Product Design Engineer

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Job Description:

Job Title: Product Design Engineer

Location: Mayodan, NC

Company: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Senior Director of Product Engineering

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Product Design Engineer to support new product development, derivative and line extension product initiatives, sustaining engineering, and cost reduction efforts. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and hands-on experience in product design within a manufacturing environment. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to develop robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective designs, supporting products from concept through production and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop line extension and derivative configurations from concept through production release.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks in accordance with company standards.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure functional, manufacturable, and inspectable designs.
• Conduct tolerance stack-ups and variation analysis using CETOL or similar tools.

• Develop predictive mathematical models for simulating various aspects of mechanical motion.

• Lead and participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) initiatives to optimize cost, quality, and throughput.
• Support sustaining engineering efforts including design updates, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage engineering changes through PDM and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), ensuring proper documentation and revision control.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, test plans, and reports.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities.
• Interface with suppliers to support design development and cost reduction initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related equivalent technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment.

• Must be proficient in SolidWorks as well as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009) and tolerance analysis (CETOL preferred).
• Experience with DFMA and FMEA methodologies.
• Familiarity with Bill of Material (BOM) management in ERP systems (Oracle preferred).
• Experience supporting products through full lifecycle (concept to production).
• Strong problem-solving, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.

• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Good judgment/decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in firearms or regulated manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities of machined, injection molded, MIM (Metal Injection Molded), and stamped components.

• Spring design experience

• Experience performing moderately complex analyses such as kinematic/dynamic motion and FEA.

• Experience with cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Exposure to product testing and validation processes.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to successfully pass a drug and background screen.

Salary:

• D.O.E. – please include your salary requirements with your resume.

Additional benefits to becoming a member of our team:

• Competitive compensation package including competitive salary, profit share, and bonus (bonus and profit share based on company performance)
• Health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
• Life and Retirement benefits, including 401k match, discretionary supplemental 401k contribution, basic and supplemental life options, as well as short- and long-term disability plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Relocation Assistance is available for the right candidate who is willing to relocate.
• Casual work environment