Job Description

Senior Reliability Engineer – Rotating Equipment

Location: Big Spring, TX (ONSITE)

Schedule: 9/80 staff schedule, some after-hours/overtime expected

Contract: 12-month contract with potential to convert to full-time

Per Diem: Yes (for qualifying out-of-area candidates)

Start Date: ASAP

Job Summary

Our Client is seeking a Senior Reliability Engineer – Rotating Equipment to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in maintaining and improving the reliability, safety, and environmental performance of rotating equipment assets within the refinery. This position is ideal for an individual who brings a 60/40 strategic-to-tactical mindset, focused more on preventative engineering and failure avoidance than reactive maintenance.

You will be the site’s go-to expert in rotating equipment, leading reliability improvement initiatives, collaborating across departments, and using advanced tools and practices to optimize performance and asset life cycle. You will also support the failure investigation team and occasionally roll up your sleeves to provide hands-on support when needed.

This role is not suited for individuals with a purely mechanical or repair background — instead, we are looking for someone who can build, lead, and evolve a refinery-wide rotating equipment strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the refinery’s technical lead for all rotating equipment, including but not limited to steam turbines, centrifugal compressors, rotary screw compressors, reciprocating compressors, pumps, gearboxes, and turbomachinery auxiliary systems.
• Design and implement proactive reliability strategies, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and predictive maintenance protocols.
• Develop and maintain programs for vibration analysis, lubrication oil testing, seal selection, and equipment health monitoring ( SAP CMMS).
• Lead or participate in Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFA) to identify corrective actions for recurring equipment issues.
• Work closely with maintenance, operations, and turnaround teams to drive strategic improvements and long-term reliability planning.
• Oversee rotating equipment reliability KPIs and support the development of reliability-focused capital projects.
• Collaborate on the development of Engineering Practices and ensure alignment with RAGAGEP and Delek standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (required)
• 4+ years of hands-on reliability engineering experience with rotating equipment in refining, chemical, or heavy industrial environments
• Experience with SAP or other CMMS systems
• Deep knowledge of rotating equipment health diagnostics, including vibration and lube oil analysis
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support RCFA and RCM processes
• Strong communication skills — capable of coordinating with operators, mechanics, and leadership
• Strategic thinker who can influence long-term maintenance and asset strategies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a refinery or PSM-covered facility
• Familiarity with industry standards (API, ASME, ANSI)
• Strong working knowledge of seal technology and selection
• Experience using plant performance analytics tools

Job Tags

Similar Jobs