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Sustaining Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sustaining Engineer

Southampton, PA · On-site

$88K - $108K/yr

... Own engineering changes (ECR/ECN) from initiation through implementation, including scope ... sustaining engineering, product development engineering, manufacturing engineering, or product ...

Sustaining Engineer

Meadville, PA · On-site

$81K - $99K/yr

Sustaining Engineering is included in the Process Engineering group; however their job tasks require they be trained to Project Engineer responsibilities (along with Process Engineering). Throughout ...

Sustaining Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $107K/yr

Supports various sustaining engineering projects including line extensions and supplier/internal manufacturing transfer projects * Supports new product development projects from proposal to final ...

Sustaining Engineer

Houston, TX

$87K - $107K/yr

Supports various sustaining engineering projects including line extensions and supplier/internal manufacturing transfer projects * Supports new product development projects from proposal to final ...

Sustaining Engineer

Irvine, CA

$98K - $120K/yr

Supporting day-to-day engineering needs for existing products and accessories Leading root cause ... sustaining engineering, manufacturing engineering, or product support Experience supporting ...

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Sustaining Engineering information

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$57.5K

$103.7K

$154.5K

How much do sustaining engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustaining engineering 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sustaining Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sustaining Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree such as in mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, root cause analysis tools, and quality management systems is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing being advantageous. Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability help you excel in cross-functional teams and address ongoing product or process issues effectively. These skills are crucial to ensure product reliability, minimize downtime, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing or product support environments.

What are sustainable engineering jobs?

Sustainable engineering jobs involve designing, developing, and implementing solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. These roles often require knowledge of renewable energy, environmental regulations, and engineering principles, with professionals working in sectors like renewable energy, green building, and environmental consulting.

How does a Sustaining Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve product issues?

Sustaining Engineers work closely with teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, customer support, and design engineering to address and resolve post-launch product issues. They often participate in root cause analysis meetings, coordinate updates or fixes, and communicate technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration ensures timely resolution of customer problems and continuous product improvement, making strong teamwork and communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is sustaining engineering?

Sustaining engineering is the process of supporting and improving products or systems after their initial release. Professionals in this field focus on maintaining product quality, addressing defects, implementing upgrades, and ensuring long-term reliability. Their work often involves collaborating with design, manufacturing, and customer support teams to resolve issues that arise during a product's lifecycle. Sustaining engineers play a crucial role in extending the value and performance of existing products while minimizing downtime and costs.

What is the difference between Sustaining Engineering vs Product Engineering?

AspectSustaining EngineeringProduct Engineering
FocusMaintaining and improving existing productsDesigning and developing new products
Work EnvironmentPost-launch support, troubleshooting, and updatesResearch, development, and innovation
Required SkillsProblem-solving, debugging, product knowledgeDesign, coding, prototyping
CertificationsOften similar (e.g., engineering degrees)Often similar (e.g., engineering degrees)

While both roles require strong engineering credentials, Sustaining Engineering focuses on maintaining and improving existing products, whereas Product Engineering emphasizes creating new products from scratch. Understanding these differences helps professionals align their skills and career goals accordingly.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Sustaining engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, or high-tech manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. These positions often require expertise in systems reliability, design, and problem-solving, along with strong project management abilities.

How much does a sustaining engineer make?

Sustaining engineers typically earn an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized roles can pay higher, and the job often requires skills in troubleshooting, product support, and familiarity with engineering tools and processes.

What does a sustaining engineer do?

A sustaining engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving existing products after their initial development. They analyze field issues, implement design changes, and support manufacturing to ensure product reliability and performance, often using tools like CAD and data analysis software. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles to address ongoing product challenges.
More about Sustaining Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustaining Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Sustaining Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Sustaining Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustaining Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sustaining Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,684 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
ICBM-S - Staff Systems Engineer - Sustaining Engineering - 17749*

ICBM-S - Staff Systems Engineer - Sustaining Engineering - 17749*

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Clearfield, UT • On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is hiring a Sustaining Engineering Staff Systems Engineer (level 5) to join its team in Clearfield, Utah in support of the ICBM Operational Software Sustainment Program (IOSSP).
What you will get to do:
The Sustaining Engineering Staff Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the ICBM Operational Software Sustainment Program (IOSSP) engineering team in the design, development, and delivery of solutions that meet government requirements. This involves overseeing the technical direction of the program, ensuring that engineering activities are aligned with contract requirements, and leading engineering resources. The candidate will work closely with program manager, technical teams, and government to identify and mitigate technical risks, develop solutions to complex technical problems, and ensure that all engineering activities are performed in accordance with industry standards and government regulations. The ideal candidate will provide strong leadership, driving day-to-day tasking in support of customer needs. Occasional travel will be required.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in STEM with 12 years of experience; 10 years of experience with a master's degree; or 8 years with PhD
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application with an investigation completed within the last 6 years
  • 6 years of experience in an engineering lead or management role.
  • 3 years of experience in delivering formal briefings/presentations to senior leadership and being primary focal point to end user

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Must have proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • High proficiency in technical problem solving, to include participating in root cause analysis, solution development, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Master's degree in Engineering or a related field
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Demonstrated history leading and management of multi-functional teams
  • Ability to work with and develop as needed, network/electronic work instructions, safety policies and quality procedures
  • Must have excellent communication skills
  • Background and understanding in various tools and techniques associated with cost / schedule management (especially Earned Value Management).
  • Experience in all stages of the engineering process from proposal and requirements analysis to verification testing and troubleshooting.
  • Minuteman III ICBM experience, especially operational software
  • Experience sustaining engineering data packages to include specifications, drawings, interface documents
  • Experience sustaining long term service life systems through application of logistics practices including component performance monitoring, spares/resource monitoring, analytic forecasting, DMSMS, and alternate source/component replacement solutions

  • Experience with applying hypervisors, cross-domain solutions, multi-level security systems, or modular open systems approach to integrated systems
  • Experience with scripting and coding languages such as Python
  • Experience with Agile Development
  • Experience with ICBM weapon system sustainment engineering and integration
  • Experience with complex system development on large programs

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This position's standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939