Mechanical/Reliability Engineer

Company Description Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division is part of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, whose mission is to create innovative solutions based on core values of Sustainability, Health, and Comfort. ALPOLIC is a recognized leader in manufacturing aluminum and metal composite materials used on prominent buildings, retail outlets, quick service restaurants, hotels, and educational facilities worldwide. The division is committed to advancing material technologies that support the well-being of people, society, and the environment. In addition to ALPOLIC products, the division distributes MAFTEC materials to the automotive market for catalytic converters and to the refractory market for furnace insulation. Team members join a global organization focused on quality, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships.
Role Description The Mechanical/Reliability Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in Chesapeake, VA. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability, performance, and safety across manufacturing operations, including developing and implementing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. Daily responsibilities include diagnosing mechanical issues, coordinating and overseeing repairs, performing root cause analyses, and recommending design or process improvements to reduce downtime. The engineer will collaborate with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to plan equipment upgrades, support capital projects, and ensure alignment with production goals. The position also involves using engineering tools and CAD software to design or modify components, documenting maintenance standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering, with experience applying engineering principles in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on Maintenance and reliability skills, including preventive and predictive maintenance practices and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for designing, modifying, and documenting mechanical components and assemblies.
• Inspection capabilities for evaluating equipment condition, assessing failures, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Exposure to Automotive applications or related industrial sectors, particularly in materials, components, or equipment used in automotive manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; advanced certifications in reliability or maintenance engineering are a plus.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and standards, and to communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with root cause analysis, reliability tools (such as FMEA or RCM), and data-driven decision-making to improve equipment performance.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a manufacturing setting.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and collaborative work within cross-functional teams.