Sustaining Engineer

The Sustaining Engineer is responsible for supporting existing HVAC products, ensuring their long-term performance, quality, and manufacturability. This role provides daily engineering support to factory operations, drives cost-reduction initiatives, manages engineering changes, and collaborates with suppliers, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams. The engineer also mentors junior engineers or interns and manages sustaining projects independently.

Job Description

Job responsibilities/goals (This section should describe the purpose of the job and what is intended to achieve)

· The Sustaining Engineer – HVAC supports existing HVAC products throughout their lifecycle to ensure performance, quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with standards. The role is intended to:

· Provide engineering support to factory operations and resolve technical issues.

· Drive product improvements, cost reduction, and manufacturability enhancements.

· Manage engineering changes, supplier qualifications, and documentation updates.

· Ensure compliance with HVAC industry standards and regulatory requirements.

· Mentor junior engineers or interns while independently managing small sustaining projects.

Day to Day Task (This section should list the performance needed day to day in order to achieve the role successfully)

· Provide daily engineering support to production and factory operations.

· Manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), Bill of Materials (BOM) updates, and supplier qualification testing.

· Develop and validate minor design modifications for manufacturability or quality.

· Participate in cost-reduction and process improvement initiatives.

· Coordinate with supply chain to qualify alternate suppliers and materials.

· Use structured problem-solving tools (FMEA, RCA, 8D, etc.) to resolve issues.

· Interface with suppliers and factory leadership to address technical challenges.

· Maintain engineering documentation and compliance records.

· Support and guide new hires or interns through mentorship.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

· Primarily office-based work with regular interaction across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.

· Frequent collaboration with factory operations, which may include time on the shop floor.

· Occasional supplier visits or vendor qualification testing activities.

· Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods while observing or troubleshooting equipment.

· Moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs) may be required during prototype handling or lab testing.

· Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, multitasking, and strong communication skills.

Required Education and Work Experience (This section should include any certifications/education level/job knowledge and skills needed for this role)

· Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).

· Experience: 2–5 years in sustaining engineering, manufacturing engineering, or HVAC product engineering.

· Certifications: Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt a plus.

Technical Skills:

· Strong understanding of HVAC systems, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.

· Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and PLM systems (Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar).

· Experience with ECNs, BOM management, and supplier qualification.

· Knowledge of HVAC industry standards (ASHRAE, UL, AHRI, DOE).

· Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently, effective cross-functional collaboration, and strong written and verbal communication.