Lead Design Engineer II

The Lead Design Engineer II leads a team during firearm product development activities, researching and developing ideas for new products and existing product lines. This position reports directly to the Director of Product Development. As part of the product development team, the Lead Design Engineer II is responsible for leading and developing a team of engineers with their knowledge of design, analysis and testing as well as the product development process to develop complex firearms systems and sub-systems.

• Accountable for technical design support and contributions to the Product Development team.
• Accountable for product design and performance for current and previously created products.
• Leads engineering project team in design activities from idea through production.
• Collaborates effectively with cross-functional team to complete projects and successfully hand off to production teams.
• Contributes to Product Development team with designing, prototype building, testing, and reporting to ensure products meet requirements.
• Generate CAD models and drawings ensuring functional dimensioning scheme with appropriate tolerancing schemes.
• Contributes to Product Development team with tolerance studies and QAP identification.
• Organize and support with internal and external suppliers to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing at scale.
• Provide support and lead testing to diagnose and improve designs in development and validate production product.
• Develop and support Intellectual Property through patent searches, patent applications, and trade studies.
• Support production, quality, and supply chain in initial manufacturing ramp up of new product.
• Work interdepartmentally to provide technical assistance and continually improve operations and grow our business.
• Provides guidance to junior engineers.
• Consistently follow safe firearm handling practices.
• Must be able to travel infrequently.
• All other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8 years of design engineering experience; firearm development experience of handguns, MSRs, or other long guns preferred.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and/or other 3D CAD software.
• Working understanding of drawing creation including creating functional dimensioning schemes and appropriate GD&T.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive management and lead technical work group.
• Expert level understanding of one or more firearm or component types.
• High level or Expert understanding of design for manufacturing for two or more manufacturing techniques; polymer injection molding, metal injection molding, machining, stamping, casting, forging, springs, etc. preferred.
• Hand measurement experience with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and additional equipment preferred. 
• Working understanding of performing tolerance stack analyses preferred. 
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with sound decision making ability.
• Must be willing to learn, improve, adapt and be flexible while displaying ownership of problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication both orally and written.
• Positive attitude, goal driven, and focused on the overall strategic picture of the organization.
• Proficient skills with computers, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook required.
• Experience using and maintaining firearms and related products is preferred.
• Required to maintain confidentiality.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work is performed in a high-volume manufacturing environment, working with chemicals, and handling with both manual and automated equipment and systems; and will involve working in a typical office environment. Specific job assignments may require day, evening, weekend, or holiday hours. Overtime may be required.

Team members are constantly standing, walking, carrying, pulling/pushing, bending, seeing, kneeling, stooping, reaching, hearing, as well as handing paperwork, and computer and phone usage. Team members will be lifting objects weighing 50 lbs. or less regularly. Cleaning material and chemicals used regularly. 

Design Engineer and Design Technician as assigned

Must be at least 18 years old.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Export Control Compliance Notice

This position may involve access to technology or software source code subject to U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Employment is contingent on verifying U.S. Person status or obtaining any necessary export license/confirming the availability of a license exception. Applicants must provide information for export control screening, which will be reviewed for compliance. Palmetto State Armory may elect not to pursue a license or exception and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis.