The Kinetic Group is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of small caliber ammunition under the iconic brands B&P, CCI, Federal Premium, Fiocchi, HEVI, Remington and Speer. We have domestic ammunition manufacturing facilities in Minnesota, Idaho, Arkansas, and Missouri, and service law enforcement, government agencies and sporting enthusiasts throughout the world. Today, The Kinetic Group is a part of the Ammo+ division of The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which holds a diverse portfolio of companies in the defense, security, automotive, aerospace and rail industries.
As we continue to invest in and expand our steel case manufacturing capabilities, we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of high-volume production processes.
This role will focus on improving manufacturing performance through process development, equipment optimization, automation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and a dedicated Materials Engineer (Steel Processing) to ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable production processes.
This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and is based out of our Anoka, Minnesota office.
What you’ll do:
Lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume production environment
Partner with Operations and Quality teams to improve throughput, yield, process capability, and product quality
Identify and implement solutions to manufacturing challenges related to equipment, process variation, tooling, and production efficiency
Evaluate, recommend, and support implementation of new equipment, automation, production systems, and manufacturing technologies
Lead process validation, commissioning, and startup activities for new equipment and manufacturing lines
Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement
Collaborate with the Materials Engineer on projects involving material performance, heat treatment, forming processes, and metallurgical considerations
Support development of manufacturing standards, work instructions, and best practices
Partner with external vendors, consultants, and equipment suppliers to implement process improvements
Drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements through Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Experience you bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing processes and equipment
Demonstrated success troubleshooting manufacturing issues and implementing process improvements
Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, or production startup activities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams
You might have:
Experience with metal forming, stamping, machining, cold heading, wire forming, or related manufacturing processes
Exposure to heat treatment, annealing, tempering, or other thermal processing operations
Experience selecting, commissioning, or optimizing manufacturing equipment
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
Experience in highly regulated, precision manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, ammunition, or industrial manufacturing environments
Familiarity with automation, controls, vision systems, or manufacturing data systems
Experience troubleshooting material-related or metallurgical issues in partnership with technical specialists
Work Environment:
Employee work assignments may include tasks working with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to all employees to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.
Pay Range:
$77,300.00 - $108,100.00The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.
We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, gear discounts and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!
Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in high-volume steel manufacturing or processing
- Hands-on experience with heat treatment (furnaces, cycles, atmosphere control)
- Experience with annealing and/or tempering
- Experience with steel forming or drawing processes
- Strong understanding of steel material behavior in production environments
- Experience in cold heading, wire forming, or fastener manufacturing
- Background in ammunition or hunt/shoot industry
- Equipment selection or commissioning experience
- Experience troubleshooting material or metallurgical defects
- Familiarity with continuous or high-throughput processing systems
What We Do
Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of outdoor recreation and shooting sports products. We operate through two reportable segments: Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products. Together, our segments serve the outdoor sports and recreation markets through a diverse portfolio of well-recognized brands that provide consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products. Brands include Remington Ammunition, Bushnell, CamelBak, Bushnell Golf, Bell Helmets, Camp Chef, Giro, QuietKat, Federal Ammunition and more. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide.
