Job Details

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Rotating Equipment Reliability Engineer to support refinery operations in Rodeo, CA. This role focuses on improving the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of critical rotating equipment. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise, lead root cause analyses, optimize maintenance strategies, and ensure safe, efficient operation of machinery. This is a 12-month contract with strong potential for extension or conversion to permanent employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Reliability & Maintenance Strategy
  • Develop, implement, and refine reliability strategies for rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, blowers, fans, gearboxes, etc.).
  • Perform failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and provide recommendations to reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Review and enhance predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Technical Expertise & Troubleshooting
  • Provide frontline engineering support during equipment failures or performance issues.
  • Conduct detailed root cause failure analyses (RCFA) and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and inspection teams to resolve equipment issues.
  • Support planning and execution of turnarounds, shutdowns, and major overhauls.
  • Specify scopes of work, review vendor proposals, and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
  • Oversee shop inspections, field installations, and commissioning of rotating equipment.
• Performance Monitoring
  • Utilize condition monitoring tools (vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography, etc.) to track asset health.
  • Analyze equipment performance data and develop reports with actionable insights.
• Standards & Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to industry standards (API, ANSI, ASME) and site reliability practices.
  • Maintain documentation including equipment histories, specifications, and repair records.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (B.S. required).
• Experience: 5+ years of rotating equipment reliability experience within a refinery, petrochemical, or heavy industrial facility.
• Technical Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of API standards related to rotating equipment (e.g., API 610, 617, 691).
  • Experience with condition monitoring and reliability tools (e.g., AMS, SAP, Meridium).
  • Proven track record conducting RCFA and implementing reliability improvements.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
  • Ability to work independently in a contractor capacity while aligned with site priorities.
• Work Arrangement: On-site at Rodeo Refinery (Monday–Friday, standard hours; occasional turnaround support).
• Travel: Minimal, occasional vendor or fabrication shop visits.
• Contract Terms: 12 months with potential for renewal or direct hire based on performance and business needs.

Why Join

• Opportunity to support a major refinery's asset reliability initiatives.
• Exposure to complex rotating machinery and strategic reliability projects.
• Pathway to long-term engagement or full-time staff role.