STEM OPT Reliability Engineer Jobs
Reliability Engineer roles in manufacturing, energy, and defense align directly with STEM degrees in mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can activate it.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®. With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
SUMMARY
The Reliability Engineer II is responsible for improving equipment reliability, maintainability, and overall asset performance across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and leadership teams to develop and implement reliability-centered maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned downtime, increase asset effectiveness, and optimize maintenance costs. The Reliability Engineer II leads root cause investigations, preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives, CMMS development, and continuous improvement efforts to maximize equipment availability and operational efficiency.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Support manufacturing operations through the execution of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies to reduce and eliminate unplanned equipment failures.
- Lead Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) investigations to identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures, production losses, and maintenance costs.
- Develop engineering solutions to repetitive failures and operational issues impacting safety, quality, productivity, cost, and regulatory compliance.
- Establish and implement best practices that improve equipment reliability, maintainability, and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
- Analyze asset utilization, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reliability trends, and maintenance performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) programs.
- Utilize predictive maintenance technologies including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, acoustic monitoring, and other condition-monitoring tools.
- Identify equipment failure modes and develop proactive maintenance strategies using reliability tools such as RCM, FMEA, Criticality Analysis, and RCFA.
- Support the development, population, and optimization of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), including:
+ Equipment identification and asset hierarchy development
+ Creation of equipment Bills of Materials (BOMs)
+ Development of material lists and spare parts recommendations
+ Creation and maintenance of preventive maintenance procedures and frequencies
+ Maintenance of equipment documentation and drawing updates
- Design and implement maintenance process improvements to maximize equipment availability and asset productivity.
- Establish, monitor, and report key reliability and maintenance metrics.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and plant leadership to resolve chronic equipment issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical expertise and support to maintenance teams, engineers, and operations personnel.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing maintenance, reliability engineering, or continuous-process production environment.
- Experience working in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment preferred.
- Strong understanding of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), and Criticality Analysis.
- Experience developing and implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Knowledge of predictive maintenance technologies, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and acoustic monitoring.
- Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as Infor EAM, SAP, Maximo, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and increase asset performance.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret maintenance and reliability data.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and data analysis tools.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification.
- Experience with reliability metrics such as MTBF, MTTR, and OEE.
- Project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $85k to $105k. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan. At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
INTRODUCTION
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®. With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
SUMMARY
The Reliability Engineer II is responsible for improving equipment reliability, maintainability, and overall asset performance across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and leadership teams to develop and implement reliability-centered maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned downtime, increase asset effectiveness, and optimize maintenance costs. The Reliability Engineer II leads root cause investigations, preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives, CMMS development, and continuous improvement efforts to maximize equipment availability and operational efficiency.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Support manufacturing operations through the execution of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies to reduce and eliminate unplanned equipment failures.
- Lead Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) investigations to identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures, production losses, and maintenance costs.
- Develop engineering solutions to repetitive failures and operational issues impacting safety, quality, productivity, cost, and regulatory compliance.
- Establish and implement best practices that improve equipment reliability, maintainability, and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
- Analyze asset utilization, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reliability trends, and maintenance performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) programs.
- Utilize predictive maintenance technologies including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, acoustic monitoring, and other condition-monitoring tools.
- Identify equipment failure modes and develop proactive maintenance strategies using reliability tools such as RCM, FMEA, Criticality Analysis, and RCFA.
- Support the development, population, and optimization of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), including:
+ Equipment identification and asset hierarchy development
+ Creation of equipment Bills of Materials (BOMs)
+ Development of material lists and spare parts recommendations
+ Creation and maintenance of preventive maintenance procedures and frequencies
+ Maintenance of equipment documentation and drawing updates
- Design and implement maintenance process improvements to maximize equipment availability and asset productivity.
- Establish, monitor, and report key reliability and maintenance metrics.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and plant leadership to resolve chronic equipment issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical expertise and support to maintenance teams, engineers, and operations personnel.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing maintenance, reliability engineering, or continuous-process production environment.
- Experience working in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment preferred.
- Strong understanding of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), and Criticality Analysis.
- Experience developing and implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Knowledge of predictive maintenance technologies, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and acoustic monitoring.
- Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as Infor EAM, SAP, Maximo, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and increase asset performance.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret maintenance and reliability data.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and data analysis tools.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification.
- Experience with reliability metrics such as MTBF, MTTR, and OEE.
- Project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $85k to $105k. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan. At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
See all 203+ STEM OPT Reliability Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Reliability Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Reliability Engineer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before applying. Mechanical, industrial, and systems engineering degrees qualify, but adjacent programs like engineering technology vary by institution and CIP code.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign. An employer who isn't enrolled cannot sponsor your STEM OPT extension, regardless of role fit, so this check belongs before the offer stage, not after.
Target companies with active reliability engineering LCA filings
Search Migrate Mate to find employers who've filed Labor Condition Applications for Reliability Engineer roles. This signals both E-Verify enrollment and a documented history of sponsoring similar positions, narrowing your list to companies already familiar with the process.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable reliability metrics
Your I-983 training plan must connect your degree's learning objectives to specific job duties. For reliability roles, tie your mechanical or systems engineering background to quantifiable outcomes like mean time between failures analysis, root cause investigation, or predictive maintenance program development.
Research prevailing wages using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating
Look up the wage level for Reliability Engineer under the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code using OFLC Wage Search. Knowing the Level I through Level IV range for your metro area lets you assess whether an offer meets the threshold your employer will certify when filing.
Time your extension request to cover the cap-gap window
If your employer plans to file an H-1B visa petition on your behalf, make sure your STEM OPT extension application is filed with USCIS before your initial OPT expires. The cap-gap provision bridges your authorization through October 1 if the petition is selected in the lottery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Reliability Engineer?
Most reliability engineering roles accept degrees in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or systems engineering, all of which appear on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. The qualifying factor is your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Check the list against the exact CIP code on your transcript, and confirm with your DSO before filing the extension request with USCIS.
Does a Reliability Engineer employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. The employer must be enrolled before your extension is approved and must remain enrolled throughout your authorization period. If an employer is not enrolled, your STEM OPT extension cannot be activated regardless of how well the role matches your degree. Verify enrollment directly with HR during the offer process.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Reliability Engineer role?
Your I-983 must document specific learning objectives that connect your STEM degree to your day-to-day responsibilities. For a Reliability Engineer, this typically means linking mechanical or electrical engineering coursework to duties like failure mode analysis, reliability-centered maintenance, or equipment life cycle modeling. Both you and your supervisor sign it, and your DSO must receive it before the extension is approved. USCIS may audit the plan, so specificity matters.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your initial OPT or STEM OPT extension is active when your employer files an H-1B petition and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. If the petition is approved, your H-1B status begins October 1. You must remain employed by the petitioning employer throughout the cap-gap period to stay in valid status.
Where can I find Reliability Engineer jobs where employers are already familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters reliability engineering roles by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored a STEM OPT student. You can search by job title, location, and industry sector, and review each employer's sponsorship track record before reaching out. This significantly shortens the time between application and a qualified offer.