Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family, including jobs in demand, wages, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Reliability Engineer is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
A Reliability Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring that machinery, equipment, and processes within manufacturing sites operate efficiently and reliably. In the manufacturing sector, where downtime and maintenance costs can significantly impact productivity, reliability engineers work to maximise equipment lifespan, minimise breakdowns, and reduce maintenance costs.
Their responsibilities include developing maintenance strategies, conducting root cause analysis for equipment failures, and implementing predictive maintenance techniques. Reliability Engineers also play a vital role in enhancing safety standards and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
In an era where sustainability and cost efficiency are top priorities for manufacturers, Reliability Engineers help organisations avoid unplanned downtimes, extend the lifecycle of assets, and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. This role has become more important as businesses increasingly seek ways to operate leaner and greener amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
The demand for Reliability Engineers in New Zealand is projected to rise through 2025, driven by a combination of aging infrastructure, technological advancements, and economic pressures. Many manufacturing plants operate with older machinery, requiring skilled reliability engineers to maintain these assets and extend their lifespan while ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
As Industry 4.0 technologies gain traction, manufacturers are increasingly focused on predictive maintenance through IoT and data analytics. Reliability Engineers with expertise in these areas are highly valued, as they implement data-driven strategies to minimise unplanned downtimes and enhance asset performance. This shift toward proactive maintenance practices is central to modernising operations and reducing costly disruptions.
Economic pressures and global competition are also intensifying the need for reliable, optimised equipment. Companies are looking for Reliability Engineers who can develop cost-effective maintenance solutions and increase equipment uptime. This trend is particularly strong in sectors like food processing, chemicals, and heavy industry, where production continuity is paramount.
Career Prospects
A career in reliability engineering offers substantial growth potential, beginning with foundational roles like maintenance engineer or plant technician. These entry-level positions provide essential hands-on experience that paves the way for advancement into specialised reliability roles. Over time, skilled Reliability Engineers can progress to senior positions, including Maintenance Manager, Engineering Manager, or even Operations Manager.
As automation, data analytics, and sustainability take centre stage in manufacturing, reliability engineers with expertise in these areas are well-positioned for leadership roles. This is especially true in technologically advanced sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and energy, where optimised reliability and efficient asset management are critical to business success.
With increasing emphasis on predictive maintenance and data-driven strategies, the demand for reliability engineers who can drive both operational excellence and sustainability will continue to grow, making it a promising long-term career path.
Qualifications
Most Reliability Engineers hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, providing a strong technical foundation for the role. Additional certifications, such as in Reliability-Centred Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, or Asset Management (e.g., CMRP – Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional), enhance career prospects.
Familiarity with New Zealand’s Health and Safety regulations is also essential, especially in regulated sectors like food processing and chemicals. Reliability Engineers must ensure that maintenance practices not only optimise performance but also align with legal and environmental standards, supporting safe and compliant operations.
Key Skills Required
To succeed as a Reliability Engineer, individuals need a mix of technical skills, analytical abilities, and practical experience. These include:
Technical Skills:
- Expertise in reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and asset management
- Knowledge of predictive maintenance techniques
- Experience with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) for tracking equipment performance and planning maintenance
- Proficiency in conducting root cause analysis (RCA) to identify underlying causes of equipment failures
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly IoT sensors and data analytics used in predictive maintenance
Soft Skills:
- Problem-solving abilities, particularly in diagnosing equipment failures and implementing solutions
- Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking, especially when evaluating data to predict equipment failures
- Communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with maintenance technicians, production teams, and senior management
- Project management abilities to implement maintenance strategies within budget and time constraints
- Adaptability, as reliability engineers must continuously improve processes and keep up with new technology
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
- Junior: $80,000 – $100,000
- Intermediate: $100,000 – $130,000
- Senior: $130,000 – $160,000
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Reliability Engineer, please contact Senior Consultant John Boyle. John specialises in specialises the recruitment of Operations and Engineering. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
