Sustaining Design Engineering Manager
About The Position
CelLink is seeking a Sustaining Design Engineering Manager to lead design improvements for products already in production and develop a team of Sustaining Design Engineers. The role leads design changes from customer request through CAD updates, validation, and implementation in manufacturing. It combines technical project ownership with team leadership and collaboration with customers, Applications Engineering, and Manufacturing to address real-world challenges with practical, high-quality solutions. The manager oversees post-launch design changes, product updates, Design for Manufacturability studies, continuous improvement initiatives, CAD design, rapid prototyping, validation testing, and design release documentation. The role leads design reviews and DFMEA sessions, participates in PFMEA activities, and develops design rules and guidelines with feedback from Manufacturing Engineering. It ensures engineering changes are documented, validated, and implemented on the manufacturing line in accordance with internal standards, customer expectations, and APQP processes. As a key engineering contact for complex customer-driven changes, technical escalations, and product improvement projects, the manager partners with Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, and customer teams to troubleshoot issues, support testing and validation, and deliver effective solutions. The role also manages, mentors, and develops the engineering team, prioritizes projects and resources, and fosters a collaborative, accountable, safety-first culture focused on ownership and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience, including 1–2 years in a direct supervisory role.
- Experience with 3D CAD systems.
- Product development experience with high-voltage and/or low-voltage automotive connection systems.
- Experience as a Design Release Engineer, Product Development Engineer, or in a similar role within automotive, defense/aerospace, industrial, or data center industries.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
- Experience with structured problem-solving methods, including 8D and root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys.
- Practical experience using DFMEA and PFMEA to improve designs and manufacturing processes.
- Experience supporting product development and manufacturing through DV/PV/SOP phases.
- Familiarity with busbar sizing, creepage and clearance analysis, and relevant industry standards such as MIL-SPEC, USCAR, and ISO.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with technical teams and customers.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with SolidWorks; it is preferred.
- Familiarity with busbar sizing, creepage and clearance analysis, and standards such as MIL-SPEC, USCAR, and ISO.
Responsibilities
- Manage, mentor, and grow a team of Sustaining Design Engineers; set clear goals and support professional development.
- Prioritize projects and allocate resources to meet business needs and customer timelines.
- Build a collaborative, accountable, safety-first culture focused on ownership and continuous improvement.
- Lead post-launch design changes, product updates, Design for Manufacturability studies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversee CAD design work, rapid prototyping, validation testing, and design release documentation.
- Lead design reviews and DFMEA sessions, and participate in PFMEA activities to improve product quality and prevent recurring issues.
- Develop and refine design rules and guidelines using feedback from Manufacturing Engineering.
- Ensure engineering changes are accurately documented, validated, and implemented on the manufacturing line in accordance with internal standards, customer expectations, and APQP processes.
- Serve as a key engineering contact for complex customer-driven changes, technical escalations, and product improvement projects.
- Partner with Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, and customer teams to troubleshoot issues and deliver effective solutions.
- Support customer testing and validation activities while maintaining strong communication, responsiveness, and follow-through.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
