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Senior Reliability Engineer Jobs in Opelika, AL (NOW HIRING)

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If you are a Senior Manufacturing Maintenance Mechanic or Maintenance Technician with 7+ years of ... Work closely with Production, Process Engineering, and Quality teams to resolve issues * Support ...

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Senior Reliability Engineer information

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$19

$59

$84

How much do senior reliability engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior reliability engineer in Opelika, AL is $59.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.75 and $70.87 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 cities near Opelika, AL are hiring for Senior Reliability Engineer jobs?

Cities near Opelika, AL with the most Senior Reliability Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Reliability Engineer job openings in Opelika, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,008 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

PLASTICS INJECTION-MOLDING MAINTENANCE MECHANIC 1st Shift!

Harlan Recruiting Group: Manufacturing including CPG and Food Manufacturing

Opelika, AL • On-site

$34 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and plant infrastructure to ensure continuous production.

  • Respond to downtime events, support mold changes, and assist with equipment installation and startup.

  • Perform preventive maintenance, track spare parts inventory, and implement improvements to equipment reliability.


Job description

If you are a Senior Manufacturing Maintenance Mechanic or Maintenance Technician with 7+ years of successful multi-craft experience working in heavy industrial (preferably automotive) manufacturing plant--preferably a plastic injection-molding manufacturing plant --this could be an excellent opportunity for you in the Montgomery, Alabama, area.

Your Background -- You will have the following qualifications for this to be a fit:

1st Shift: 5am -3pm (10-hour days) M-Thur


Job Overview:

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and plant infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous production operations.


This role is critical to minimizing downtime and maintaining production continuity in a high-volume, highly automated automotive manufacturing environment. The technician will work hands-on on the production floor, supporting both molding and automation systems and ensuring equipment meets required cycle times and quality standards.


Success in this role requires strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to diagnose and resolve issues quickly under pressure. The position operates in a fast-paced, less structured environment where flexibility, ownership, and practical problem-solving are essential.

Minimum Requirements:

  • 7+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Must have injection molding experience
  • Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills (hydraulics, pneumatics, basic electrical)
  • Experience working directly on production equipment (not purely theoretical background)
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve issues independently under pressure
  • Experience with plant utilities and auxiliary equipment (compressors, vacuum systems, cooling towers, dryers)
  • Ability to read technical manuals and electrical schematics
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to work flexible shifts and adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Requirements:

  • Experience in automotive or Tier 1 manufacturing environments
  • Familiarity with highly automated production systems (robotics, EOAT, integrated processes)
  • Exposure to PLC troubleshooting
  • Experience with Engel injection molding machines
  • Leadership potential and ability to grow with the organization

Responsibilities:

1. Equipment Maintenance & Repair

  • Perform preventive maintenance on injection molding machines (350T–2000T), robots, and auxiliary equipment
  • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
  • Diagnose equipment failures and restore operations quickly to minimize downtime
  • Perform calibrations, alignments, lubrication, and system checks
  • Support hot runner systems and temperature control troubleshooting

2. Production Support

  • Respond rapidly to downtime events and emergency repair needs
  • Work closely with Production, Process Engineering, and Quality teams to resolve issues
  • Support mold changes and setup activities as needed
  • Ensure all repairs are completed safely and efficiently
  • Assist with new equipment installation and startup

3. Preventive Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

  • Execute and improve preventative maintenance programs
  • Track and control spare parts inventory
  • Identify recurring issues and implement long-term corrective actions
  • Drive improvements in equipment reliability and uptime
  • Maintain organized work areas following 5S standards

4. Facility & Utility Systems Support

5. Automation & Process Interaction

6. Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO)
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety standards
  • Document maintenance activities, downtime events, and repairs accurately
  • Support audits and maintain high safety standards

They have great benefits as well.

If you are ready to take advantage of this career potential, please apply today and simply provide your current resume and answer the attached Screening Questions for consideration!

* Must be permanently eligible to work in the United States without any need for sponsorship now or in the future as sponsorship is not available.