Senior Design Engineer

Job Objective

Plans, organizes, manages and executes multiple product development activities for the various components of the firearms systems to meet company objectives for new products and improvements of existing product lines. This includes product roadmap development and management, preparation of engineering drawings and specifications, test plan development, execution and technical reporting, development of solutions for design and process improvement, and solving technical problems related to PROOF products. Interacts with engineering, production, quality, research, and customer facing groups within the company and is the primary focal point between PROOF and customer engineering teams.

Qualifications

1. BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 8 years experience or MS degree with 4 years experience in the firearms industry is required.

2. Proven experience in a mentorship/management role.

3. Demonstrated expertise in product development and product design, including preparation of product development roadmaps, product design, testing and manufacturing. Ability to plan, manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously is a must.

4. Proficiency in use of computer aided design and drafting. Extensive Solidworks experience is mandatory. Experience with Solidworks Product Data Management is required.

5. Experience with GD&T, design for manufacture, and other general design principles.

6. Knowledge of metal working processes. Knowledge of composites design and fabrication preferred.

7. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and specifications, and governmental regulations.

8. Willingness to learn the operation of and become proficient with various pieces of test equipment including high speed cameras and data acquisition systems.

9. Demonstrated ability to effectively present technical information to and respond to questions from management, other groups within the company and customers.

10. Proven ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals and work instructions.

11. Proven ability to gather and analyze information skillfully and generate creative, engineered solutions to practical problems where limited or no standardization exists.

12. Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and on budget with exception time management skills and attention to detail.

13. Experience working within ISO 9000, AS9100 or equivalent quality system.

14. Experience using an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

15. Demonstrated firearms familiarity and competency in firearms safety.

Job Duties

1. Formulate and implement product portfolio strategies, short- and long-term product development objectives and opportunities for continuous improvement.

2. Conduct market analysis in collaboration with the sales team for new products and product enhancements, including staying abreast of relevant competitor activities.

3. Serve as technical representative to business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) customers including periodic travel to meet with and present to current stakeholders and prospective business partners, to trade shows, to sales representative trainings and to product launch events.

4. Manage 20-30 projects concurrently and the efforts of the product development team.

5. Mentor other design engineers within the company.

6. Create and ensure department processes are followed, including monitoring of performance metrics.

7. Ensure new products meet internal quality and reliability expectations and align with the company's brand image and capabilities.

8. Identify new internal and external manufacturing capacities that would enable product improvements and new product lines.

9. Collaborate closely with manufacturing, sales, marketing and finance to realize the company's product objectives and revenue goals.

10. Participate in periodic internal and external audits of processes to maintain quality management system certification.

11. Responsible for input and maintenance of product data within the enterprise resource planning system.

12. Administer product data management system and coordinate release of new and updated engineered drawings to production.

13. Provide product data for website and other marketing materials.

14. Develop product roadmaps, lead and manage projects, processes and other product development activities.

15. Follow methods and procedures for monitoring projects such as preparation of records of expenditures, research findings, and progress.

16. Follow engineering documentation procedures.

17. Select and apply existing design methodologies and technologies for new products or improvement for existing ones.

18. Work with the Operations team to ensure design intent is fulfilled and assist in developing capabilities needed for new products including fixturing and tooling.

19. Develop and execute test plans for developmental and/or production products. Analyze test data and prepare reports for engineering and management personnel.

20. Work with the Quality team to define critical metrics for production monitoring and to understand customer return and internal rejection concerns to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

21. Coordinate as required with other internal groups including manufacturing engineering, purchasing, quality control, sales, production, and accounting personnel.

22. Keep supervisor advised of work status, workload, problems, and progress as related to work assignments.

23. Perform hands-on work on barrels, firearms, and accessories, including assembly/disassembly, inspection, measurement, testing and repair/modification.

24. Coordinate with department lead to evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations on products, designs, and cost improvements to improve the competitive position of the company.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed/assigned. This individual has the responsibility & authority to carry out tasks assigned by management.

Schedule: Generally, the schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; however, certain events may require flexibility.

This position requires the flexibility to travel as needed (customer sites, trade shows events, training events, etc.) in accordance with Proof travel policy. A valid driver's license is required.

Work Environment

Primarily works indoors in an office/manufacturing plant setting. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office setting and moderate in the plant setting. Higher noise levels will be experienced in firearm test firing ranges while performing duties. Firearm safety is a critical aspect of the work environment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia Falls, MT Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbia Falls, MT 59912: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person