Reliability Inspector Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Reliability Coordinator is responsible for improving equipment reliability and maintenance performance throughout Plain Dealing Lumber's sawmill and planer mill operations. This position coordinates reliability initiatives, analyzes equipment failures and maintenance data, supports preventive and predictive maintenance programs, and identifies opportunities to reduce downtime and improve asset performance. Working closely with Maintenance, Operations, and the Maintenance Planner, the Reliability Coordinator helps drive continuous improvement, optimize maintenance processes, and ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably to support production objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise Lubrication Technicians: assign daily routes, verify route completion, review documentation quality, and provide coaching and performance feedback.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the facility’s lubrication program including all lube routes, task lists, frequencies, lubricant specifications, and application quantities for all plant equipment.

• Manage the facility’s oil analysis program: collect samples on schedule, submit to the laboratory, interpret results, and generate corrective work orders when results indicate contamination, wear, or degradation.

• Execute and coordinate reliability inspection rounds across critical equipment; identify early warning signs of developing failures including abnormal noise, vibration, temperature, leakage, or wear before they result in unplanned downtime.

• Manage the lubricant inventory: maintain adequate stock of all required lubricants, greases, and fluids; coordinate replenishment with the Purchaser; prevent cross-contamination through proper storage, labeling, and handling procedures.

• Maintain complete and accurate reliability records in the CMMS including lube routes, oil analysis results, inspection findings, and all corrective work orders generated from reliability activity.

• Utilize predictive maintenance tools — infrared thermography, vibration analysis, ultrasound, and visual inspection — to identify equipment defects; generate work orders for corrective action and track resolution.

• Coordinate with the Maintenance Planner to ensure reliability-generated work orders are prioritized appropriately in the work order backlog and scheduled for execution before failures occur.

• Produce weekly and monthly reliability reports for the Maintenance Manager covering lube route compliance, oil analysis findings, inspection results, open corrective actions, and key reliability metrics (MTBF, downtime trends, PM compliance).

• Develop and deliver reliability and lubrication training to Lubrication Technicians and maintenance personnel; build competency in lubrication best practices, oil analysis interpretation, and reliability inspection techniques.

• Immediately report all safety incidents, near-misses, and significant equipment failures to the Maintenance Manager; provide equipment history and reliability data to support root cause analysis.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager.

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or technical diploma in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 4–6 years of industrial maintenance or reliability experience in a manufacturing, sawmill, or heavy industrial environment required.

• Demonstrated experience managing a lubrication program or reliability inspection program in a production facility required.

• Working knowledge of lubrication principles, lubricant selection, oil analysis interpretation, and contamination control best practices.

• Experience with predictive maintenance technologies including infrared thermography, vibration analysis, or ultrasound; formal training or certification in one or more PDM technologies preferred.

• Experience with a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) for work order management, route scheduling, and reliability recordkeeping.

• Prior supervisory or lead experience with direct responsibility for other technicians required.

• Experience in a sawmill, lumber mill, paper mill, or wood products manufacturing environment is a strong plus.

• CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional), MLT (Machine Lubrication Technician), or MLA (Machine Lubricant Analyst) certification through STLE or ICML is a significant plus.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a plus.

This position requires regular presence throughout the facility including the sawmill, planer mill, maintenance shop, and equipment areas to conduct reliability inspections, supervise lubrication routes, and collect samples. The incumbent must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, climb ladders and access elevated or confined equipment areas, bend, reach, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs. The role involves regular exposure to noise, sawdust, lubricants, heat, and moving machinery. Required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest must be worn at all times in production and yard areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Plain Dealing Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.