2

Entry Level Sustaining Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

We are located on the Northwest side of Chicago and currently have an opening for a Sustaining ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 years work experience.

Process Sustaining Engineer

Camas, WA ยท On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

The Process Engineering group is seeking entrylevel or earlycareer engineer to join our Camas ... sustaining highvolume semiconductor manufacturing processes. Engineers lead crossfunctional ...

Process Sustaining Engineer

Camas, WA ยท On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

The Process Engineering group is seeking entry-level or early-career engineer to join our Camas ... sustaining high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes. Engineers lead cross-functional ...

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry Level Electrica l Engineer for our Fairfax, VA Headquarters ... Responsibilities Focus will be on the electrical power systems, sustainable design, and energy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Sustaining Engineer information

See salary details

$57.5K

$103.7K

$154.5K

How much do entry level sustaining engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sustaining engineer in the United States is $103,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Entry Level Sustaining Engineers when troubleshooting existing products?

Entry Level Sustaining Engineers often encounter challenges such as diagnosing issues in mature products with limited documentation or legacy components. They may need to quickly learn how different systems interact and collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and design teams to implement fixes or improvements. Balancing urgent support requests with ongoing root cause analysis is common, requiring strong communication and time management skills. Support from senior engineers and cross-functional teams is usually available, making it a great environment for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sustaining Engineer vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Sustaining EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Primary FocusMaintaining and improving existing products and systemsDesigning and developing new mechanical products
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial, or product support settingsDesign offices, R&D labs, manufacturing plants
Common CertificationsNone required, but engineering degrees and possibly Six Sigma or CAD skillsEngineering degree (B.S. or higher), CAD proficiency

Entry Level Sustaining Engineers focus on supporting and improving existing products, often working in manufacturing or industrial environments. In contrast, Entry Level Mechanical Engineers typically work on designing new products and systems. While both roles require an engineering degree and similar technical skills, their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What is an Entry Level Sustaining Engineer?

An Entry Level Sustaining Engineer is a professional who supports and maintains existing products or systems after their initial release. Their responsibilities typically include troubleshooting technical issues, implementing design improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product reliability and performance. They often work under the guidance of senior engineers while gaining hands-on experience in engineering processes and problem-solving. This role is ideal for recent graduates or engineers at the beginning of their careers, providing a foundation for future advancement.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Entry Level Sustaining Engineer typically does not earn $10,000 a month without experience or advanced education, as this salary level is uncommon for entry-level roles. High-paying engineering positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or years of experience, and salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size.

How much does a sustaining engineer make?

Entry-level sustaining engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and company size. With experience and specialized skills, such as proficiency in CAD or root cause analysis, salaries can increase significantly over time.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or software engineering with senior or executive roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Sustaining Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sustaining Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of manufacturing or product support processes. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, and quality management systems is typically expected, along with experience in root cause analysis methodologies. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills that help address technical issues efficiently. These skills ensure that products and processes are maintained at optimal performance, minimizing downtime and supporting overall operational success.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level sustaining engineers do not earn that level of salary, senior engineers, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or specialized software, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or specialized expertise.
More about Entry Level Sustaining Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Sustaining Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Sustaining Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sustaining Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Sustaining Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sustaining Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,684 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Sustaining Engineer

Sustaining Engineer

HEICO

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Switchcraft, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer of harsh environment circular connectors, cable assemblies and interconnect solutions. Our products are used in a wide variety of industries including medical, industrial controls, transportation and homeland security. We are located on the Northwest side of Chicago and currently have an opening for a Sustaining Engineer.
Location: Jefferson Park, IL (Chicago)
Shift: 100% ON SITE - 7:30 am - 4 pm M-F
Pay: $70,000- $75,000
Responsibilities:
  • Maintenance, redesign, improvements and general support for existing products and for designing and releasing custom customer products using current product families
  • Candidate must be able to work on several projects at one time through changing priorities
  • Researches the history and current state of the product evolution, resolution of production and Customer concerns
  • Implementation of product improvements
  • Investigation of new processes and materials
  • Producing and maintaining accurate project plans
  • CAD models and drawings for components and assemblies
  • Specification documents, design analysis (tolerance, FEA, FMEA)
  • Test documentation, product cost estimates, and Bills of Material
  • Coordinates engineering activities with purchasing and manufacturing and making recommendations for parts, materials and tooling
  • Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
  • Entry level to 3 years work experience.
  • Design experience with connector and cable products is a plus.
  • Mechanical Design Skills.
  • Basic understanding of Electrical Engineering skills is a plus.
  • Knowledge of plastic and metal materials and their uses/applications.
  • Understanding of injection molded plastic parts and metal screw machine parts.
  • Experience with 3-D CAD modeling software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA.
  • Understanding of mechanical drawing requirements and proper application of dimensional and tolerance information.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office
  • Good project management skills
  • Strong verbal & written communication skills

Benefits
Paid Time Off
Holidays
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Short Term/Long Term Disability
Commuter benefits
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
FSA-Dependent Care
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401k
Educational Assistance (Tuition Assistance)
Referral Program
Parental Leave
Healthy Rewards
EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet
This company is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, gender, disability or protected veteran status.