Sustaining Engineer

DeWinter BH; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DeWinter Group in Foster City, CA is seeking a Sustaining Engineer to maintain and improve an autonomous mobility test fleet. You will drive end-to-end issue resolution, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure high fleet uptime across vehicle and AV hardware subsystems.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, DFMEA, and hands-on validation using Python, SQL, CAN tools, and CATIA. Onsite work and tight timelines demand strong communication and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; MS preferred.
• 5+ years in electrical/mechanical systems in product development, manufacturing, or sustaining.
• Experience with DFMEA and root cause analysis.
• Hands-on with Python, SQL, Vector CANalyzer, or Databricks.
• Proficient in CATIA and 3D CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Own sustaining engineering support for the test fleet from root cause through corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues on OEM vehicle components and AV hardware.
• Lead design improvements for Toyota subsystems to boost reliability.
• Develop and execute validation plans, write ECNs, and run fleet trials.
• Coordinate with service, manufacturing and suppliers for scalable solutions.
• Use MTBF and reliability data to prioritize work and prevent recurrence.

Skills

5+ years experience

Root cause analysis & DFMEA

Strong communication & documentation

Fast-paced environment adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

Python

SQL

Vector CANalyzer

Databricks

CATIA

Job description

Sustaining Engineer

Join a cutting-edge team dedicated to advancing autonomous mobility solutions. As a Sustaining Engineer, you will play a vital role in maintaining the reliability and operational readiness of our Level 3 Toyota Highlander fleet, supporting testing, mapping, and fleet deployment in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Your expertise will drive end-to-end resolution of vehicle and hardware issues, ensuring maximum fleet uptime and system robustness that directly impacts the future of autonomous transportation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and deliver sustaining engineering support for the test fleet, managing corrective actions from root cause analysis through successful implementation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and mechanical system issues across OEM vehicle components and integrated AV hardware.
• Lead design enhancements for Toyota subsystems to improve reliability, durability, and serviceability.
• Develop and execute validation plans, author Engineering Change Requests, and lead fleet trials to verify long-term effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including service, manufacturing, and suppliers — to create scalable, manufacturable, and durable solutions.
• Use fleet data, technician feedback, and reliability metrics like MTBF to prioritize work, validate corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.

Required Skills:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; MS preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical/mechanical systems within product development, manufacturing, or sustaining environments.
• Proven ability to improve subsystem reliability using root cause analysis, DFMEA, and validation testing.
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Python, SQL, Vector CANalyzer, or Databricks for fleet data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication, documentation skills, and proficiency with 3D CAD tools like CATIA.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities.

Nice to Have Skills:

• Experience with EV architectures, high voltage systems, or autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Background in OEM vehicle development, release processes, or Toyota-specific systems.
• Knowledge of electrical design tools and fleet data visualization solutions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering disciplines; Master’s degree ideal.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in reliability, serviceability, or sustaining engineering within the automotive or high‑tech sectors.

Other Requirements:

• Onsite position in Foster City, CA (5 days/week).
• Minimal domestic travel required.
• Supporting a dynamic, high‑impact testing and operational fleet environment.
• This role is offered as W2 only.

Bring your expertise to a team revolutionizing transportation, ensuring our autonomous fleet operates at peak performance every mile of the way.