Product Design Engineer

If you are a current Ruger employee, pleaseclick here to apply internally.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-orientedProduct 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.
• Must be eligible to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship now and in the future.

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 sharing, and bonus
• 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