Reliability Engineer

SUMMARY 

The Reliability Engineer monitors equipment condition and reviews equipment performance against plan, providing consultation and technical support targeting equipment reliability and the reduction of equipment costs. This is, at a high level, through the identification and elimination of sources of defects and the implementation of maintenance and operational improvements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•  Conduct regular and formal downtime analysis for critical equipment – including but not limited to, crushers, pumps and conveyors, hoists, chiller plant, mechanical mining equipment and underground mobile fleet. Use that information to identify, quantify and prompt the implementation of initiatives that will improve overall equipment reliability, cost outcomes and performance.
•  Produce reliability-based content for the site monthly operations report. Include metrics such as cost impact of plant reliability, work management KPIs, etc.
•  Coordinate the site Condition Monitoring program, providing technical guidance in the areas of OA, VA, MPI/UT, thermography etc.
•  Use a formal Defect Elimination process to identify repetitive equipment failures and promote pro-active maintenance activities designed to maximize sustained reliability performance and to ensure preventive maintenance activities support the overall reliability program.
•  Lead maintenance cost reduction and reliability improvement projects as required.
•  Perform FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) on all changes to maintenance tactics (PM’s).
•  Manage a formal ongoing PMO (Preventative Maintenance Optimization) program.
•  Facilitate/lead root cause failure analysis as required, using relevant systematic RCA techniques. Identify and support the implementation of resultant corrective actions ensuring all analyses and activities are appropriately documented.
•  Alert the Maintenance and Operations Foremen to situations of equipment abuse and operations practices which induce failures, reduces reliability or increases the equipment maintenance cost.
•  Provide technical guidance to the maintenance and operations departments on equipment and reliability issues and technologies.
•  Work with peers at other Hecla operations to collaborate and share good practices across the group.
•  Remain abreast of current and new technologies applicable to the Lucky Friday Mine and champion those that will benefit the operation.
• Cultivate productive partnerships with key OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to drive improvement in equipment performance and reliability.
•  Work with purchasing, engineering, and operations to ensure equipment reliability is considered throughout all planning, equipment procurement and changes, spare part selection and inventory control.  
•  Develop, adapt and publish Standards and Guidelines that improve equipment reliability, including but not limited to areas such as PM, equipment procurement, inventory parts, installation, and work execution.
•  Audit and maintain the equipment structure lists in IFS (Hecla’s ERP) ensuring the data is accurate and the hierarchies are suitable.
•  Follow and understand MSHA rules and regulations, environmental rules and regulations, SOP and work area instructions, participates in safety and environmental activities. Lead by example by adhering to rules and regulations, and ensuring compliance to rules and regulations of Lucky Friday Operations.
•  Comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Conducts activities and work in an environmentally responsible manner. Is aware of procedures to minimize impacts to the environment.
•  Must be able to work and communicate with other members of the work team. 
•  Must be willing to comply with all company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related field with a minimum of 2-3 years in a similar role, or a relevant Trade/Journeyman’s certificate with a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role
• Experience in mining industry preferred, including a general knowledge of surface, underground and concentrator operations. 
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Excel, Word, and Outlook. 
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems required.