Freelance Mechanical Reliability Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 implemented

Equipment & 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 performance

Capital 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 enhancements

Compliance, 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 performance

Work 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 leadership

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline

Experience

• 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 execution

Technical 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 methodologies

Preferred 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 upgrades

The 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.

Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCGC) and any of our subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless specifically invited on the search by the MCGC Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the MCGC Talent Acquisition Team via our Applicant Tracking System.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or other applicable laws. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

ALPOLIC® is part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s vast array of products and services. Our premium metal composite materials (MCM) are among the most versatile and useful architectural products available, and our manufacturing, distribution and support capabilities extend worldwide. Since 1991, our Chesapeake Virginia plant has produced ALPOLIC® materials while remaining strong in our global commitment to our employees, our customers, and our shared planet. Beautiful, durable, and safe architectural solutions begin with ALPOLIC®. You deserve a product worthy of your iconic design. How can we help?