_{08th July, 2026}

Chelgrave Contracting is seeking an experienced Plant Reliability Engineer for a 5–6 month contract with our client, a 24/7 manufacturing operation based in Port Melbourne.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this hands-on engineering role has been created to support the maintenance team in driving reliability improvements and reducing maintenance costs across three manufacturing lines. You'll spend at least 25% of your time out of the office and in the plant, working alongside a close-knit team of two other engineers and a crew of skilled tradespeople in a fast-paced environment.

This is a genuine opportunity to own the reliability agenda — from asset management strategy and CMMS through to failure analysis, breakdown reporting, plant improvements, and spare parts optimisation.

Key Deliverables

• Develop the maintenance strategy (preventative and predictive maintenance) for the compounds plant
• Complete spares analysis and develop spares requirements for the compounds plant
• Develop maintenance work instructions
• Build a better-structured vibration analysis, oil analysis, and NDT testing program
• Deliver minor plant improvements as required

About You

• Degree-qualified engineer (Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics, Electrical or Industrial) or an experienced tradesperson with strong reliability experience
• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment — maintenance and engineering backgrounds highly regarded
• Very high mechanical/electrical aptitude — you know what a "good" mechanical setup looks like across a variety of equipment
• Working knowledge of RCM, FMEA and other standard reliability techniques
• Able to read and interpret drawings and make sound judgement calls on spares requirements, rather than defaulting to OEM recommendations
• Genuinely hands-on — happy to get dirty and involved in the physical side of maintenance and engineering upgrades
• Comfortable relating to people at all levels — working with tradespeople and operators one hour, presenting to the plant management team the next
• A sharp eye for detail with the ability to drill down and find the real problems
• A fast-learning self-starter who can work autonomously and get things done
• Excellent MS Office skills; CMMS and SAP experience advantageous

What's on Offer

• Estimated 5 month casual employment with an established manufacturer
• Casual labour hire engagement through Chelgrave Contracting with competitive hourly rates
• Hands-on, high-impact role where your work directly improves plant reliability
• Supportive, close-knit engineering team

Only people based in Australia with valid Australian working rights and qualifications should apply.

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