Chief Reliability Officer – Connected Device Uptime | Chicago, IL

Are you a strategic leader passionate about maximizing operational uptime and reliability in the connected devices space? We are seeking a Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) to join a forward-thinking company in Chicago, IL, focused on ensuring seamless device performance and customer satisfaction. This is a unique opportunity to lead reliability engineering, optimize system availability, and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving technology environment. If you excel at orchestrating cross-functional teams and elevating reliability standards, this role is designed for you.

Drive Reliability Excellence for Connected Devices in Chicago

A cutting-edge technology company in Chicago, IL is looking for a Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) to champion connected device uptime and system resilience. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in reliability engineering, operational risk management, and a strong track record of reducing downtime in large-scale device ecosystems. If you are passionate about advancing reliability practices, implementing predictive maintenance, and enhancing customer experience through uptime excellence, this is your chance to lead and innovate at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime

Reliability Strategy & Vision: Develop and execute a comprehensive reliability strategy that ensures maximum uptime and optimal performance of connected devices. Align reliability goals with business objectives to support long-term growth and customer satisfaction.

System Uptime & Performance Management: Lead efforts to monitor, analyze, and improve the availability and reliability of connected device networks. Implement best practices in uptime management, incident response, and root cause analysis to minimize downtime and service disruptions.

Predictive Maintenance & Failure Prevention: Drive the adoption of predictive maintenance technologies and data-driven approaches to anticipate and prevent device failures. Collaborate with engineering teams to design systems that are resilient, fault-tolerant, and self-healing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product development, engineering, operations, and customer support teams to embed reliability principles throughout the device lifecycle. Foster a culture of shared ownership for uptime and operational excellence.

Reliability Engineering Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing reliability engineering team responsible for monitoring device health, conducting failure mode analysis, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

Risk Management & Compliance: Identify and mitigate risks associated with device downtime and system failures. Ensure compliance with industry standards, security protocols, and regulatory requirements related to connected devices.

Customer Experience Optimization: Utilize data analytics and customer feedback to improve device uptime and reliability, enhancing overall user satisfaction and loyalty. Serve as a key point of escalation for major reliability issues.

Technology & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in reliability engineering and connected device management. Recommend and implement innovative tools and methodologies to advance uptime performance.

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular updates and actionable insights to senior leadership, stakeholders, and partners regarding device reliability metrics, improvement initiatives, and operational challenges.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime, the client seeks a visionary and technically adept leader who can ensure exceptional system availability and operational resilience. You should be a proactive, data-driven executive with a strong sense of accountability and a passion for driving continuous improvement in reliability across complex connected device ecosystems.

Proven Expertise in Reliability Engineering and Uptime Management

The client is looking for a seasoned professional with deep experience in reliability engineering, uptime optimization, and large-scale system monitoring. You should have a demonstrated ability to reduce downtime, manage incident response effectively, and lead initiatives that enhance device and network reliability in fast-paced technology environments.

Strategic Leader with a Focus on Resilience and Innovation

As CRO, you must possess a forward-thinking mindset capable of developing and executing strategic reliability plans that align with overall business goals. The ideal candidate will have a track record of implementing predictive maintenance solutions, leveraging analytics for failure prevention, and innovating reliability processes to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and drive actionable insights is essential. The client seeks a leader who excels at root cause analysis, risk assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance system uptime and performance.

Exceptional Cross-Functional Collaboration and Team Leadership

Leadership skills are critical, with an emphasis on building and guiding high-performing reliability teams. You should foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and accountability while effectively working across engineering, operations, and customer support to embed reliability as a core value.

Customer-Centric Approach

A deep commitment to improving the end-user experience through reliable, uninterrupted service is vital. The ideal candidate understands the direct impact of device uptime on customer satisfaction and business success and strives to translate reliability metrics into enhanced customer trust and loyalty.

Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management

The client seeks a CRO who can communicate complex technical issues clearly and persuasively to senior leadership, investors, and stakeholders. Your ability to provide transparent reporting, manage expectations, and advocate for necessary investments in reliability will be key to your success.

Commitment to Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Finally, you should have a strong grasp of industry regulations, security standards, and risk management practices related to connected devices. Ensuring compliance and proactively mitigating operational risks will be critical responsibilities in maintaining business continuity and reputation.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime

1. What are the key responsibilities of the CRO in this role?

As the Chief Reliability Officer (CRO), you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to maximize connected device uptime and system reliability. You will lead reliability engineering efforts, oversee incident management, implement predictive maintenance, and drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless device performance. Additionally, you will manage risk mitigation and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in reliability engineering, system uptime management, or related roles in connected device or IoT environments. Proven expertise in root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and operational risk management is essential. A technical degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field is preferred, along with demonstrated leadership in managing high-performing technical teams.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a proactive and collaborative leader with strong analytical skills and a customer-centric mindset. You should be capable of inspiring technical teams, driving continuous improvement, and communicating complex reliability issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Adaptability, strategic thinking, and a focus on operational excellence are critical.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

Key challenges include managing complex device ecosystems with diverse failure modes, minimizing downtime across distributed networks, and balancing rapid innovation with system stability. You will also navigate evolving technology landscapes, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations for uninterrupted service.

5. What is the expected impact of the CRO on the company’s success?

The CRO will play a crucial role in enhancing device reliability, reducing operational disruptions, and improving customer satisfaction. Your leadership in uptime optimization will directly influence brand reputation, customer loyalty, and the company’s competitive edge in the connected device market.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. They value leaders who foster teamwork, accountability, and technical excellence while encouraging new ideas and data-driven decision-making. You will work in a dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge technology and customer-first solutions.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime based in Chicago, IL, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-level technical leadership. The remuneration typically includes:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a CRO overseeing connected device reliability depends on the company size, technology complexity, and market scope. In mid-to-large technology firms, the annual base salary generally ranges from $220,000 to $450,000, with leading enterprises offering even higher compensation.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Alongside the base salary, performance bonuses are commonly awarded based on key reliability and operational metrics such as uptime targets, incident reduction, customer satisfaction, and successful project delivery. These bonuses can range between 25% and 75% of the base salary depending on individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Many companies include equity incentives such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares in their executive compensation packages. These long-term incentives align your contributions to company success and provide potential for significant financial upside as the business grows.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some organizations offer LTIPs and profit-sharing plans designed to reward sustained operational excellence and reliability improvements over multiple years. These incentives encourage a focus on continuous improvement and long-term value creation.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

The CRO role often comes with comprehensive benefits including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with company matching contributions
Executive wellness programs
Flexible work arrangements or remote work options
Professional development and training allowances
Travel allowances for conferences and stakeholder engagements

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance packages to facilitate a smooth transition. These one-time incentives vary widely but typically range from $25,000 to $150,000 depending on the candidate’s profile and company policy.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity grants, and other incentives, total annual compensation for a Chief Reliability Officer in connected device industries can range from $300,000 to over $700,000, with top-tier firms offering even greater rewards tied to business performance and innovation impact.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and results-driven leader with proven expertise in connected device reliability and uptime management, we invite you to apply for the Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime role based in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity to lead reliability strategy, optimize system performance, and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that highlights your experience in reliability engineering, uptime optimization, incident management, predictive maintenance, and cross-functional team leadership. Be sure to emphasize your track record of reducing downtime, enhancing customer satisfaction, and implementing data-driven reliability solutions at scale.

This role offers a high-impact career path where you will play a critical role in ensuring operational resilience, fostering a culture of reliability excellence, and supporting the company’s growth objectives. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as a Chief Reliability Officer (CRO) – Connected Device Uptime in Chicago, IL!

For more information or to explore similar executive leadership roles in technology and connected devices, visit our IoT-Connected Medical Device Executive Recruiters page.

Job Category: Connected Device Uptime

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Chicago

Chief Reliability Officer – Connected Device Uptime | Chicago, IL