Design and Development Engineer - II

Vedder Holsters is seeking a creative, innovative Design Engineer to conceptualize, design, and develop cutting-edge holster products and accessories, ensuring they meet exceptional quality, functionality, and aesthetic standards that align with our brand's commitment to empowering gun owners with superior gear. This hands-on role focuses primarily on Research & Development and product design, while also providing technical support to the Commercialization Team in resolving production-related challenges. This position involves owning project timelines, product goals, and key development metrics to drive successful launches.

The ideal candidate is passionate about product innovation, highly skilled in CAD and prototyping, detail-oriented, collaborative, and proactive in solving complex design and engineering challenges to bring high-quality, user-focused products from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Product Innovation:

• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor products to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ideate new product concept ideas with Manager that seamlessly integrate with our existing product line.

Product Design:

• Conceptualize and design new holster products, considering functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
• Utilize Fusion CAD software, 3D printing and other design tools to create detailed product drawings and specifications.

Development Process:

• Lead the product development process from initializing the concept of new designs, through the modification to ensure it is production ready.
• Identify possible project challenges or constraints and proactively provide solutions to improve the product design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Production, to bring products to market successfully.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration and effective communication throughout the design and development process.

Prototyping:

• Create prototypes via 3D Printing for new product concepts and conduct testing to validate design concepts and functionality.
• Collaborate with the Manager to review project details, iterating through multiple versions until the product reaches the aesthetic and functionality requirements to review with Leadership.

Testing:

• Effectively test prototypes to ensure it meets production specifications and functionality required.
• Analyze test results and iterate designs based on feedback and performance.

Material Selection:

• Research and select appropriate materials for product development, considering factors such as durability, cost, and sustainability.
• Implement design enhancements and modifications to existing products based on customer feedback and market trends.

Commercialization:

• Set Standards for the Commercialization Team for all new tooling development.
• Support the Commercialization Team in troubleshooting issues as technical questions and roadblocks arise in building tooling. (est. 10-15% of time)

Documentation/Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of design specifications, testing procedures, and project progress.
• Own weekly metrics reporting for Development and Commercialization project goals.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Proven experience in product design and development, preferably in the field of holsters or related accessories.
• Proficiency in CAD software, (preferably Fusion 360) and other relevant design tools.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in similar role.

Why Work at Vedder Holsters

• Stable, growing company with in-house operations.
• Hands-on, high-impact role where your designs directly shape innovative products that empower our customers.
• Opportunity to drive real innovation in holster technology, improve processes, and contribute to a brand known for quality and craftsmanship.

Vedder Holsters is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Health savings account option
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan / SIMPLE IRA
• Employee discount
• Employee Gym

Schedule

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Our Founding Promise

Vedder Holsters was founded with a promise to create a workplace where our team feels inspired, fulfilled, and appreciated. While our mission drives us to empower gun owners with exceptional gear, this commitment to our people remains the heartbeat of who we are- fueling a positive, rewarding environment where craftsmanship thrives and every team member is proud to contribute.

Job Type: Full-time