Reliability Engineer

We are looking for a Reliability Engineer to join our Engineering team at the Runcorn site.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical skills, a passion for continuous improvement, and a desire to help shape our proactive maintenance culture. As Reliability Engineer, you’ll play a key role in improving equipment reliability and availability while supporting the development of Maintenance Excellence across the site.

Reporting to | Mill Maintenance Manager

Contract | Full Time – Permanent

Shift | Days-based role - supporting business operations which may involve a requirement for weekends/late/nights on occasions.

Grade | 6

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Reliability Engineer, you’ll support the development and implementation of initiatives that improve manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and provide coaching to help drive a proactive maintenance culture.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading reliability and availability improvements across plant equipment.
• Supporting and executing the Maintenance Excellence Strategy.
• Leading FMECA activities and delivering root cause analysis (RCA) for chronic issues.
• Planning and coordinating maintenance activities, including shutdowns—this may include occasional weekend work.
• Collaborating with the Planning team to align activities with plant priorities.
• Coaching and mentoring technicians to strengthen problem-solving capabilities.
• Acting as a key liaison between Engineering and Operations to ensure effective communication and performance improvements.
• Standing in for the Mill Maintenance Manager when required.
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and health & safety compliance.

What You’ll Need to Qualify:

• Time-served Engineer with a minimum of 5 years’ post-apprenticeship experience.
• HNC in Engineering (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Strong technical background in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in applying Maintenance Excellence tools and techniques (e.g., FMECA).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to coach and motivate teams.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Confident working knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong IT skills, including use of maintenance systems such as Shire CMMS.

What can we offer you as a Reliability Engineer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
• Free lunch at the onsite canteen
• Free parking
• Share save scheme.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

How to Apply:

Before you apply, please speak to your manager so that they are aware of your interest in this role. You will also need to attach a CV and Cover Letter. Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.

You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.

If you have any questions or need any further support or information, please contact Lauren Hardaker, the recruitment advisor, or any member of the recruitment team.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.