Manager, Sustaining Engineering

Job Summary

Southwire’s Electrical Products division (EP) is responsible for the strategic growth of various lines of electrical equipment, lifting and material handling equipment, and electrical products and components. EP is looking for a Sustaining Engineering Manager to lead the strategy and execution required to support released products throughout their lifecycle. This role is responsible for maintaining product performance, reliability, compliance, and supply continuity while driving continuous improvement initiatives that support customer expectations, operational excellence, and business results. This experienced individual will interface directly with quality, project management, product managers, sourcing, and operations on engineering changes, and compliance requirements for products throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sustaining engineering efforts for released products to ensure reliability, manufacturability, compliance, and market competitiveness.
• Drive resolution of field, manufacturing, supplier, and quality-related issues affecting released products.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts that improve performance, reduce total cost, and support long-term lifecycle value.
• Manage engineering changes, including ECRs and ECOs, with strong control, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment. Perform BOM management, alternate component qualification, and supply continuity planning.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, operations, and program management teams to support product continuity, execution of root cause analyses, engineering change management, product reliability, and cost optimization projects.
• Use data, trend analysis, and customer feedback to prioritize sustaining activities and improvement opportunities.
• Educate and mentor junior engineers and team members, providing coaching and career development guidance. Assists in skill-building and training initiatives to ensure the continued technical growth of the team.

• Manage operational tasks related to people leadership, including recruitment, resource management, and conflict resolution. Provides continuous support to ensure that the team has the necessary resources to perform their roles efficiently.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent 
• 4+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience is preferred

• Progressive experience in sustaining engineering, manufacturing engineering, product support, or product lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams, engineering programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to improve product reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction through effective issue resolution.
• Ability to support revenue continuity and product availability through lifecycle and supply risk management.
• Track record of delivering cost savings through design refinements, process improvements, and component optimization.
• Commitment to compliance, quality, and operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.

• Proven ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and drive responsive decision-making.
• Proficiency in Solidworks and other CAD applications to include simulations

• Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Office, Project, Excel, PowerPoint
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work independently, as well as in collaboration with other engineering and non-technical staff.

Preferred Education & Experience

8+ years of experience

Spans of Control

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: Yes

Number of Direct Reports: 5-10

Travel

Domestic: Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

Moving: 10%

Standing: 10%

Sitting: 50%

Walking: 25%

Pushing/Pulling: 5%

Working Conditions

Office

Plant/Warehouse Floor

Overtime, Weekends, & Holidays

Extreme Heat/Cold

Equipment

Computer/KeyBoard

Safety Glasses

Safety Shoes

Competencies

Skills