Sustaining Engineer

Kindred Motorworks; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kindred Motorworks is seeking a passionate Sustaining Engineer to support vehicles in production. You will drive mechanical issue resolution and continuous product improvements on the shop floor, collaborating with manufacturing and quality teams.

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical engineering background, hands-on experience in production environments, and proficiency with CAD tools. This role emphasizes practical troubleshooting and active participation in live production processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0-5 years of engineering experience with a focus on mechanical sustainment or production support.
• Proficiency in CAD software and engineering tools for design and simulation.
• Excellent technical documentation and detailed engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues arising from production builds and field feedback.
• Perform hands-on root-cause analysis on vehicles and components (fit, vibration, routing, durability).
• Develop engineering solutions to eliminate recurring build or quality issues.
• Partner with Process/Manufacturing to implement engineering solutions on the production line.
• Update CAD models, drawings, and documentation for mechanical changes.
• Validate fixes through fit-checks and vehicle-level verification.
• Interface with Process/Manufacturing to align engineering solutions with production build.

Skills

Sustainment

Production support

Root-cause analysis

CAD tools

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Simulation tools

Job description

Kindred is a rapidly growing, venture backed start-up focused on unlocking the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric using our technology and scale.

We are marketing folks, technicians, software developers, mechanical engineers, designers, painters, and car lovers. We love a whiff of gasoline and we geek out about the torque provided by electric motors. Above all we believe the world is a better place with vintage cars out on the road.

We strive to create a meaningful workplace at Kindred, which means something different for each of our team members. For some, it’s getting these immortal vehicles on the road. For others it’s the portion of revenue we donate to our local community for every vehicle sold. For many at Kindred, it’s the inclusive work environment we’ve created.

Our cars create joyful experiences for our customers and immense pride for our team. If you can match our passion, values, and work ethic, we want you!

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Sustaining Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role is critical in supporting vehicles currently in production by driving mechanical issue resolution and implementing continuous product improvements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering with hands‑on experience in production environments, including OEM processes and low‑volume build support. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, practical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work directly with manufacturing and quality teams on the production floor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues arising from production builds and field feedback.
• Perform hands‑on root‑cause analysis on vehicles and components (fit, vibration, routing, durability, etc.).
• Develop engineering solutions that eliminate recurring build or quality issues.
• Partner with Process/Manufacturing to implement engineering solutions on the production line.
• Update CAD models, drawings, and associated documentation for mechanical changes.
• Validate fixes through fit‑checks, prototype installs, and vehicle‑level verification.
• Interface with Process/Manufacturing to align engineering solutions with implemented production build.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 0 - 5 years of engineering experience, with a strong focus on mechanical engineering, sustainment, or production support.
• Proficiency in CAD software and engineering tools for design and simulation.
• Excellent skills in technical documentation, including creating and maintaining detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and experience working directly on
• manufacturing lines.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in mechanical design, sustainment, and production support.

Desired Skills

• Passion for automotive restoration and modification.
• Advanced Engineering degree.
• Ability to identify cost‑down opportunities through design simplification, supplier optimization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience implementing engineering changes in a live production environment with minimal disruption to build flow.
• Strong ability to work cross functionally with different teams

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The work environment may include exposure to noise, fumes, and heat. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in accordance with safety regulations.

Walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping. Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 75 pounds. Clean and well‑organized unconditioned shop environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but at times requires ear plugs, use of eye protection, and/or occasional use of a respirator.

Note

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.