Product Design Engineer

Ruger • Mayodan, NC

21h

About The Position

Ruger is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Product Design Engineer to support new product development, derivative and line extension initiatives, sustaining engineering, and cost reduction. The role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to create robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective designs, supporting products from concept through production and continuous improvement.

The engineer will develop product configurations, create and maintain design and engineering documentation, contribute to risk and manufacturability analyses, and support prototypes, testing, validation, production issue resolution, and corrective actions. The role also involves managing engineering changes and revision control in PDM and ERP systems, and working with suppliers on design development and cost reduction.

Applicants must pass a drug and background screen and be eligible to work for any employer in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. Salary is dependent on experience; applicants are asked to include salary requirements with their resume. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate willing to relocate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent related technical discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009) and tolerance analysis; CETOL is preferred.
• Experience with DFMA and FMEA methodologies.
• Familiarity with Bill of Material (BOM) management in ERP systems; Oracle is preferred.
• Experience supporting products through the full lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Must successfully pass a drug and background screen.
• Must be eligible to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship now and in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in firearms or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities for machined, injection molded, MIM (Metal Injection Molded), and stamped components.
• Spring design experience.
• Experience performing moderately complex analyses such as kinematic/dynamic motion and FEA.
• Experience with cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Exposure to product testing and validation processes.
• CETOL experience.
• Oracle ERP experience.
• Willingness to relocate; relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop line extension and derivative configurations from concept through production release.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks in accordance with company standards.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure designs are functional, manufacturable, and inspectable.
• Conduct tolerance stack-ups and variation analyses using CETOL or similar tools.
• Develop predictive mathematical models to simulate aspects of mechanical motion.
• Lead and participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) initiatives to optimize cost, quality, and throughput.
• Support sustaining engineering, including design updates, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage engineering changes through PDM and ERP systems such as Oracle, maintaining documentation and revision control.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, test plans, and reports.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities.
• Interface with suppliers to support design development and cost reduction initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including competitive salary, profit sharing, and bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision health benefits.
• 401(k) match and discretionary supplemental 401(k) contribution.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Short- and long-term disability plans.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate willing to relocate.
• Casual work environment.

What This Job Offers

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