Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineer

Job Reference: LC65

Engineering - Ashford, Kent - £50,000 - £55,000 per annum - Permanent

A full-time, permanent opportunity has arisen for a Senior Reliability Engineer to join a manufacturing site. This role is responsible for defining and delivering the appropriate maintenance strategy for site equipment, optimising preventative and proactive maintenance to meet reliability and cost objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce and optimise a timely, deliverable, and cost-effective maintenance programme to maximise the reliability of all electrical and mechanical assets.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability.
• Utilise Reliability Engineering tools including CMMS, Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM), Risk Based Inspections (RBI), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), PM plan optimisation, equipment history analysis, failure prediction, and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and systems to maintain operational efficiency, identify faults, and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime.
• Act as the lead point of contact for escalating maintenance or breakdown support with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure maximum utilisation of equipment and achievement of KPIs, in line with safety, quality, and environmental policies.
• Provide technical input into the design and installation of new equipment, including the development of effective maintenance plans, technical documentation, and maintenance operating procedures, supporting site capital projects.
• Support future CAPEX planning through analysis of machine obsolescence and asset lifecycle programmes.

What We're Looking For

• HNC, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation disciplines.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automation maintenance.
• Proven experience within food manufacturing environments, including mixing, packing, and process equipment.
• Understanding of OEM asset care and maintenance guidance.
• Broad knowledge of asset care systems with strong organisational and planning skills, particularly for overhauls and machine upgrades.
• Ability to drive change and implement new ways of working.
• Strong knowledge of reliability principles and maintenance strategies.
• Demonstrated use of structured problem-solving tools and techniques.
• Experience analysing and resolving complex operational issues.

What's on Offer

• Pension contribution of up to 7.5%
• Life assurance
• On-site staff discount shop
• Free on-site parking
• Access to a national retail discount platform
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health, and wellbeing support