Kydex Holster Molder / Manufacturing Technician

Position Overview:

Watchdog Tactical is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Kydex Holster Molder / Manufacturing Technician to join our production team. This position is responsible for the molding stage of our Kydex holster manufacturing process and plays an important role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and efficiency of our finished products.

This is a hands-on manufacturing position in a fast-paced production environment. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, comfortable working with tools and production equipment, able to follow established processes, and has strong attention to detail. Previous Kydex or holster manufacturing experience is helpful but not required; we are willing to train the right candidate. Experience in manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, machine operation, automotive work, woodworking, or similar hands-on environments is beneficial.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manufacture and mold Kydex holsters according to company specifications and production standards.
• Operate heat presses and vacuum presses used during the Kydex forming process.
• Properly heat Kydex material to prepare it for molding and forming.
• Prepare firearm molds/fixtures for the molding process.
• Apply and remove blocking materials to create appropriate clearance and functionality within the holster.
• Tape molds as required to achieve proper fit, spacing, retention, and clearance.
• Position Kydex and molds correctly within presses to ensure consistent forming.
• Mark molded Kydex for proper spacing, drilling, hardware placement, and subsequent production steps.
• Inspect molded pieces for proper definition, fit, alignment, and overall quality before moving them to the next stage of production.
• Identify molding defects or inconsistencies and remake or correct pieces when necessary.
• Follow established specifications for different firearm models and holster configurations.
• Organize and properly maintain molds, blocking materials, templates, and other production components.
• Keep the molding workstation, presses, tools, and surrounding production area clean and organized.
• Work efficiently to meet daily production requirements while maintaining quality standards.
• Communicate with other members of the production team regarding special orders, custom configurations, quality concerns, or production issues.
• Follow all company safety procedures when working with heated materials, presses, tools, and manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with other production or manufacturing duties as needed.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive production work consistently.
• Mechanically inclined and comfortable working with hands, tools, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to learn different firearm models, mold configurations, and product specifications.
• Ability to recognize small differences in spacing, alignment, molding, and product quality.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to work independently once trained while also functioning as part of a production team.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality are extremely important.
• Ability to stay organized while working through multiple orders and product configurations.
• Manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, machine-operation, or production experience is preferred but not required.
• Kydex experience is not required. Training will be provided.

Physical/Work Environment:

This is an active, hands-on manufacturing position. The employee will regularly stand for extended periods, use their hands to manipulate materials and equipment, and work around heated Kydex and production machinery. The position requires the ability to safely perform repetitive manufacturing tasks throughout the workday.

Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for someone who is reliable, trainable, detail-oriented, productive, and takes pride in the quality of their work. Because our holsters are manufactured in-house and sold through our storefront and multiple sales channels, consistency and production efficiency are very important. The right candidate should be comfortable working in a steady production environment and willing to learn our specific manufacturing process.

• Important note for candidate screening: Candidates do not need previous holster-making experience. We are especially interested in candidates with transferable hands-on experience in manufacturing, fabrication, production, assembly, machine operation, automotive work, woodworking, plastics/thermoforming, or similar environments.