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Senior Reliability Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Senior Reliability Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$21

$64

$92

How much do senior reliability engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior reliability engineer in Champaign, IL is $64.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.22 and $77.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior reliability engineer do?

A Senior Reliability Engineer is responsible for ensuring that systems, products, or processes operate reliably and efficiently over time. They analyze failure data, design reliability tests, develop maintenance strategies, and work with cross-functional teams to improve system performance and reduce downtime. Their expertise helps organizations minimize risk, optimize lifecycle costs, and maintain high standards of quality and safety. Senior Reliability Engineers often mentor junior team members and play a key role in developing reliability standards and best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior reliability engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Reliability Engineer, you need expertise in reliability engineering principles, root cause analysis, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with tools like FMEA, RCA software, CMMS, and certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) are often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams set top performers apart. These skills are essential for minimizing downtime, improving system reliability, and ensuring safe, efficient operations.

What are some common challenges faced by senior reliability engineers, and how are they typically addressed within the team?

Senior Reliability Engineers often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex system failures, balancing proactive maintenance with urgent reactive fixes, and ensuring consistent communication across multidisciplinary teams. These challenges are typically addressed through root cause analysis, prioritization frameworks, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. Regular collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams helps in developing effective solutions and continuous improvement strategies.

What is the difference between Senior Reliability Engineer vs Reliability Engineer?

AspectSenior Reliability EngineerReliability Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, certifications like CRE or Six SigmaEntry to mid-level, often with 2-4 years experience, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigns and oversees reliability programs, leads projectsPerforms analysis, supports reliability improvements
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, energy, aerospaceCommon in same industries, often as a stepping stone to senior roles

The main difference between a Senior Reliability Engineer and a Reliability Engineer lies in experience, leadership responsibilities, and scope of work. Senior Reliability Engineers typically lead projects and develop strategies, while Reliability Engineers focus on analysis and supporting reliability initiatives. Both roles are vital in ensuring equipment and system dependability across industries.

How much do senior reliability engineers get paid?

Senior reliability engineers typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have expertise in systems analysis, failure modes, and reliability tools like FMEA and RCM, which can influence compensation levels.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Reliability Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,177 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Experience Champaign Urbana

Champaign, IL • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: Champaign, Illinois COMPANY OVERVIEW

Industrial Technology Group (ITG), a division of Henneman Engineering, provides comprehensive engineering solutions and consulting services for industrial clients across manufacturing, food and beverage, chemical processing, wastewater treatment, power generation, renewable fuels, and other process-driven environments. The ITG team supports clients through project management, process design, mechanical, electrical, chemical, controls, instrumentation, integration, and reliability engineering services.

POSITION OVERVIEW

ITG is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join its Champaign, Illinois office. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys a mix of process and mechanical design, plumbing systems, client coordination, technical documentation, and project ownership within an MEP design and consulting environment.

Engineers in this role support the full project lifecycle, from existing conditions surveys and conceptual design through construction documents, bidding support, and field engineering. The role is onsite in Champaign with primarily local client travel and minimal overnight travel.

WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT

  • Own project work across the full lifecycle, from conceptual design through construction documents, bidding, and field support.
  • Work across a wide range of mechanical, process, and plumbing systems rather than a single facility or system type.
  • Join a mechanical engineering team with access to a larger multidisciplinary engineering firm.
  • Collaborate closely with architectural, structural, electrical, and controls professionals on complex projects.
  • Support local and regional clients with limited overnight travel and a strong work-life balance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform work as a mechanical engineer in all aspects of project development, including client coordination, pre-design services, final design services, meetings, site visits, and project management.
  • Conduct existing conditions surveys and prepare PFDs, P&IDs, layouts, sections, elevations, and details as appropriate to document relevant conditions.
  • Conceptualize the initial process, mechanical, and plumbing design approach for projects, with overall responsibility for engineering and/or design work related to process, mechanical, and plumbing systems and code requirements.
  • Coordinate, design, and schedule with other disciplines, such as architectural, structural, electrical, and controls, to resolve complex problems including conflicting design requirements and difficult coordination needs.
  • Organize and prepare process, mechanical, and plumbing construction drawings, technical specifications, contract documents, and estimates.
  • Develop engineering solutions and designs, cost estimates, bills of materials, and schedules for projects.
  • Apply knowledge of applicable codes and standards related to mechanical, piping, and plumbing systems.
  • Participate in the contract bidding process, prepare and issue responses to contractor requests for information, and prepare and issue bulletin and change order documentation.
  • Provide field engineering and construction services, such as shop drawing review and on-site observation.
  • Perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Chilled Water, Refrigeration, & Ammonia Systems
  • Compressed Air Systems
  • Plumbing & Fire Protection
  • Boiler & Steam / Hot Water Distribution Systems
  • Heating, Ventilation, & Air-Conditioning Systems
  • Water / Wastewater Systems
  • Process Design, PFD, P&ID
  • Equipment Specification, Evaluation, & Selection
  • Utility Piping / Equipment Connections
  • Power Generation / Cogeneration
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis & Energy Modeling

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (4-year program).
  • 5-10+ years of experience working as a mechanical engineer in a MEP design and consulting firm.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with clients and internal engineering teams.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client sites as needed, primarily local and regional travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain professional licensure.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and HVAC design.
  • Project management experience, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Salary range: $80,000 to $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
  • Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
  • Benefits package includes paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) program.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Salary range: $80,000 to $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
  • Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
  • Benefits package includes paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL

This position is based onsite at the Champaign, Illinois office. Engineers may travel to client facilities for meetings, site visits, and project support. Travel is primarily local or regional, with minimal overnight travel expected.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Henneman Engineering is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Henneman Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and employment.

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