Reliability Engineer and MEP Lead

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

We are looking for a Reliability Engineer and MEP Lead to join our Engineering Team in Westport. This position reports to the  Engineering Director. The Reliability Engineer and MEP Lead will be responsible for setting and executing the long-term reliability and maintenance excellence strategy across all business units, including Biologics, Eyecare, Implants, Utilities, and Facilities. This role plays a key part in shaping enterprise-wide reliability frameworks and overseeing their implementation. You will be the Program Owner for the Maintenance Excellence Program (MEP), driving alignment, standardization, and continuous improvement across all operations. The position requires strong cross-functional leadership, strategic thinking, and proven capability in change management and cross-site coordination.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Define and own the global MEP strategy, governance model, and implementation roadmap across all divisions.
• Set, review, and drive performance of MEP KPIs (asset utilization, PM compliance, cost efficiency) at a network level, ensuring alignment with global reliability and operational goals.
• Lead the development of Predictive and Preventive Maintenance frameworks, Mechanical Integrity programs, and risk-based reliability strategies.
• Oversee high-impact RCA, FMEA, and RCM efforts on critical systems across multiple plants.
• Standardize, govern, and institutionalize reliability engineering practices across operations.
• Provide strategic input to capital projects and design reviews, ensuring lifecycle reliability and cost optimization are embedded from the start.
• Serve as a thought leader for global engineering forums and influence policy and best practices.
• Lead multi-year strategic planning for asset performance, OEE improvement, and digital transformation of maintenance systems.
• Team and Contractor Leadership
• Directly manage and develop a high-performing team of 5-6 direct reports including Reliability Engineers, Maintenance Planners, and contract specialists.
• Provide matrixed leadership to cross-functional teams including equipment engineers, project teams, and reliability SMEs across sites.
• Oversee vendor governance and strategic partnerships for spare parts management and reliability improvement.
• Represent Reliability Engineering at the senior leadership level, engaging with site heads, global engineering, manufacturing, and EHS leaders.
• Drive collaboration across business units, ensuring adoption of best practices and continuous improvement across regions.
• Ensure alignment with all EHS, GMP, and regulatory requirements across geographies.
• Support internal/external audits and guide teams through inspection readiness. 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical area
• 7 – 10 years’ experience in reliability or engineering roles, 2- 5 years’ experience in a leadership or multi-site strategic role desired.
• Ability to lead high-impact teams, influence without authority, and drive strategic alignment.
• Demonstrated success in leading major reliability programs or transformation initiatives.
• Proficiency in Maximo or similar CMMS tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or similar Operational Excellence training is desirable.
• Project management certification or equivalent experience. 

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel is required to support cross-site integration and global program alignment

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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