• Lead Sustaining Engineer

    Actalent (Santa Barbara, CA)


    Job Title: Lead Sustaining EngineerJob Description

     

    We are seeking a skilled and experienced Lead Sustaining Engineer to manage the ongoing support and evolution of our electronic hardware products, with a strong emphasis on reliability, compliance, and lifecycle management in defense-related applications. This role includes supervisory responsibility over a small team of sustaining engineers and support staff, in addition to leading sustaining activities such as component engineering, PCB updates, and CAD library management. The Lead Sustaining Engineer will also mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the team. The ideal candidate has a background in electronics design and sustaining engineering, preferably within the defense industry. A deep understanding of industry standards, obsolescence management, and regulatory compliance is essential.

    Responsibilities

    + Be the primary point of contact for sustaining engineering within cross-functional teams.

    + Own and manage the full product lifecycle for released electronic products.

    + Drive sustaining engineering efforts to improve product quality, reliability, and performance.

    + Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to implement design improvements that optimize manufacturability and production efficiency.

    + Support the resolution of hardware quality issues and customer-reported problems.

    + Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of sustaining engineers and technical staff, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule.

    + Lead and support change management initiatives and engineering change orders (ECOs).

    + Provide operational guidance during new product development to support efficient design, testing, and packaging.

    + Participate in and facilitate design reviews, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring engineering best practices are upheld.

    + Oversee component lifecycle management, including identifying replacements for obsolete or at-risk parts.

    + Maintain and update the Approved Component List (ACL) with proper traceability and documentation.

    + Own and manage the electronic CAD library (schematic symbols, PCB footprints, 3D models).

    + Define and enforce CAD library standards, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and version control.

    Essential Skills

    + Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

    + 7+ years of relevant hands-on electrical engineering experience, including leadership or supervisory roles

    + Proficiency with schematic capture tools, manufacturing systems, and project planning software

    + Strong understanding of analog and digital circuit design

    + Experience with component level troubleshooting and component engineering

    + Experience in new product development, analog circuit design, and digital circuit design

    + Familiarity with MATLAB, LabVIEW, and CAD software

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

    + Background in electronics design and sustaining engineering, preferably within the defense industry

    + Deep understanding of industry standards, obsolescence management, and regulatory compliance

    Work Environment

    Work in a dynamic environment focused on the defense industry, where reliability and compliance are paramount. The role involves overseeing and mentoring a small team, ensuring efficient task completion, and driving continuous improvement. Utilize a range of technologies including schematic capture tools, manufacturing systems, and project planning software to support product lifecycle management and CAD library maintenance. Dress code is business casual.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Barbara, California.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

     

    Benefits include medical, dental and vision, life insurance, paid vacation and sick time, 3% 401K contribution (no matching required), company events.

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Santa Barbara,CA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.