Operations Systems Engineer 1
Department: Manufacturing Division: Operations
At Daniel Defense Only the Best Build the Best…
Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission, Honor God. Defend Freedom®, is accomplished by serving customers and providing top-quality solutions to our military, law enforcement, and civilian customers seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
As the Operations Systems Engineer 1, you will be responsible for the functions outlined below.:
Essential Functions:
- Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
- Serve as a core member of the Operations Systems Engineering team, supporting manufacturing readiness and data validation for new and existing products.
- Serve as a liaison between Operations and New Product Development (NPD), ensuring alignment between product design, manufacturing capability, and system readiness.
- Drive operational readiness for new product integration, including routing validation, tooling coordination, materials planning, and training development in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Assist in the facilitation of process validation and first article builds to ensure seamless transitions from engineering design to full-scale production.
- Maintain and validate Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, part master data, lead times, and labor standards within the ERP system.
- Support change control processes by implementing updates to product and process data in compliance with configuration management standards.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate and timely release of new products into production systems.
- Execute the Operations Readiness Checklist and ensure alignment with product launch milestones and capacity plans.
- Assist with closing gaps between design intent and production feasibility, escalating risks and implementing countermeasures to mitigate launch delays.
- Assist with costing analysis processes by validating labor, material, and overhead cost elements in ERP; ensure updates reflect operational realities and are integrated per approved engineering changes.
- Participate in ERP testing, upgrades, and support activities related to manufacturing systems and data flows.
- Conduct root cause analysis and resolve production issues linked to inaccurate or outdated product/system data.
- Create or support documentation including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and manufacturing process flows.
- Participates in the company’s efforts to continuously improve in Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
- Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment.
- Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience to effectively perform the essential functions of the job.
- 2–4 years of experience in manufacturing, product integration, engineering data management, or operations support.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Infor, SAP, Oracle) and experience maintaining routings, BOMs, part masters, and cost structures.
- Proven ability to support new product introduction, including first article builds, process validation, and production ramp planning.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, materials coordination, and production flow.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured improvement methodologies is preferred.
- Effective communicator and collaborator across cross-functional teams including Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; Visio, CAD, or workflow visualization tools are a plus.
- Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and attention to detail in data and documentation.
- Able to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks under deadline pressures.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize and work in accordance with our Company Values .
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the normal work day.
- Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
- Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.
Daniel Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status, and promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
- 2-4 years of experience in manufacturing, product integration, engineering data management, or operations support
- Experience with ERP systems such as Infor, SAP, or Oracle
- Experience maintaining routings, bills of materials, part masters, and cost structures
- Experience supporting new product introduction, first article builds, process validation, and production ramp planning
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, materials coordination, and production flow
- Effective communication and collaboration across Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured improvement methodologies
- Experience with Visio, CAD, or workflow visualization tools
- Ability to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around machinery, noise, chemicals, lights, and lasers while wearing required personal protective equipment
What We Do
Daniel Defense is a family-owned and privately held firearms manufacturer located in Black Creek, Georgia. Founded in 2001 by Executive Chairman Marty Daniel, the company started from Marty’s vision to create custom rifle accessories for his personal rifle. An avid sportsman and supporter of the 2nd Amendment, Marty Daniel committed himself to producing a product that would be unmatched in quality and precision. Just 18 years later, Marty Daniel’s concept has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in the firearms world, manufacturing the world’s finest AR-15 rifles, rail systems, and accessories for civilian, law enforcement, and military customers. Today with a combined 300,000 sq. feet of manufacturing space, Daniel Defense has maintained a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
