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Spokane Valley, Washington, United States
Onsite
At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation.
Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive.
Component Engineer III (Sustaining Engineering)
F5 Inc.
Position Summary
F5 is seeking a Component Engineer III to play a key role in sustaining engineering for our hardware platforms supporting application delivery, security, and networking solutions. In this role, you will take ownership of component lifecycle management, drive obsolescence mitigation strategies, and ensure long-term product continuity across a global supply chain.
As a mid-level engineer, you will operate with increasing independence, influence cross-functional decisions, and contribute to strategic initiatives that balance risk, cost, and product performance.
Key Responsibilities
Component Lifecycle & Obsolescence Leadership
Proactively monitor component lifecycles (PCNs, NRND, EOL) using industry tools and supplier engagement
Assess risk across multiple product lines and drive mitigation strategies (LTB, redesign, alternates)
Own lifecycle health for assigned commodities or platforms; provide regular risk reporting and recommendations
Maintain and improve AML/AVL integrity within F5 PLM systems
Sustaining Engineering Ownership
Lead resolution of component-related production and field issues, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
Partner with Quality, Design, and Manufacturing teams to address reliability concerns and drive closure
Provide component engineering guidance for ECOs, sustaining design updates, and cost-reduction initiatives
Alternate Sourcing & Qualification
Identify and qualify alternate components with minimal supervision
Perform detailed form/fit/function analysis, including electrical and reliability considerations
Coordinate and support validation and qualification activities, ensuring compliance with F5 standards
Supply Chain & Supplier Engagement
Collaborate closely with Global Supply Chain and sourcing teams to mitigate shortages, allocation risks, and long lead times
Engage directly with suppliers to resolve technical issues, evaluate risk, and support qualification of new sources
Contribute to cost optimization through part standardization, supplier selection, and design influence
Compliance & Data Stewardship
Ensure component compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements (RoHS, REACH, WEEE, conflict minerals)
Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation for qualification, traceability, and lifecycle status
Improve data quality and processes within component and lifecycle management systems
Cross-Functional Influence
Act as a key technical resource to hardware design, system engineering, and manufacturing teams
Participate in design and sustainment reviews, influencing component selection and lifecycle strategy
Help define and improve best practices, standards, and workflows for component engineering at F5
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
4–7+ years of experience in component engineering, sustaining engineering, or hardware development
Strong understanding of electronic components (semiconductors, passives, connectors, power devices)
Proven experience managing component lifecycle risks and executing mitigation strategies
Ability to independently evaluate component equivalency and drive technical decisions
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in networking, telecom, server, or high-reliability hardware systems
Familiarity with PLM systems (Agile, Windchill) and lifecycle tools (SiliconExpert, Z2Data, IHS)
Experience with ServiceNow ticketing system to track Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Engineering support efforts
Experience working with contract manufacturers and global suppliers
Knowledge of reliability engineering and failure analysis methodologies
Exposure to high-mix, long-lifecycle products
Key Skills & Competencies
Independent problem-solving with a structured, data-driven approach
Ability to balance technical, supply chain, and business considerations
Strong ownership mindset and accountability for deliverables
Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
Attention to detail in documentation, compliance, and execution
Scope & Impact (Level III Expectations)
Owns lifecycle and sourcing strategy for key components or subsystems
Leads medium-complexity efforts with minimal supervision
Influences design and sourcing decisions that impact cost, risk, and product continuity
Serves as a go-to resource for component-related issues within sustaining engineering
Success Metrics
Successful mitigation of obsolescence and supply risks with minimal business disruption
Reduction in component-driven production or field issues
Timely qualification and deployment of alternate components
Improved BOM lifecycle health and data quality
Measurable contributions to cost savings and supply continuity
The Job Description is intended to be a general representation of the responsibilities and requirements of the job. However, the description may not be all-inclusive, and responsibilities and requirements are subject to change.
The annual base pay for this position is: $128,000.00 - $192,000.00F5 maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, geographic locations, and market conditions, as well as to reflect F5’s differing products, industries, and lines of business. The pay range referenced is as of the time of the job posting and is subject to change.
You may also be offered incentive compensation, bonus, restricted stock units, and benefits. More details about F5’s benefits can be found at the following link: https://www.f5.com/company/careers/benefits. F5 reserves the right to change or terminate any benefit plan without notice.
Please note that F5 only contacts candidates through F5 email address (ending with @f5.com) or auto email notification from Workday (ending with f5.com or @myworkday.com).
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of F5 to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, sensory, physical, or mental disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. F5 offers a variety of reasonable accommodations for candidates. Requesting an accommodation is completely voluntary. F5 will assess the need for accommodations in the application process separately from those that may be needed to perform the job. Request by contacting accommodations@f5.com.