Director of Research & Development
On-siteFort Smith, Arkansas, United States
Job Summary
Lead and develop the Fort Smith-based R&D team, including recruiting top engineering talent and fostering a collaborative, innovative culture. Oversee the design, development, and testing of new firearms and related technologies, ensuring products meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Provide technical leadership and vision to guide the development of next-generation firearms platforms while managing multiple concurrent projects to meet schedule, cost, and performance targets. Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth product launches and establish test protocols for new designs. Maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement within the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 10+ years of progressive experience in product design and development
- Proven track record of successfully leading design and R&D teams
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Ability to develop a deep understanding of firearms systems, ballistics, materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards (e.g., ATF, ITAR)
- Demonstrated ability to bring new products to market from concept through full-scale production
- Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Experience in 3-D CAD design, focusing on SolidWorks, and other engineering analysis software
- Experience in ANSI-Y-14.5 drawing terms and tolerances
- Experience in DFM in a Lean environment
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced technical degree or MBA
- PMP certification
- SolidWorks PDM experience
- A solid leadership style based on the development and support of those you lead
- A passion for metric driven results
- A team focused approach to design and development which leverages feedback and input across the organization
- Excellent interpersonal skills providing clear communication at all levels
- Exceptional product life cycle management skills
- Proven success of project management through documentation and KPIs
- An ability to prioritize and pivot based on internal and external customer demands
- Strong ethics, integrity and leadership qualities that inspire trust and confidence from all levels
- An established history of mentoring, motivating and developing individuals
- A Cultural fit built around engagement, empowerment and servant leadership
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