.