Build Reliability Engineers

There has been a need to ensure the reliability of machinery and systems ever since the first machines and systems were developed. But reliability engineering as we know it today can be traced to developments that occurred during World War II. Military forces needed to ensure the reliability of vacuum tubes—which were used in radar systems and other electronics—as well as other new technologies. Replacing malfunctioning and nonfunctioning equipment was expensive, and defective equipment could be extremely dangerous to those engaging in defensive operations or waging war. As a result, there was an increasing focus on ensuring reliability for radar systems, weapons, and other technologies.

In 1949, the Institute of Radio Engineers (which is now known as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) formed the Professional Group on Quality Control to represent engineers and other professionals who focused on reliability issues. Today, it is known as the IEEE Reliability Society.

In the 1950 and 1960s, space exploration and the “Space Race” between the United States and the Soviet Union created a need for build reliability engineers to ensure the reliability of flight components and assemblies for spacecraft. With each ensuing decade of space exploration and research, the amount and complexity of aerospace-related technology have increased, which has fueled demand for build reliability engineers. The emergence of the private aerospace industry has created even more employment opportunities.