Sr. Manager, Engineering R&D Sustaining

We are the people who give possibilities purpose BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

The Senior Manager, Engineering R&D (Sustaining) provides strategic and technical leadership for a team of engineers responsible for lifecycle management and continuous improvement of marketed products. This role is accountable for maintaining the design integrity, quality, performance, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance of legacy product portfolios while supporting business continuity and organizational objectives. The position leads the planning and execution of sustaining engineering initiatives, including product maintenance, value engineering, cost reduction programs, material and supplier changes, and design-for-excellence (DFX) projects. The incumbent is responsible for identifying technical and business risks, developing mitigation strategies, and driving successful project execution through collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders across Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and other functional groups. As a people leader, this role oversees talent development, performance management, succession planning, and organizational capability building to ensure a high-performing engineering organization. The Senior Manager also provides technical oversight and approval of design control deliverables, including Design & Development Plans, Design Verification, Design Validation activities, and technical assessments, ensuring compliance with applicable quality system and regulatory requirements. Success in this role requires a combination of strong engineering expertise, strategic thinking, financial acumen, project leadership, and the ability to influence and drive results within a matrixed and highly regulated environment. The position plays a key role in delivering operational excellence, improving product value and reliability, and supporting long-term business growth through sustaining engineering excellence.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of Engineers responsible for maintaining the design of legacy products through the support and execution of product maintenance activities, and strategic and business continuity projects.
• May indirectly manage cross functional or matrix teams as appropriate.
• Identify risk, develop and lead in the implementation of Sustaining R&D strategies within assigned areas of responsibility which may include negotiations with internal and external parties.
• Manage activities with the accountability for successful completion of all deliverables.
• Identify design solutions, develop risk mitigation strategies, resolve issues, etc. in collaboration with cross functional and/or matrix teams.
• Lead moderate product design changes to legacy products to improve design for manufacturability, product cost, product quality, product testing, business continuity purposes (DFX), Value Improvement Projects (Cost Savings and Value Engineering) and Material Projects (Business Continuity).
• Validate like-for-like (functional) design changes.
• Promote the use of the latest technological developments and practices to improve design, quality assurance and delivery time, including playing an important educational role in the use of tools and practices.
• Review and approve Design & Development plans, Design Verification, Design Validations and technical summaries for product design changes following appropriate design controls.
• Develop robust talent development plan in alignment with functional growth strategies of the department

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in related field and related experience in engineering Required, advanced degree Preferred
• Demonstrated track record in management of technical and/or engineering disciplines Required and Experience working in a regulated industry Preferred

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities (KSA's)

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills including high discretion/judgment in decision making
• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objectives
• Proven expertise in data analysis and data management
• Strict attention to detail
• Expert understanding of Sustaining R&D procedures while ensuring essential procedures are followed per quality system requirements
• Strong understanding of related aspects of Sustaining R&D processes and/or systems
• Understanding of annual operating budgets, and financial acumen in assessing productivity and material savings
• Demonstrated ability to manage assigned team and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations
• Ability to develop and integrate metrics into the projects and operations that clearly demonstrate the value of Sustaining R&D to the business
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels and proactively escalate issues to appropriate levels of management in the organization
• Ability to work and excel within a fast paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment
• Adhere to all company rules and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others
• Proven successful project management leadership skills
• Proven expertise in both Microsoft Office Suite and related systems

Workplace & Policy

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting. For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success. To learn more about BD visit

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Primary Work Location USA CA - Irvine Laguna Canyon Additional Locations Work Shift At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You." Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed. Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information $164,600.00 - $263,400.00 USD Annual

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally-protected characteristics.