Sustaining Design Engineering Manager

At CelLink, engineering doesn’t stop when a product launches. We’re looking for a Manager, Sustaining Design Engineering who enjoys solving complex technical problems, improving products already in production, and developing a strong team of engineers. You’ll lead design improvements from customer request through CAD updates, validation, and manufacturing implementation. You’ll work closely with customers, Applications Engineering, and Manufacturing to turn real-world challenges into practical, high-quality solutions. This is an opportunity for an engineer who can move comfortably between the technical details and the bigger picture, someone who enjoys mentoring a team but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and own projects themselves.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of Sustaining Design Engineers, setting clear goals and supporting 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 (DFM) 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 across Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, and customer teams to troubleshoot issues and deliver effective solutions.
• Support customer testing and validation activities while maintaining a high standard of communication, responsiveness, and follow-through.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience/Education

• A 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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience with 3D CAD systems; SolidWorks is preferred.
• 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 the ability to work effectively with both technical teams and customers.

Work Environment – 

Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and a shop environment, with exposure to high noise levels from operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and skin exposure to chemicals used to run/maintain machines.

PPE-

May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, gloves, hair nets, masks, and clean-room frocks while adhering to the prescribed safety procedures.