The Executive Director of Mechanical and Reliability Engineering provides strategic leadership for the design, integrity, and performance of mechanical assets across all operational sites. This role oversees enterprise-wide mechanical engineering and reliability programs, ensuring optimal asset uptime, safety, and lifecycle value. The executive drives innovation, standardization, and cross-functional collaboration in support of production, maintenance, capital projects, and ESG goals. This position plays a key role in shaping engineering excellence and asset strategy at the enterprise level.
Develop and lead the global mechanical and reliability engineering vision aligned with corporate operations, safety, and sustainability goals.
Oversee mechanical system design, analysis, and standardization across fixed and rotating equipment, piping systems, and utilities.
Serve as a technical authority for asset integrity, equipment specification, and mechanical engineering best practices.
Lead development and implementation of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), root cause analysis (RCA), and risk-based inspection (RBI) programs.
Establish performance standards and KPIs for asset health, failure prevention, and lifecycle cost optimization.
Integrate condition monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital tools to improve mechanical reliability.
Provide strategic oversight of mechanical aspects of major capital and turnaround projects.
Review mechanical design packages, vendor selections, and construction practices to ensure quality, safety, and maintainability.
Collaborate with project teams, EPCs, and OEMs to ensure mechanical system excellence from design through operation.
Lead the development of asset integrity programs for pressure vessels, rotating equipment, and critical piping systems.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations (ASME, API, OSHA, ISO, etc.).
Champion mechanical safety, including pressure safety systems, vibration mitigation, and operational risk control.
Lead and mentor a global team of mechanical and reliability engineers, SME specialists, and technical managers.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across engineering functions.
Support organizational capability building through workforce development, training, and succession planning.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, Projects, and Supply Chain leadership to align mechanical engineering goals with business needs.
Influence enterprise asset management strategies and budgeting decisions.
Represent the mechanical function in executive forums and steering committees.
Strategic mechanical and reliability engineering leadership
Asset performance, uptime, and lifecycle optimization
Mechanical system integrity and risk mitigation
Enterprise reliability programs (RCM, RBI, PdM)
Technical oversight of capital projects and turnarounds
Engineering governance and standardization
Executive collaboration and talent development
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Reliability, or Business (MBA) preferred
PE License, CMRP, or API/ASME certifications strongly preferred
Training in RCM, FMEA, or Six Sigma is a plus
15+ years in mechanical engineering and reliability roles within asset-intensive industries (oil & gas, energy, chemicals, manufacturing, etc.)
7+ years in senior leadership or executive-level engineering management
Proven experience in mechanical system design, reliability program development, and large-scale asset management
Deep expertise in rotating/static equipment, vibration analysis, failure mechanisms, and inspection technologies
Proficiency with CMMS, APM systems, reliability analytics, and engineering design software
Strong understanding of mechanical codes, regulatory requirements, and industrial safety standards
Visionary leadership with strong business acumen and strategic alignment
Exceptional communication, influencing, and executive decision-making capabilities
Ability to lead multi-site and global engineering teams with high technical rigor