Vibration Analyst

POSITION PURPOSE

The Condition Monitoring (CM) Analyst serves as a frontline technical expert responsible for delivering high-quality condition monitoring and reliability services to Allied Reliability clients. This role independently manages assigned plant or site areas encompassing data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting while serving as a trusted technical advisor on the health of rotating and stationary equipment. The CM Analyst upholds Allied Reliability standards, fosters strong client relationships, and actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the condition monitoring program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

Technical Data Collection & Analysis:

Perform routine and advanced data acquisition on assigned equipment using vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, motor current analysis, ultrasonics, and other applicable condition monitoring technologies.

Conduct spectral, time waveform, and phase analysis to accurately diagnose equipment faults, assess severity, and recommend corrective actions with appropriate urgency.

Integrate findings across multiple CM technologies to provide a comprehensive, multi-channel assessment of asset health.

Maintain and optimize sensor configurations, database hierarchies, and alarm thresholds to reduce nuisance alarms and maximize data quality.

Produce technically accurate, well-structured reports that clearly communicate findings, failure modes, recommended actions, and risk assessments to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Client Communication & Technical Consultation:

Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned client sites, maintaining professional and proactive communication at all times.

Communicate Allied Reliability deliverables, program status, and value-add activities clearly and consistently to client representatives.

Conduct Technology Awareness Sessions to educate client personnel on condition monitoring principles, findings, and best practices.

Prepare and submit documented case studies for client and employee newsletters, highlighting fault detections, cost avoidances, and reliability improvements.

Act as a technical resource to clients and Allied colleagues in the troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical equipment faults.

Program Compliance & Continuous Improvement:

Ensure all condition monitoring databases are maintained in full compliance with current Allied Reliability standards, client requirements, and applicable industry standards.

Adhere to established audit schedules and actively participate in program health assessments; identify gaps and recommend corrective actions.

Champion the application of Allied Reliability Best Practice Methods across all assigned sites and activities.

Maintain timely and accurate internal and external communications, including work orders, exception reports, and management escalations.

Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance data quality, route efficiency, reporting clarity, and technology utilization.

Safety, Compliance & Site Standards:

Maintain strict compliance with Allied Reliability, client, OSHA, and all other applicable safety and regulatory standards at all times.

Conduct Behavioral Safety Observations and actively contribute to a culture of safety awareness and hazard mitigation.

Ensure the work area and assigned equipment are maintained in a clean, organized, and secure condition.

Demonstrate the ability and willingness to work on-call and during off-shift hours as required by client or management needs.

Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned by management.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

Technical reports are accurate, professionally formatted, and delivered within established timelines.

Client inquiries and requests are addressed courteously, completely, and in a timely manner; positive business relationships are consistently maintained.

A professional image and conduct standard is projected and upheld in all client, colleague, and management interactions.

Condition monitoring databases conform to current standards and audit schedules are met or exceeded.

Nuisance alarm rates are actively managed and trend downward over time through disciplined database maintenance.

Fault detections result in documented case studies or work orders, demonstrating measurable value delivered to clients.

Safety observations are completed at the expected frequency with actionable feedback communicated to site supervisors.

Qualifications /Competencies /Position Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of rotating machinery fundamentals, including pumps, motors, gearboxes, blowers, fans, and compressors; solid understanding of mechanical fits, tolerances, and failure modes.

Proficiency in spectral analysis, time waveform analysis, and phase analysis for fault detection and severity assessment.

Working knowledge of complementary condition monitoring technologies including oil analysis, infrared thermography, motor current signature analysis (MCSA), and ultrasonic testing and the ability to integrate findings across technologies for comprehensive diagnosis.

Familiarity with reliability principles, including failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis (RCA), and equipment criticality ranking.

Understanding of applicable industry standards and best practices (e.g., ISO 10816/20816, ASTM oil analysis standards).

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver technical findings clearly to both engineering and non-technical audiences.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with condition monitoring software platforms (e.g., SKF @ptitude, OSIsoft PI, Emerson AMS, CSI RBMware, or equivalent) is preferred.

Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills; ability to exercise sound judgment when diagnosing ambiguous equipment conditions.

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing multiple assignments and deadlines.

Self-motivated and committed to continuous professional development in reliability and condition monitoring disciplines.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field) preferred.

Certification under ASNT-TC-1A or ASNT-CP-189 required or expected to be obtained within a defined timeframe. Analyst must possess, or demonstrate a clear pathway to obtaining, ASNT Level II or ISO Category III Certification in their core technology, with Level I Certification in at least two additional technologies.

Minimum of two (2) years of directly related condition monitoring or reliability engineering experience, with demonstrated proficiency in at least one primary CM technology (vibration analysis preferred).

Experience in an industrial plant environment including exposure to rotating equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, compressors, and gearboxes is required.

Active pursuit or attainment of reliability-focused certifications including CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) or ARP-A (Asset Reliability Practitioner) is strongly encouraged and expected for career progression.

Experience interfacing with maintenance craft, engineers, plant leadership, and corporate-level decision makers.