Product Development Engineer – Handgun - CCI Speer

The Kinetic Group•Lewiston, ID

7d•$80,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinetic Group is seeking a Product Development Engineer – Handgun for CCI/Speer, based in its Lewiston, Idaho office. The role leads and supports handgun ammunition product development from concept through commercialization, including design, testing, validation, manufacturing implementation, and continuous improvement. It offers the opportunity to develop ammunition technologies and address technical challenges affecting ballistic performance, precision, reliability, and effectiveness. The position may be filled at the Engineer I, II, or III level, based on education, experience, and demonstrated technical capability. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, military experience, certifications, and directly related experience will be considered. The role reports to the Director of Product Engineering. Assignments may include work in or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including areas with flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.

Requirements

Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Science, Mathematics, or related equivalent technical experience.
Engineer I: 1–3 years of related experience.
Engineer I: Working knowledge of engineering principles, materials, manufacturing processes, and problem-solving methods.
Engineer I: Ability to perform moderate-scope engineering assignments using established practices and procedures.
Engineer I: Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting capability.
Engineer I: Ability to learn engineering tools, testing methods, and design practices applicable to ammunition development.
Engineer II: Bachelor's degree and 2–6 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with applicable experience.
Engineer II: Thorough understanding of product development processes and engineering fundamentals.
Engineer II: Ability to independently manage portions of product development programs and technical projects.
Engineer II: Proficiency in engineering analysis, experimental design, and statistical decision-making techniques.
Engineer II: Experience identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions for product or process issues.
Engineer II: Ability to lead smaller projects and serve as a technical resource within the product development team.
Engineer II: Ability to communicate technical requirements effectively with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Engineer III: Bachelor's degree and 4–10 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and 2–6 years of experience.
Engineer III: Technical leadership capability to lead major product development programs and complex engineering initiatives.
Engineer III: Advanced knowledge of ammunition design, manufacturing processes, materials, product validation, and performance analysis.
Engineer III: Demonstrated ability to lead root cause investigations and complex technical problem-solving efforts.
Engineer III: Experience developing and executing comprehensive test plans using statistical and engineering analysis methods.
Engineer III: Ability to provide technical leadership across projects and communicate complex technical concepts to leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, military experience, certifications, and directly related experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Thorough understanding and application of technical standards, principles, theories, and techniques relating to small arms ammunition.
Experience with firearms, ballistics, projectile design, cartridge design, or related product development.
Knowledge of advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and product validation methodologies.
Experience with statistical software such as Minitab or equivalent analytical tools.
CAD experience, including solid modeling and engineering drawing creation.
Experience supporting new product introductions in a manufacturing environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
Hunting, shooting sports, handloading, firearms industry, or military experience.
Familiarity with internal and external ballistic testing methods.
Knowledge of ammunition industry standards and testing protocols.
Experience with tooling design and machining processes.

Responsibilities

Provide project management and leadership for new handgun ammunition development programs from concept through production launch.
Design, develop, test, validate, and document products, components, and manufacturing processes.
Develop and maintain engineering specifications, bills of materials, qualification requirements, and technical documentation.
Plan and conduct laboratory, range, and manufacturing trials to assess performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Analyze test data using engineering principles, statistical methods, and root cause analysis to support decisions.
Work with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to introduce products and process improvements into production.
Assess manufacturing equipment capabilities and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
Conduct failure analysis and resolve design, process, and production issues.
Collaborate with suppliers to qualify materials, components, and processes.
Provide technical support to Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service, including reviewing technical content and occasionally supporting industry events and customer engagements.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, regulatory, and company standards throughout development.