Director of Testing

COLTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC•West Hartford, CT

3d•$150,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader with a mechanical engineering background and expertise in testing, automation, and instrumentation. This role will lead Colt’s growing testing team, currently composed of engineers and technicians, with a focus on expanding capabilities and driving innovation in small arms testing, validation, and data acquisition.

Requirements

Technical Skills
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and testing principles.
Experience with AC225, MIL-STD, SAAMI, or similar standards.
Proficiency in data acquisition systems, sensors, and analysis tools (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Excel, Minitab).
Familiarity with CAD software (PTC Creo preferred) and technical documentation.
Experience with calibration protocols and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
Comfortable working in live-fire environments and managing testing logistics.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
8+ years of experience in product testing, validation, or design engineering, preferably in firearms or defense related industries.
Proven leadership experience managing technical teams.
Strong understanding of firearm mechanics, ballistics, and materials science.
Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements for firearms.
Passion for firearms and a commitment to producing high-quality products.
Proficient knowledge of GD&T.
Experience in developing products for commercial and government sectors.
Experience with manual measuring equipment (Micro Height, Calipers, Comparator, etc.).
Software Knowledge
Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

PTC CREO CAD experience preferred
CREO Simulation desired
Windchill - Database Management Software.
Inventive Concept desired
LabView

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development
Managing, mentoring, and growing a high-performing team of engineers and technicians.
Fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Manage personnel performance, safety training, and career development.
Testing Strategy & Execution
Oversee all testing activities for new product development, R&D, and root cause analysis.
Develop and maintain a master testing schedule aligned with project timelines and priorities.
Creatively plan and execute test strategies to meet aggressive development schedules.
Test Capability & Infrastructure
Drive the development and standardization of test procedures and SOPs for technicians.
Leading the integration of advanced test fixtures, sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems into Colt’s design and development workflows.
Maintain and calibrate all test equipment and instrumentation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Coordinate with external testing labs to outsource specialized or customer-required testing.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Design Engineers, Program Managers, and other departments to align testing with product requirements and development goals.
Pull in resources from other departments or external partners when needed to meet testing demands.
Contribute to project planning by assessing testing capacity and resource availability.
Lead root cause investigations and provide actionable insights to design and manufacturing teams.
Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, repeatability, and reproducibility.
Stay current with industry standards, technologies, and best practices in firearms testing.
Propose and implement enhancements to testing processes and infrastructure.
Monitor and maintain departmental Budget.