What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Sustaining Engineer position at Scotsman Ice Systems?
Job Title
Product Sustaining Engineer
Function/Dept.
Engineering
Reports to
VP of engineering
Supervises
N/A
Mission
The Product Sustaining Engineer is responsible for supporting released products throughout their lifecycle. This role focuses on resolving field issues, improving product reliability, reducing cost, managing component obsolescence, and implementing engineering changes. The Product Sustaining Engineer works cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Service, and Product Development to ensure stable, efficient, and high-performing products in production.
Principal Activities
Skills and Knowledge
(Minimum)
Product Sustaining Engineer
Function/Dept.
Engineering
Reports to
VP of engineering
Supervises
N/A
Mission
The Product Sustaining Engineer is responsible for supporting released products throughout their lifecycle. This role focuses on resolving field issues, improving product reliability, reducing cost, managing component obsolescence, and implementing engineering changes. The Product Sustaining Engineer works cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Service, and Product Development to ensure stable, efficient, and high-performing products in production.
Principal Activities
- Investigate and resolve field failures, warranty claims, and production issues
- Perform structured root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions
- Support quality containment activities and CAPA processes
- Provide technical guidance to manufacturing and service teams
- Initiate and manage ECNs/ECRs
- Update drawings, BOMs, specifications, and technical documentation
- Support deviation requests and disposition non-conforming material
- Validate and implement engineering design changes
- Identify and drive product improvements for reliability, performance, and cost
- Lead value engineering and cost-reduction initiatives
- Improve manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
- Incorporate lessons learned into product design standards
- Manage component obsolescence and qualify alternate parts
- Support supplier quality investigations and approve substitute components
- Troubleshoot assembly and test line issues
- Develop technical work instructions and training materials
- Support pilot builds and production ramp-ups
- Fulfill the financial control and risk management responsibilities inherent in the position.
- Conduct yourself in accordance with the Company code of ethics policy at all times.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
- Experience in a manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of ECN/ECR and change management processes
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and BOMs
- Understanding of DFM and cost-reduction principles
- Familiarity with quality systems, CAPA, and non-conformance processes
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred)
- Strong cross-functional communication skills
- BS in mechanical engineering or related field
- Lean / Six Sigma certification preferred
(Minimum)
- 3–7 years of experience in sustaining, product, or manufacturing engineering
- Experience supporting products in production and resolving field/warranty issues
- Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
- Experience managing engineering changes (ECNs) and updating technical documentation
- Familiarity working cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain
- Hands-on experience
- Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs
- Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time
- Must be willing to travel up to 50%