R&D Manufacturing Engineer

R&D Manufacturing Engineer

Laramie, Wyoming | Full-Time, In-Person | Reports to: Director of Engineering

Position Overview

Tungsten Parts Wyoming (TPW) is a Laramie-based manufacturer of tungsten heavy alloy components for defense, aerospace, and specialty industrial applications. We are seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Engineer to own new product development from concept through production-ready handoff. This role reports directly to the Director of Engineering and sits between design and the shop floor — programming CNC operations (Mastercam preferred), building and testing prototypes, and developing repeatable manufacturing processes for new product lines. Equal comfort at a CNC machine and in CAD is expected. Defense, aerospace, or specialty materials manufacturing experience is strongly preferred; experience with tungsten heavy alloy or powder metallurgy is a significant differentiator.

Responsibilities

· Own R&D projects end-to-end, from concept and prototype through test and production handoff.

· Program and prove out CNC jobs (Mastercam preferred) with first-pass yield at or above 90%.

· Lead design–test–iterate cycles on new product development with documented methodology, results, and revisions.

· Develop repeatable manufacturing processes for new product lines with defined parameters, tooling, and quality criteria.

· Improve setup and cycle time on existing machining operations through toolpath optimization, fixturing, and process redesign.

· Maintain complete engineering documentation — drawings, setup sheets, test reports, fixture docs, and revision history.

· Deliver measurable process improvements each quarter tied to yield, efficiency, or cost, with before/after data.

· Communicate project status, risks, and decisions clearly and early to engineering leadership and shop floor partners.

Working Conditions

Manufacturing environment with regular exposure to machining operations, noise, and required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes). Work is split between the production floor and an engineering office. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work safely near operating equipment. Travel up to 10% for vendor visits, supplier development, training, and industry events.

Export Control Requirement (ITAR / EAR)

This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62) — U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Compensation & Benefits

· Competitive Salary

· Full-time, exempt

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· 401(k) with company match

· Paid time off

· Location: Laramie, WY (on-site)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tungsten Parts Wyoming is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related engineering field.

· Hands-on CNC machining experience with demonstrated ability to program, set up, and prove out parts.

· Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and CAM (Mastercam preferred).

· Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.

· Demonstrated ownership of engineering projects from design through production.

· Comfortable working on the production floor and operating equipment as needed.

· Strong written and verbal communication, with discipline around documentation.

· Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR (see Export Control Requirement below).

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with tungsten heavy alloy, powder metallurgy, or other specialty materials.

· Background in defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

· Experience with DFM reviews and transitioning prototypes into production.

· Familiarity with tolerance stack-up analysis and fixture design.

· Data analysis skills in Excel, Python, or equivalent.