Associate Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Associate Design Engineer to join our Product Engineering team focused on handgun innovation, sustaining engineering, and testing. This role supports the design, development, and validation testing of new firearm products from concept through production. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with a hands-on approach to prototyping and testing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the design and development of new handgun platforms and components using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo).
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, models, and documentation in accordance with industry standards and internal protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and sourcing to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Support prototype fabrication, testing, and evaluation, including live-fire testing and performance analysis.
• Conduct tolerance stack-ups, FEA, and other engineering analyses to validate design integrity.
• Participate in design reviews, DFMEA, and root cause analysis for design-related issues.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, materials, and technologies relevant to firearm design.
• Ensure compliance with ATF regulations and applicable standards (SAAMI, MIL-STD, etc.).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and engineering documentation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials, and manufacturing processes (CNC machining, casting, injection molding).
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and testing preferred.
• Familiarity with firearms operation, safety, and terminology is a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills: Demonstrated ability to work as part of a cross-functional team, but also able to work independently. Good communication skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of experience in product design, preferably in firearms, defense, or precision mechanical systems.

Preferred:

• Experience with GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Knowledge of ballistics, metallurgy, and firearm-specific design constraints.
• Exposure to PLM systems and design control processes.
• Passion for firearms and innovation in personal defense or sporting applications.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, overtime before and after shifts and on weekends. Ability to work as part of a team, including all related departments/plants or independently as required to achieve internal and external customer satisfaction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of the job the employee works in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

This position requires compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by all pertinent regulations and are required to show proof substantiating this upon being hired.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties and/or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice at the sole discretion of the Company.