What does a Reliability Engineer do?
Published 3 min read
A reliability engineer is responsible for ensuring that products or systems are able to perform their required functions under specified conditions for a specific period of time. They may also be involved in developing plans and procedures to prevent or correct problems.
Reliability Engineer job duties include:
- Establish and maintain reliability engineering processes and practices
- Develop and implement reliability programs
- Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations
- Identify and track reliability metrics
- Monitor product and system performance
- Perform risk assessments and reliability predictions
- Support design and development activities
- Generate technical reports and presentations
- Train and mentor other engineers
Reliability Engineer Job Requirements
Reliability engineers typically have a bachelor's degree in engineering, although some positions may require a master's degree. Many reliability engineers are certified through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE). CRE certification requires at least four years of experience in quality or reliability engineering, as well as passing an exam. Some employers may also require experience in a specific engineering discipline, such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Reliability Engineer Skills
- Six Sigma
- Green Belt
- Black Belt
- FMEA
- RCM
- RCA
- SAP
- Data Analysis
- Probability
- Statistics
- Microsoft Office
Related: Top Reliability Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Reliability Engineer
Reliability engineering is a sub-discipline of systems engineering that emphasizes the ability of equipment and systems to perform their required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. Reliability engineers are responsible for ensuring that systems will meet their performance objectives and remain operational for their required lifetime.
There are many paths that one can take to become a reliability engineer. A four-year degree in engineering is typically required, although some employers may require a master's degree. Many reliability engineers have degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering.
Once you have obtained your degree, there are several ways to gain experience in the field of reliability engineering. One way is to find an entry-level position in a company that designs, manufactures, or uses products that require reliability engineering. Another way is to join the military and work in the maintenance or operations field.
The best way to learn about reliability engineering is on the job. There are many resources available online and through professional organizations, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ), that offer certification programs and continuing education courses. In addition, attending conferences and networking with other professionals is a great way to stay up-to-date on new trends and technologies.
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