hero

Find jobs at planet-healing startups

Search jobs at hundreds of venture-backed climate tech companies across the portfolios of dozens of leading climate VCs

Reliability Engineer

Ripple Foods

Ripple Foods

Software Engineering
Asheville, NC, USA
Posted on Mar 29, 2026

Overview

We are seeking a Reliability Engineer to drive equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve overall asset performance within a manufacturing environment. This role will focus on identifying failure modes, implementing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background and hands-on experience with industrial equipment, reliability methodologies, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability and uptime
  • Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on critical equipment failures
  • Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) strategies
  • Utilize reliability tools such as:
  • FMEA (Failure Modes & Effects Analysis)
  • RCA / RCFA
  • Weibull analysis (preferred)
  • Partner with maintenance and operations teams to reduce unplanned downtime
  • Optimize maintenance plans and spare parts strategies
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
  • MTTR (Mean Time to Repair)
  • Equipment uptime and availability
  • Support capital projects by providing reliability input on equipment design and selection
  • Implement condition monitoring techniques (vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, etc.)
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in reliability, maintenance, or manufacturing engineering
  • Strong knowledge of industrial equipment and maintenance practices
  • Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo, or similar)
  • Proven experience with root cause analysis and reliability improvement methodologies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in heavy manufacturing, power generation, or industrial processing
  • Certification such as:
  • CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional)
  • Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
  • Experience with predictive maintenance technologies and tools
  • Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and automation equipment
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)

Key Traits for Success

  • Data-driven and detail-oriented
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives
  • Hands-on mindset with a continuous improvement focus
  • Strong communication skills when working with technical and non-technical teams