Design Engineer II

Description

The Firearms Design Engineer is responsible for the research, design, development, and improvement of firearms and firearm components. This role involves applying mechanical engineering principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes to create safe, reliable, high-performance firearms while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, company, and industry standards. The right candidate for this position needs to have a combination of innovation and creativity, but also can test, analyze, and use critical thinking skills to bring solid results to a finished product. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

· Lead the design of new, high-quality firearms, from concept to production, in accordance with company objectives.

· Create or modify detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation. 

· Coordinate prototype fabrication, leading the initial assembly, testing and evaluation processes. 

· Identification, diagnosis, and resolution of product design and process development issues.

· Conduct tolerance stack-ups, stress analysis, and material selection. 

· Perform functional testing, reliability assessments, and failure analysis on prototypes. 

· Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for production efficiency and cost. 

· Ensure all designs comply with federal, state, and international regulations. 

· Support continuous improvement of existing firearm platforms. 

· Maintain accurate design records and generate reports as required. 

· Manage projects from concept through release, including scheduling and milestone tracking.

· Travel upon request to the various production facilities, both domestic and international.

· All other duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Hands-on experience with firearms assembly, function testing, and troubleshooting. 

· Understanding of SAAMI, CIP, ATF, ITAR, and other regulatory frameworks. 

· Knowledge of ergonomics, human factors, and user-centric design.

· Strong proficiency in CAD software (Creo preferred). 

· Familiarity with materials such as steel, alloys, polymers, and composites. 

· Experience with GD&T and engineering drawing standards. 

· Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, metal injection molding, plastic injection molding, casting, forging, and additive manufacturing. 

· Ability to apply engineering analysis methods. 

· Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical intuition. 

· Some knowledge or experience in the following areas is beneficial but not required:  

• Engineering testing and instrumentation including strain, load, and pressure measurements using the National Instruments LabVIEW software.
• Setup and use of high-speed video equipment.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Manufacturing experience in relevant technologies.
• Tolerance analysis and the use of tolerance analysis software.
• Experience with metal finishing, coating, and plating.

 · Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

· The employee must enjoy, support, and have a passion for the firearms industry.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Engineering, (Mechanical preferred), from an accredited college or university; an advanced degree is a plus.

10 years’ experience in engineering design of mechanical consumer products (firearms preferred) with 2D and 3D CAD software (Creo preferred).

Applicants should be philosophically aligned with the brand, its products, markets and mission of Browning and its affiliate companies. Browning offers an excellent wage and benefits package. A few unique benefits include use of rifle and trap and skeet ranges and a free meal each day provided by an on-site cafeteria!  And, of course, a special employee discount on all Browning/Winchester products. 

The Northern Utah area is a family-friendly environment and offers tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and cultural enrichment. Browning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.