Reliability Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Epsilyte is seeking a results-driven Reliability Engineer to lead and continuously improve the site’s Mechanical Integrity (MI) and mechanical reliability programs within a PSM-covered chemical manufacturing facility.

Position Overview:

This role is accountable for ensuring the integrity, reliability, and regulatory compliance of fixed equipment assets through disciplined program ownership, data-driven decision making, and strong field engagement.

The Reliability Engineer/Mechanical Integrity will own all mechanical regulatory programs, including inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance compliance, while driving reliability improvements through root cause analysis and asset strategy development. This position plays a critical role in reducing risk, improving uptime, and ensuring safe, compliant operations.

Position Duties/Responsibilities:

Mechanical Integrity & Regulatory Program Ownership:

• Own and manage the site Mechanical Integrity (MI) Program for fixed equipment in a PSM-covered facility
• Ensure all MI inspections, testing, and compliance-driven preventive maintenance (PMs) are completed on or ahead of schedule
• Identify, track, and resolve overdue or non-compliant MI tasks with urgency and discipline
• Serve as technical owner for mechanical regulatory programs, ensuring full compliance with OSHA PSM and applicable codes/standards
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve MI procedures, inspection scopes, and task quality

Relief Device Program:

• Own the site Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) and Rupture Disc Program
• Ensure proper inspection, testing, certification, and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Lead relief system reviews, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions

Reliability Engineering & Asset Performance:

• Provide mechanical reliability support for fixed equipment (pressure vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers, tanks, etc.)
• Develop and refine preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Drive improvements in asset reliability, availability, and lifecycle cost
• Support capital projects by providing reliability-focused input on equipment design and selection

Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFAs) for significant equipment failures and process upsets
• Ensure corrective actions are clearly defined, tracked, and completed
• Utilize reliability tools such as FMEA, FMCA, and life cycle analysis to proactively reduce failures
• Act as custodian of reliability metrics (e.g., MTBF, equipment availability, PM compliance) and drive actions based on trends

Contractor & Vendor Management:

• Own contractor selection and technical oversight for mechanical inspection and repair activities
• Ensure contractor work meets quality, safety, and compliance expectations
• Develop scopes of work and provide technical direction for outsourced MI and reliability activities

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and EHS to improve equipment performance and compliance
• Promote strong field presence to reinforce standards, verify work quality, and identify improvement opportunities
• Serve as a visible champion of safety, reliability, and operational excellence

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred)
• Minimum 5+ years of Reliability Engineering experience in an industrial or chemical manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing a Mechanical Integrity (MI) Program
• Working knowledge of OSHA PSM requirements and mechanical regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of fixed equipment reliability and inspection practices
• Experience with CMMS systems and maintenance planning tools
• Proven ability to lead RCFA investigations and implement sustainable solutions
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software, plus outstanding interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• API Certified Inspector with active American Petroleum Institute certifications including API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector), API 570 (Piping Inspector), and API 653 (Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector), with experience ensuring compliance, integrity management, and mechanical reliability in industrial environments
• Experience in PSM-covered chemical, petrochemical, or refining operations
• Knowledge of API inspection standards (API 510, 570, 653) and ASME codes
• Experience managing relief device systems and pressure protection programs
• Background in predictive maintenance technologies
• Experience working with third-party inspection contractors

Key Attributes:

• Strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance
• High ownership mindset and accountability
• Bias for action and results
• Comfortable working in the field and engaging across all levels of the organization
• Collaborative, practical, and solutions-oriented
• Integrity and courage
• Drive and sense of urgency to improve

Other Considerations:

• Physical ability to work in an industrial environment, including ability to wear PPE in designated areas (hard hat, safety glasses, FRC, safety shoes, and hearing protection), climbing stairs and ladders, willingness to work around dust, chemicals, and other
• This role is subject to the Transportation Workers Identification Credentialing rule or "TWIC" and requires a successful candidate to obtain a TWIC identification badge, allowing for unescorted access to the facility
• Epsilyte is an equal opportunity employer
• This role is not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Wage and Benefits Transparency:

The final base pay offer for this position will be determined by individual factors such as location, external market factors, internal equity, and the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The base salary range for this position is $95,000 to $130,000 per year.

This role is eligible for benefits, annual bonuses, and profit-sharing.

Epsilyte provides the following benefits options:

• Paid Time Off: Balance life and work with vacation and personal leave
• Family Sick Leave: Paid sick leave for absences due to illness, injury, or medical appointments of a family member; up to 40 hours per year
• Healthcare Insurance Benefits: Options for affordable medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision, along with additional insurance options within the first 30 days of hire
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 100% company match up to 6% of eligible compensation and a separate annual profit-sharing contribution of 5% of base salary (minimum) up to 10% based on company performance with immediate vesting
• Life and disability coverage: Company-provided short-term disability and $50,000 life/AD&D policy; LTD and additional life insurance available for you and your family
• Paid Parental Leave: Four weeks of additional paid time off with your child after birth, adoption, or foster placement, irrespective of gender
• Compassionate Care Leave: Paid and unpaid time off for bereavement following the loss of a loved one and other life-altering events

Reports To: Reliability & Maintenance Manager – Peru, IL

About Epsilyte:

Epsilyte LLC is one of North America’s leading producers of expandable polystyrene resin (EPS). We are a growing company of scale focused on solving customer needs for efficient, high R-value EPS. This includes reducing energy usage in buildings, ensuring safe and healthy food through innovative packaging technology, and participating in infrastructure investment both in the United States and abroad. Our vision is to improve society through our high-value, insulative products in a responsible and sustainable manner. We are headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, with manufacturing operations in Illinois, Ohio, and Montreal, Quebec. https://epsilyte.com

About Peru, Illinois:

Peru is located in north central Illinois near the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Interstate 39, alongside the Illinois River, close to Starved Rock State Park, and 90 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Known as the Illinois Valley, the local area contains vibrant communities and a high quality of life. Made up of 24 cities and villages in three counties, the area offers ample outdoor activities, a traditional midwestern lifestyle, and access to Chicago and all that it has. A diverse economy, low cost of living, a creative culture, and a well-educated population define the Illinois Valley. Visit www.ivaced.org for more information.