What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Manufacturing Engineer position at Savage Arms?
Headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts, with a location in Lakefield, Ontario, Savage has been producing firearms for more than 125 years. Savage is one of the world's largest manufacturers of hunting, competition and targeting shooting centerfire and rimfire rifles, and shotguns. Our firearms are best known for accuracy, performance and innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit that originally defined the company is still evident in its ongoing focus on continuous innovation, craftsmanship, quality and service. Learn more at www.savagearms.com.
The Art Of Craftsmanship’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mIrF9OtAbA
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Savage Arms is undertaking a significant transformation of its machining and manufacturing operations. We are moving from legacy processes toward a modern, highly efficient environment leveraging advanced CNC machining, automation, and data-driven process control.
We are seeking a hands-on, technically strong manufacturing engineering leader to design and lead this transformation. This is not a maintenance role—this is a build and modernization mandate.
The right candidate will bring deep expertise in CNC programming, machining processes, and automation, along with the leadership capability to elevate our engineering function and shop floor performance
WHAT YOU WILL OWN:
Lead the modernization of CNC machining processes across the facility
Develop and implement advanced CNC programming standards (multi-axis, high-efficiency machining)
- Define and execute an automation roadmap, including:
- Robotics / cobots
- Palletized systems (e.g., Fastems-type solutions)
- Lights-out / unattended machining
Drive integration of CMM, in-process probing, and automated inspection systems
- Establish scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes that improve:
- Throughput
- Quality
- Cost efficiency
Build and lead a high-performing manufacturing engineering team, including CNC programmers and process engineers
Partner with operations leadership on capital equipment strategy and investment decisions
Implement data-driven manufacturing practices (SPC, process monitoring, continuous improvement systems)
WHAT YOU WILL BUILD:
A modern CNC programming and process engineering capability
A roadmap for automation and digital manufacturing
A stronger technical bench across engineering and the shop floor
A culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
10 years in manufacturing engineering with deep focus on CNC machining
Proven expertise in multi-axis CNC programming and machining processes
Hands-on experience with CAM systems (e.g., Mastercam, NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
Experience implementing or supporting automation solutions in a machining environment
Strong understanding of tooling, fixturing, cutting strategies, and cycle time optimization
Experience with CMM and/or in-process inspection technologies
Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, and cost in a manufacturing setting
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: |
Experience modernizing or transforming a legacy manufacturing environment
Exposure to robotics, pallet systems, or lights-out machining
Experience building or leading engineering teams
Background in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing environments
LEADERSHIP & AUTHORITY: |
Reports directly to senior operations leadership
Leads manufacturing engineering and CNC programming resources
Plays a key role in capital investment planning and execution
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: |
A builder and problem-solver, not a maintainer
Someone who has stepped into complex environments and made them better
A leader who can operate both:- Strategically (roadmap, systems, investment)
- Tactically (on the floor, programming, troubleshooting)
COMPENSATION |
Competitive base salary
Performance-based bonus tied to operational improvements
Full benefits package
WHY SAVAGE ARMS |
This is a rare opportunity to have direct impact on the future of a well-known American manufacturer. You will have the ability to shape how we operate, what we invest in, and how we compete—while building a modern manufacturing capability from the ground up.
Savage Arms is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000