What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer position at Smith & Wesson?
Scope:
We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Project Manager to join our new product development team. This is not a desk-only role — the ideal candidate is just as comfortable on the shop floor as in a conference room. You will work directly with engineers, technicians, and production staff to remove roadblocks, keep projects moving, and ensure that critical deliverables are achieved.
Pay Range: $68,000-$100,000
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Project Leadership: Manage engineering projects from concept through release, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and compliance requirements.
Hands-On Support: Actively engage with engineering and operations teams to identify and remove bottlenecks. Step in where needed — whether coordinating cross-department tasks, moving parts and inventory, or assisting in the flow of product to the correct departments.
Shop Floor Presence: Spend significant time on the production floor with engineers and operators to understand challenges firsthand, participate in new product testing activities, drive task completion, and maintain project momentum.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Facilitate communication between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to maintain momentum and resolve issues quickly.
Decision-Making: Make timely, informed decisions based on project requirements, balancing technical needs, operational constraints, and business priorities.
Scheduling & Tracking: Develop and maintain project schedules, resource plans, and performance metrics to ensure milestones are met.
After-Project Support: Continue monitoring and tracking lingering project-related tasks following launch to ensure full completion and proper handoff to sustaining teams.
Continuous Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in workflows and contribute to process improvements that drive productivity, quality, and throughput.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear project documentation and provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5 years of project management or engineering leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing or product development (firearms or related industries a plus).
Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, 3DX ENOVIA Project Management, Smartsheet).
Working knowledge of key manufacturing technologies such as plastic injection molding, metal injection molding, machining, forging, and heat treating — with the ability to anticipate design constraints, lead time impacts, and quality considerations
Proven ability to thrive in a hands-on environment, with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and directly support engineering and production teams when needed.
Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
Proactive problem-solver with a track record of removing obstacles and driving projects forward under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions under pressure while balancing technical, operational, and business considerations.
Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process improvement experience a plus.
Physical Demands:
Continuous: sitting Occasional: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching, fine and gross upper body motor movement
Extended time in sitting position, prolong use of computer and possible eye strain. Occasional lift: 0 to 30 pounds
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:
Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.
The following Personal Protective Equipment is required:
Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor
The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
Who We Are:
Since 1852 Smith & Wesson has empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security promised by the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. It is this sense of safety and security that frees us to pursue our goals and dreams, define our future, and fulfill the promise of America.
Benefits:
Health, Dental & Vision
Prescription Drug Coverage
Employee Assistance Program
Group Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Investment 401K Plan & Profit Sharing
Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Paid Vacation, Holidays & Winter Shutdown
Tuition Assistance Program
Employee Product Discounts
Service Awards
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Updated 10/06/2026
Salary : $68,000 - $100,000