What is a Supportability Engineer?
In our line of work, many terms are used to describe what we do. To some, we are Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) consultants, and to others, we are Supportability Engineers, but it is all the same. That said, what is a Supportability Engineer?
We ensure that systems and equipment are designed for optimal performance, Reliability, and Maintainability, Also, we analyse lifecycle costs, develop maintenance plans, and coordinate with various teams to enhance the efficiency and longevity of products.
At Quorum, we have offered expert ILS services for over two decades. So, if you are considering a career as a Supportability Engineer or trying to decide if you need our services, you have come to the right place, and we recommend that you keep reading.
What Does a Supportability Engineer Do?
A Supportability Engineer ensures that equipment and systems are designed for optimal performance and long-term sustainability. Our primary responsibility is to analyse and predict the lifecycle of hardware, from initial development through deployment and eventual decommissioning (Disposal). This includes performing detailed assessments of Availability, Reliability, and Maintainability (ARM) to minimise downtime and enhance operational readiness.
Supportability Engineers collaborate with design teams to integrate logistical considerations into the design phase, ensuring that maintenance tasks are straightforward, spare parts are accessible, and Technical Documentation (TD) is comprehensive. By conducting rigorous supportability analyses and developing support plans, we help organisations reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maintain a high level of operational readiness.
In the military sector, a Supportability Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and effectiveness of military equipment under diverse and demanding conditions, working to ensure that maintenance is efficient, spare parts are readily available, and TD is thorough. Our efforts contribute significantly to the success of military operations by ensuring that equipment remains operational and effective, ultimately supporting mission success
Skills and Qualifications Needed to be a Supportability Engineer
The type of qualifications needed to be a Supportability Engineer can vary depending on the field you would like to pursue. It is also important to remember that there are multiple disciplines within ILS such as Human Factors (HF), Reliability and Maintainability (R&M), Training, Disposal Planning and TD.
We published a recent article that contains a list discussing what goes into ILS Planning.
Experience also plays a significant role in whether you are a good fit for a company as a Supportability Engineer. At Quorum, many of our consultants come from a military background, which helps in our line of work.
Qualifications needed to be a Supportability Engineer:
- Degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical), Information Systems, or Computer Science
- Experience in the relevant industry, whether it’s aerospace, defence, manufacturing, or another sector
- Knowledge of industry-specific standards and practices, such as MIL-STD-1388 for military applications
- Qualifications in software such as CAD, or programming software/languages
- Understanding of industry regulations and the ability to ensure compliance
Note that this is just a basic outline, and many degrees can be used to pursue the relevant experience to become an asset as a Supportability Engineer.
Skills needed to be a Supportability Engineering:
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Project Management
- Technical Proficiency
- Team Collaboration
Other skills could be relevant such as the ability to design and implement frameworks. Our advice would be to consider what industry you have the most relevant experience in or decide what industry you would like to be in and then start pursuing a career as a Supportability Engineer in that field.
Do You Need a Supportability Engineer?
At Quorum, we understand the challenges of maintaining long-term operational efficiency. As ILS consultants dedicated to your success, we bring specialised expertise in Supportability Engineering to ensure your products achieve their full potential. But do you really need a Supportability Engineer?
Well, proper ILS planning is crucial for optimising the lifecycle of your systems and equipment. We anticipate potential maintenance issues, reduce downtime, and enhance system reliability and maintainability so that you can significantly lower life cycle costs and improve overall project outcomes.
We aim to be more than just a consultant; we strive to be an integral part of your team. Our experts work closely with you to tailor solutions that meet your specific needs. We provide comprehensive support, from the initial design phase through to deployment and beyond, ensuring that every aspect of your system’s lifecycle is optimised for success.
In addition to our consultancy services, Quorum offers specialised ILS training to empower your team with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain and support your systems effectively. Our training programmes are designed to ensure your team is well-prepared to handle any supportability challenges that arise.
Choose Quorum for your Supportability Engineering needs and experience the difference of having a dedicated partner committed to your success.
Let us help you enhance reliability, reduce costs, and achieve unparalleled project success. Book an informal chat with Shaun
+44 (0)1952 671950
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