Director of Product Engineering
Purpose: The Director of Product Engineering provides planning, organization, leadership, and coordination to drive continuous improvement of engineering projects for the development of new and existing products. This role mentors and directs the product engineering team, guiding product strategy and R&D initiatives to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality firearms and components that meet market demands and regulatory requirements.
Basic Function: Lead the engineering function to achieve product excellence, innovation, and compliance. Direct cross-functional collaboration to execute technical strategy, deliver on-time and on-budget projects, and support company growth.
Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Vice President of Operations.
---
Job Requirements
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, or related field (master’s preferred).
Experience
· 10+ years in engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership or management within precision CNC manufacturing.
· Proven track record leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and at high quality.
· Preferred: Experience and/or knowledge of firearms.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
· Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
· Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities.
· Ability to mentor and inspire high-performing teams.
· Knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
· Understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, and project management.
· Expertise in product design, materials science, and manufacturing processes for precision-engineered products.
· Familiarity with regulations and compliance standards (ITAR, ISO, military and law enforcement requirements).
· Passion for defense technologies and shooting sports is a plus.
---
Physical Demands
Some walking, standing, lifting (up to 35 lbs), and use of hands; occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, and moving machinery.
Work Environment: Manufacturing setting with exposure to noise, fumes, and moving equipment; safety compliance required.
---
Authority
· Direct the activities of employees reporting to this position.
· Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and discipline direct reports in alignment with company policies.
---
Duties and Responsibilities
· Lead and mentor engineering staff to drive performance, results, and professional growth.
· Collaborate with executive leadership to define and execute technical strategy and long-term engineering roadmap.
· Oversee the full lifecycle of engineering projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution.
· Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring high-quality and compliant product delivery.
· Track and report on team performance, department KPIs, resource utilization, and project milestones.
· Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation.
· Maintain compliance with industry regulations and certifications (ITAR, ISO, etc.).
· Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership.
· Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors.
· Oversee the design, development, and enhancement of products to meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
· Promote continuous improvement, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving.
· Guide prototyping, testing, and assessments for new product development.
· Integrate market trends and emerging technologies into product innovation.
· Lead product design reviews, validation, and manufacturability efforts.
· Address engineering challenges proactively, including delays or quality issues.
· Stay current on emerging technologies and market trends to maintain a competitive advantage.
· Collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Marketing to meet timelines, cost goals, and quality standards.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations.
You may contact me directly at E: bill.schellhas@gogpac.com PH: 605-679-9922
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
