Lead Design Engineer II

Palmetto State Armory L • West Columbia, SC

11h

About The Position

The Lead Design Engineer II leads a team during firearm product development, researching and developing ideas for new products and existing product lines. Reporting directly to the Director of Product Development, this role uses design, analysis, testing, and product-development expertise to develop complex firearm systems and subsystems and guide a team of engineers. The position contributes technical design support and is accountable for the design and performance of current and previously created products.

The role leads engineering projects from concept through production and collaborates with cross-functional teams to complete projects and hand them off to production. It includes designing, building prototypes, testing, reporting, generating CAD models and drawings, conducting tolerance studies, identifying QAPs, and coordinating with suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturing at scale. The Lead Design Engineer also leads testing to diagnose and improve designs and validate production products; supports intellectual property development; assists production, quality, and supply chain during manufacturing ramp-up; provides technical assistance across departments; and guides junior engineers.

Work takes place in a high-volume manufacturing environment involving chemicals, manual and automated equipment and systems, as well as a typical office environment. Specific assignments may require day, evening, weekend, or holiday hours, and overtime may be required. The role requires infrequent travel and consistent safe firearm handling. Direct reports may include Design Engineers and Design Technicians as assigned. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Employment is contingent on export-control screening and verification of U.S. Person status or applicable export authorization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of design engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and/or other 3D CAD software.
• Working understanding of drawing creation, including functional dimensioning schemes and appropriate GD&T.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive management and lead a technical work group.
• Expert-level understanding of one or more firearm or component types.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills and sound decision-making ability.
• Willingness to learn, improve, adapt, and be flexible while taking ownership of problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication.
• Positive attitude, goal-driven approach, and focus on the organization’s strategic picture.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must meet applicable export-control screening requirements, including verification of U.S. Person status or obtaining necessary export authorization.

Nice To Haves

• Firearm development experience with handguns, MSRs, or other long guns.
• High-level or expert understanding of design for manufacturing for two or more manufacturing techniques, such as polymer injection molding, metal injection molding, machining, stamping, casting, forging, or springs.
• Hand measurement experience using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and additional equipment.
• Working understanding of tolerance stack analyses.
• Experience using and maintaining firearms and related products.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering project teams in design activities from idea through production.
• Provide technical design support and contributions to the Product Development team.
• Be accountable for product design and performance for current and previously created products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to complete projects and hand them off to production teams.
• Design, build prototypes, test, and report to ensure products meet requirements.
• Generate CAD models and drawings with functional dimensioning and appropriate tolerancing schemes.
• Contribute to tolerance studies and QAP identification.
• Organize and support internal and external suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturing at scale.
• Lead and support testing to diagnose and improve designs in development and validate production products.
• Develop and support intellectual property through patent searches, patent applications, and trade studies.
• Support production, quality, and supply chain during initial manufacturing ramp-up of new products.
• Provide interdepartmental technical assistance and contribute to operational improvement and business growth.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers.
• Consistently follow safe firearm handling practices.
• Travel infrequently as required.
• Maintain confidentiality.

What This Job Offers

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