Director of Product Development

Job: Director of Product Engineering & Development

Location: Troy, AL (With Relocation assistance)

Type: Full-time, Direct Hire

Summary/Objective: Purpose of the job.

Responsible for leading the development, engineering, and testing of firearms. Will lead teams of engineers on new product development, sustaining engineering, continuous and value engineering. Will manage a Technical Center for supporting prototype builds and product improvements and will oversee testing and test personnel. The Director will be the steward of the technology development process while ensuring the safe operation of products and effectively transfer the technologies into product development. The position will manage a deep technical R&D organization while identifying and developing talent.

Position Description: Core functions and duties of the position.

• Direct, manage and track multiple concurrent engineering projects while ensuring their success in meeting the timing, quality, and cost objectives.
• Build, lead and manage all parts of the engineering organization and direct the management of external engineering teams.
• Manage 3-5 direct reports and a team of up to 20 engineers and technicians.
• Prepare and meet annual operating plan/budget and maintain emergency backup plans
• Continually project a true passion for the company’s product space.
• Develop multi-year technology product development roadmaps e.g. Computer Aided Design (CAD) strategy, software, future needs, etc.
• Support manufacturing, quality management, and procurement with product part questions.
• Be open to product improvement ideas from throughout the organization.
• Stay connected to the product marketplace; attend and participate in trade shows.
• Ensure company’s awareness of key technologies and make investment recommendations.
• Make sure that the company’s engineers keep up with current technologies and certifications.
• Lead by example. Strive for excellence, work with passion and execute with urgency.
• Provide leadership for employee relations through effective communications, coaching, training, and development.
• Detail and implement long-term direct reports/organization plan to increase overall department responsiveness.
• Leverage assets and resources to drive meaningful product growth through innovation as well as iteration.
• Effectively collaborate with the other members of the leadership to balance and achieve company goals.
• Support sales and business development efforts as necessary.
• Seek out, participate in industry organizations, and participate in government/industry standards committees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required

• Stellar design instincts, ability to function as the Chief Engineer, to garner the respect of the engineers and the organization in regards to “engineering prowess”.
• Driven individual, dedicated to making positive change.
• Experienced and committed to metrics as a key part of continuous improvement.
• A demonstrated ability to lead people and achieve results through others by delegation.
• Have an understanding of CNC machining and demonstrated ability to design for manufacturability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the workforce.
• Proficient with engineering tools (Solidworks, 3D CAD, analysis tools), and engineering resources.
• Excellent project and program management skills to ensure projects are finished on time and under budget.
• Position requires exceptional follow-through skills and attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic with integrity and leadership qualities that inspire trust and confidence from all levels.
• Proven record of accomplishment of mentoring, motivating and developing individuals.
• Team player comfortable working in collaboration with a strong cross-functional leadership team.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills to deliver reports and planning to the executive team.
• Ability to prioritize and respond effectively to meet deadlines in high demand seasonal environments.
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Project, and ERP systems.
• In case a candidate is without an extensive firearms design background, must be willing to research and learn about SAAMI procedures and specifications relative to firearms industry development, testing, and validation requirements and procedures.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, advanced degree in Engineering or MBA strongly 20 years of direct experience in the design, development, build, qualification, test and certification of manufactured products with at least 15 years of management experience.