Sr. Product Development Engineer

Summary of Position Mission 

The Senior Product Development Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, validating, and releasing to production all new products as well as product enhancements and design related cost reduction efforts. This position reports to the Senior Product Development Engineering Manager and works closely with the entire cross functional team from the concept phase through production. 

Responsibilities

• Manage all technical aspects of multiple internal or external projects through the engineering lifecycle including project plans, project budgets, resources, and delivery of outcomes.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules.  Track and report performance of these schedules.
• Work closely with the cross functional team to define product specifications.
• Hold regular cross-functional project meetings to review and update project status, logistics, resources, schedule and objectives. Assure early problem identification and implementation of corrective action.
• Develop detailed product specification, utilizing a cross functional collaborative approach to meld technical capability, market opportunities, and the voice of the customer. 
• Create new and modify existing designs using 2D and 3D CAD drafting tools (Solid Works). 
• Create technical data packages including drawings, BOMS, and test plans for new products and new configurations of existing products.
• Establishes and maintains a manual and electronic library for all technical drawings.
• Assembles prototypes to ensure original and new parts have the proper form, fit and function.
• Test fires prototypes for functionality and endurance and document non-conformances
• Responsible for evaluating and recommending and implementing new technologies to support new and existing product lines.
• Immediately resolves and documents all product integrity issues throughout the life of the project.
• Utilize GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance) to review assembly, component designs and details to verify manufacturing feasibility.
• Perform product dynamic testing utilizing various test equipment including but not limited to accelerometers, transducers, strain gages.
• The projects require developing the design of the assembly, the working mechanisms and the corresponding detail components for the product as well as their material selection. Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a plus.
• The ability to work in a team environment with the various other departments needed to bring a new product to launch.
• Develops the test plans, tests and evaluates functions and performance of product prototypes.
• Develops and executes project plans/schedules.
• Review project proposals and plans to determine technical practicality, timeframe, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing projects, resource requirements and apportion available resources to project objectives. 
• Perform ongoing internal project reviews and technical coordination meetings providing technical input as required.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans. Report potential problems to upper management.
• Generate project postmortem findings and apply them to continuous improvement processes.
• Plan and organize technical projects from conception to completion.
• Coordinate and communicate between various areas; supervise and train project staff as needed.
• Utilize engineering knowledge for project management; estimate timelines and schedules; anticipate risks and costs related to the technical aspects of the project.
• Periodic travel to support project and client needs
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Support and adhere to all ISO standards applicable to the Company.
• Wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment as directed by the Company.
• Demonstrates complete working knowledge of firearms safety. 
• Maintains and keeps workstation and department area clean. 
• Immediately reports any maintenance and/or safety issues to Management. 
• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward co-workers, other departments and the Company. 
• Maintains respect, courtesy and professionalism toward all co-workers and the Company.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with co-workers and management.
• Actively participate and support the 5S process within the work area daily.
• Other duties will be assigned as required.

Qualifications & Knowledge Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  These requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or the equivalent is necessary. An advanced degree is a plus.

• Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in new product development in a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive knowledge of CAD (Solidworks preferred) with FEA and functional expertise in the application of GD&T.

• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances (ANSI Y14.5) is necessary.
• Ability to manage projects and teams that deliver products on schedule and within budget constraints. 

• Extensive experience in various manufacturing processes including but not limited to: castings, metal injection molding, plastic injection molding, machining, forgings, and additive manufacturing.

• The ability to multi-task and to manage several projects simultaneously is a must. 
• Experience working on highly-concurrent, collaborative, multi-disciplinary programs across multiple broad business disciplines (Sales to Engineering)
• Ability to engage and manage cross functional teams

• Self-motivated with good written and verbal communications skills; ability to effectively prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations.
• Experience in Firearm Manufacturing and Product Development is a plus.

Working Conditions 

Work is normally performed in a climate-controlled office environment and throughout a heated manufacturing and warehouse facility. Exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes and gases is very limited. Noise level is moderate and includes sounds of light manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and normal office equipment (computers, telephones, etc.). No known environmental hazards are encountered in normal performance of job duties. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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: 

• Be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• Be able to lift, push and pull objects as necessary
• May be required to stand and walk throughout the workday
• Occasionally required to bend, stoop, kneel and crouch

Disclaimers

• This job description should not be interpreted to be a complete list of all the duties and responsibilities performed by the jobholder.  To maintain organizational flexibility, management has the discretion to add, drop or change at any time the duties, responsibilities and expectations of this job.

• This job description does not constitute an offer of employment, continuous employment or an employment contract.  We are an at-will employer and either you or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any legal reason or for no reason.