Process Engineer - Federal Ammunition
About The Position
Federal Ammunition is seeking a Process Engineer to serve as the link between Product Development and Manufacturing Operations. The role leads development, validation, and introduction of new ammunition products and manufacturing processes, transforming product concepts into scalable, repeatable processes and supporting successful commercialization and production readiness. The position reports to the Product Development Manager and is based at the Anoka, Minnesota office. The Process Engineer leads new-product industrialization from concept through full-rate production, manages pilot runs and process validation, and works across Product Development, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering. The role also develops and maintains manufacturing documentation, evaluates equipment and process capabilities, provides hands-on technical support on the production floor, and drives improvements in safety, throughput, quality, waste, and cost. Additional work includes engineering and capital projects, supporting engineering technicians, supplier engagement, and providing technical expertise to Marketing. The engineer is expected to develop a strong understanding of small arms ammunition design, manufacturing, materials, and performance requirements. The role is based in a manufacturing environment and includes work with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 1–5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience.
- Experience supporting manufacturing processes, production operations, process development, or new product introduction activities.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and a hands-on approach to problem solving and troubleshooting.
- Ability to work effectively in both an engineering office and a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with Minitab or similar statistical analysis software.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in metal forming, cold heading, stamping, machining, or other high-volume manufacturing processes.
- Background in ammunition development, ballistics, firearms, and related processes.
- Experience related to military service, hunting, competitive shooting, and reloading.
- CAD/CAM experience.
- Experience working directly with production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the industrialization and manufacturing launch of new ammunition products from concept through full-rate production, optimizing designs for manufacturability, quality, cost, and operational efficiency.
- Manage pilot runs, process validation, and production-readiness activities for new products and process improvements.
- Collaborate with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams on new product introductions.
- Evaluate manufacturing equipment, tooling, and process capabilities; recommend modifications or improvements to support launches.
- Develop and maintain bills of materials, manufacturing process flows, work instructions, and production specifications.
- Provide technical guidance to manufacturing supervisors, operators, technicians, and shop personnel.
- Troubleshoot equipment, processes, and quality issues on the production floor and implement practical solutions.
- Analyze manufacturing performance and implement improvements in safety, throughput, quality, waste reduction, and cost savings.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and failure investigations addressing design, production, equipment, and manufacturing issues.
- Lead engineering projects, including continuous improvement, equipment upgrades, automation, and capital projects.
- Coordinate engineering technicians’ workload and support testing, validation, and development activities.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers, vendors, and external technical resources to support product and process development.
- Support Marketing through technical data reviews, product expertise, asset creation, and attendance at trade and consumer shows as a subject matter expert.
- Apply engineering principles and manufacturing best practices to support continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.
- Develop a strong understanding of small arms ammunition design, manufacturing processes, materials, and performance requirements.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%.
- Company-paid life and disability insurance.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Tuition assistance and education assistance.
- Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
- Employee assistance and wellness programs.
- Employee discounts and product purchase programs, where applicable.
- Day-one healthcare coverage.
- Company-paid parental leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
