Process & Reliability Engineer

Company Overview

Stella-Jones is a leading North American manufacturer of pressure-treated wood products supporting critical infrastructure across the continent. Our products play a vital role in electricity distribution, telecommunications networks, rail transportation, and residential markets. Across more than 40 treating plants and yards in the United States and Canada, our employees are committed to safety, operational excellence, innovation, and customer partnership.

The Operational Innovation & Excellence Center (OIEC) supports this mission by strengthening operational capabilities across the company through engineering, process improvement, and modernization initiatives.

Position Summary

The Process & Reliability Engineer plays a critical role in improving operational performance and equipment reliability across Stella-Jones’ manufacturing network.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role works closely with plant operations, maintenance teams, and the Operational Innovation & Excellence Center (OIEC) to identify opportunities for process improvement, equipment reliability enhancements, and engineering standardization across facilities.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on solving real operational challenges and implementing practical improvements in treating plants and manufacturing operations. The position requires strong collaboration with plant personnel and frequent site engagement.

Travel to manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada (approximately 30–50%) is required.

Principal Responsibilities:

Process Optimization & Operational Engineering

• Analyze plant operations to identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and operational consistency.
• Support improvements in treating processes, drying operations, and plant material flow.
• Apply engineering principles such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, and industrial process control to improve operational performance.
• Work directly with plant teams to implement and validate process improvements.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Support

• Partner with plant maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, uptime, and lifecycle performance.
• Assist in developing and standardizing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies across facilities.
• Evaluate opportunities to use condition monitoring, sensors, and maintenance data to improve equipment performance.
• Support development of equipment specifications, maintenance standards, and reliability best practices for critical assets.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures or recurring operational issues.

Engineering Standards & Best Practices

• Support development and implementation of engineering and reliability standards across facilities.
• Help standardize solutions that can be replicated across the manufacturing network.
• Work with Operations and Continuous Improvement teams to ensure engineering solutions are practical and sustainable.

Technical Troubleshooting & Site Support

• Provide engineering support during process disruptions, equipment failures, and operational bottlenecks.
• Assist plants with technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Support implementation of corrective actions that improve long-term performance.

Collaboration with Engineering & Technical Teams

• Partner with R&D, Engineering, and Technical Services teams to support implementation of process improvements and innovations.
• Assist with engineering validation of new processes, materials, and operational methods.
• Support the transition of successful innovations into standard operational practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE/P.Eng.) designation is an asset but not required.
• 5–10 years of experience in industrial manufacturing, process engineering, maintenance engineering, or reliability engineering.
• Experience working in multi-site manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Experience with equipment reliability programs, maintenance systems, and industrial process operations.
• Experience supporting capital equipment upgrades or plant modernization initiatives.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of industrial manufacturing processes and equipment systems.
• Experience with maintenance strategies, equipment troubleshooting, and reliability improvement programs.
• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) for plant layouts and equipment design.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently to support multiple facilities.

Employee Benefits

Stella-Jones employees have access to a comprehensive total-rewards package that may include:

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability
• Retirement savings programs including 401(k) (U.S.) or RRSP (Canada) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities for career advancement across a growing North American organization

Equal Opportunity

Stella-Jones is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.