Design Engineer

KIMBER MFG., INC. • Troy, AL

62d • Onsite

About The Position

The Design Engineer should have 3 to 8 years of experience in design and development of firearm components, defense systems, or precision mechanical assemblies. The Design Engineer candidate will design, create solid models, detail components, and support the development of new firearms design or to improve Kimber’s current firearms products. The candidate will also play a key role in the New Product Development (NPD) process, contributing to the design, prototyping, testing, and refinement of innovative firearm platforms and components.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with GD&T, FEA, and DFM/DFA methodologies.
• Familiarity with firearms design, ballistics, and regulatory standards (e.g., ATF, MIL-STD) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Must have working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills: Demonstrated ability to work as part of a cross-functional team, but also able to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Must be able to work accurately and efficiently in a fast work environment that has the potential. to change due to regulatory and business needs.
• Need to be detail oriented and highly organized with the ability to multi-task.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3 to 8 years of experience in product design, defense, or precision mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in firearm design.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, surface treatments, and coatings used in firearms.
• Experience with PLM systems and design control processes.
• Passion for firearms and innovation.
• Hands-on experience with firearms assembly, testing, and evaluation.
• Exposure to defense industry standards and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design of firearm components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups, FEA, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and testing to ensure design intent and performance.
• Participate in design reviews, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support prototype development and testing, including hands-on troubleshooting and iteration.
• Maintain accurate documentation and revision control throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and manufacturing technologies relevant to firearms and precision systems.
• Provide engineering support for firearms product design and development of new gun products, line extensions, and product improvements. Specific responsibilities will include the generation and revision of CAD drawings and models, component inspection, prototype build and product testing.
• Utilize best practices, including DFM, DFA, stack analysis, etc. and interface with manufacturing, process engineering, vendors, etc. to ensure designs are optimized for cost, quality, and performance.
• Manage bills of material and track component status.
• Coordinate with the engineering team and other Kimber functional areas to ensure that projects are completed on budget and in a timely manner.
• Other responsibilities may include writing of technical reports, creation of design spreadsheets, statistical analysis of test data and management presentations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to identify, communicate, and drive implementation of assembly improvements for new and current designs and to ensure on time delivery new products and improve first pass yield.
• Adhere and monitor SOP.
• Effectively communicate and notify leadership when there are any discrepancies.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the leadership expectations of the role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level