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Reliability Engineer Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve ... Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.

Automation Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability ... Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings ...

Controls Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer Location : Rockford, IL Hire Type : Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000 to $130 ... Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve machine performance, reliability, and ...

Test Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

The Test Engineer will support the design, development, and sustainment of manufacturing test ... Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on test efficiency, reliability, and ...

Test Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Description: The Test Engineer will support the design, development, and sustainment of ... Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on test efficiency, reliability, and ...

Description The Test Engineer will support the design, development, and sustainment of ... Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on test efficiency, reliability, and ...

Process Engineer The Process Engineer role, based in Hampshire, IL, focuses on driving industrial ... reliability, and continuous improvement through technology and best practices. Responsibilities

Software Engineer

Oregon, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... and reliability of the software. - Collaborate with other team members, including software ... GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT) - Familiarity with AI directed prompt engineering for ...

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Reliability Engineer information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$61K

$118.1K

$141.1K

How much do reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for reliability engineer in Rockford, IL is $118,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $129,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reliability engineer?

Reliability Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that systems, equipment, or processes function consistently and efficiently over time. They analyze data, identify potential points of failure, and develop maintenance strategies to improve system reliability and minimize downtime. Their work spans various industries, including manufacturing, energy, and technology, and often involves collaborating with design, operations, and maintenance teams. By implementing reliability-centered maintenance and predictive analysis, they help organizations save costs and increase safety.

What does a reliability engineer do?

As a reliability engineer, your duties are to test and evaluate the manufacturing of products and components and ensure that the procedures are efficient and do not lead to abnormally high maintenance or operational costs. Your other responsibilities are to find solutions to product reliability risks. You may manage risk in a supply chain, develop loss prevention strategies, and track the entire lifecycle of product development, from building prototypes to moving a product into full-scale production. You analyze information from department heads and recommend strategies to reduce risk and ensure that the product works reliably.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reliability engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reliability Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, failure analysis, and reliability modeling, typically with a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as FMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) software, and certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure systems are dependable, downtime is minimized, and organizational performance and safety are optimized.

What are some typical challenges reliability engineers face when implementing preventive maintenance strategies?

Reliability Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing preventive maintenance schedules with production demands, ensuring buy-in from operations teams, and accurately predicting equipment failures. They must analyze large sets of historical data to identify trends and root causes, which can be complex in facilities with diverse machinery. Collaboration with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams is essential to develop effective strategies that minimize downtime while optimizing resources.

What is the difference between Reliability Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectReliability EngineerMaintenance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications in reliability or asset managementOften requires engineering or technical diploma, certifications in maintenance or equipment repair
Work EnvironmentFocuses on analysis, design, and improvement of systems for reliabilityHands-on maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of equipment
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and industrial sectorsPrevalent in manufacturing, facilities, and industrial plants

Reliability Engineers focus on designing and improving systems to prevent failures, using data analysis and modeling. Maintenance Engineers perform hands-on repairs and upkeep of equipment to ensure operational continuity. While both roles aim to optimize equipment performance, Reliability Engineers work proactively on system reliability, whereas Maintenance Engineers handle reactive and scheduled maintenance tasks.

Are reliability engineers in demand?

Reliability engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace due to their role in improving system performance and reducing downtime. Employers seek professionals with skills in data analysis, failure modes, and maintenance strategies, often requiring certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE). The job outlook is positive, with steady growth expected as companies prioritize operational efficiency and risk management.

How much do reliability engineers get paid?

Reliability engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized reliability engineers with certifications and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Reliability Engineer jobs in Rockford, IL?

For Reliability Engineer jobs in Rockford, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Reliability Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Reliability Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Reliability Engineer job openings in Rockford, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,070 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Janesville, WI • On-site

NOVARES
10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Novares rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Automation Engineer
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining PLC, robotics, vision, and motion control systems while leading automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement innovative automation solutions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, program, and support automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo systems, and vision systems.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation.
  • Develop and modify PLC, robot, and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
  • Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
  • Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.
  • Develop electrical control system architectures and review electrical schematics and machine designs.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, programming standards, and operating procedures.
  • Monitor equipment performance and utilize data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to maintenance and technician personnel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
  • Associate degree with significant automation engineering experience may be considered.5+ years of experience designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk platforms.
  • Experience with industrial robotics including Fanuc, ABB, Wittmann, or similar systems.
  • Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, and vision inspection systems.Strong understanding of industrial networking including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, control system layouts, and technical documentation.
  • Project management and capital project experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
  • Plastic injection molding automation.
  • High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
  • Servo motion control systems.
  • Vision-guided robotics.MES, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

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