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 componentselection 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