Syndicate Innovation Engineer

SilencerCo • Riverton, UT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Syndicate is a growing organization that provides shared services and operational support to multiple affiliated entities. The innovation engineer plays a critical role in driving a culture of solution-focused creativity and tangible results across all entities. This role operates within a Small Arms / Suppressor / Accessory / Defense Skunk Works environment.

Requirements

• Mechanical engineering fundamentals with deep understanding of firearms and accessories.
• Materials science experience: metallurgy, composites, polymers, and emerging materials (metal matrix composites, advanced ceramics, carbon fiber applications).
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or Creo) with ability to rapidly iterate designs.
• Additive manufacturing expertise (DMLS, SLM, binder jetting) for rapid prototyping and novel geometries.
• Systematic innovation frameworks / Biomimicry and cross-domain solution mining (applying concepts from unrelated fields).
• Constraint-based thinking: thriving when told "impossible" requirements.
• Rapid prototyping mindset: comfort with "good enough to test" over perfection.
• Hands-on troubleshooting in field conditions.
• Design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).
• Understanding of production processes: CNC, MIM, stamping, extrusion, IM.
• Tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T expertise.
• Operational experience or deep user empathy (combat veteran, competitive shooter, or extensive end-user engagement).
• Threat assessment and emerging tactical requirements.
• International small arms landscape and competitive analysis.
• Military standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1913, etc.) and proof testing requirements.
• Extreme ownership and self-direction.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing requirements.
• Speed bias: 80% solution tomorrow beats 100% solution next quarter.
• Scrappiness: making do with limited resources.
• Direct communication style, bypassing bureaucracy when mission-critical.
• Willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
• Technical communication: translating complex engineering to military end-users and non-technical leadership.
• Collaborative spirit despite independent work style.
• Intellectual curiosity: constant learning across disciplines.
• Resilience: handling failed tests and rapid pivots without losing momentum.
• Thrives in unstructured environments.
• Driven by mission impact over process compliance.
• Comfortable being the "jack of all trades, master of several".
• Excited by technical risk-taking.
• Prefers building things to endless analysis.
• Can context-switch rapidly between projects.

Nice To Haves

• Electronics and programming.
• Optics and photonics experience.
• Competition shooting experience (USPSA, 3-Gun, PRS) for user perspective.
• Software development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new products, components, and accessories from concept through pre-commercialization.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods to drive innovation.
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and specifications using CAD software.
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Support prototyping efforts, including hands-on assembly and evaluation of test units.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for product issues.
• Maintain thorough documentation including design history files, test reports, and compliance records.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and innovation strategy planning.

What This Job Offers

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