Reliability Engineer - Graduate Programme

This foundational graduate program trains engineering and data science graduates at Sibelco to improve machinery reliability, manage spare parts data, and roll out digital apps for factory technicians.

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.
For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description:

The Global Graduate Programme – A Fast-Track to Leadership

The Sibelco Global Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate the careers of promising individuals. It is a two-year rotational programme consisting of two one-year assignments in key operational and commercial roles. The programme provides hands-on experience with real business projects, ensuring early responsibility and exposure to strategic decision-making.

Participants are offered a permanent contract from the start, ensuring long-term career prospects within Sibelco. As part of this programme, we are recruiting a Reliability Engineer for our optical systems project.

In addition, graduates must be open to spending their second year in a different cluster outside of their initial region to gain broader international or regional exposure.

Your Impact in This Role

This assignment focuses on optimizing optical sorter maintenance, spare parts management, and digital enablement across Glass Recycling sites, starting with a pilot in Newhouse and scaling across the region.

Your key responsibilities will include:

- Analyzing spare parts usage and maintenance practices to build criticality assessments and optimize planning

- Mapping current MRO sourcing, suppliers, and cost structures for optical sorters

- Implementing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models to improve lifecycle cost and reliability decisions

- Standardizing SAP codifications for optical sorter and MRO components

- Supporting deployment of the Mendix warehouse mobility app and training technicians

- Developing procedures and work instructions for improved maintenance and stock management

- Piloting solutions in Newhouse and scaling across additional Glass Recycling sites

- Collaborating with operations, maintenance, and digital teams across Europe

What You Bring to the Table

- Degree in STEM field (engineering, data, or similar)

- Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail

- Advanced Excel skills; knowledge of SAP and Power BI is a plus

- Interest in industrial operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement

- Understanding of cost analysis and data-driven decision making

- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

- Fluent English required; additional European languages are a plus

- Driving license is necesary

- Willingness to travel (up to 30%)

Why Join Us?

This is a high-impact assignment with direct exposure to operations excellence, digitalization, and cost optimization in a key industrial environment.

Sibelco’s Global Graduate Programme offers:

- A permanent contract from day one

- Competitive salary

- Real responsibility and hands-on experience

- Structured career development and mentorship

- Cross-functional and international exposure

This role is ideal for graduates who want to combine operations, data, and digital solutions to drive efficiency and reliability improvements in the recycling industry.