Hybrid Director of Product Engineering at LMT Defense

Description

LMT Defense provides top tier products to the US Military, law enforcement and government agencies, in addition to international customers across the globe. Products include precision engineered modular rifle systems, grenade launchers, suppressors, and components. As it was in the very beginning, LMT’s mission is to exceed customers’ expectations of quality and value and we have been doing so for over 40 years. LMT Defense needs your help as we continue to grow into the future. If you are looking for a position that is fast paced, with competitive benefits (PTO, flex savings account, 401K match), flexible work schedules, and climate-controlled facility; LMT Defense is the perfect company for you. Below are the preferred skills, duties, and responsibilities you will perform as our Director of Product Engineering.
Position Summary: The Director of Product Engineering will provide planning, organization, leadership, and coordination that drive continuous improvement of engineering projects for product development of new and existing products. The Director of Product Engineering will coach, mentor, and direct the product engineering team to drive product strategy and R&D initiatives that ensure successful delivery of high-quality firearms and components that meet market demands and regulatory requirements.
Minimum Requirements:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, or a related field; master's degree preferred. 
• Ten or more years in engineering, with at least 5 years of leadership or management experience in Precision CNC Manufacturing. 
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver on time, high-quality, complex engineering projects. 
• Preferred: Prior experience and/or knowledge of firearms. 

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic mindset. 
• Ability to mentor and inspire teams to achieve high performance. 
• Familiarity and/or understanding of industry trends, technology, software, and best practices. 
• Strong understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, and project management. 
• Understand and implement new and creative continuous improvement processes pertaining to engineering projects and product development. 
• Strong background in product design, materials science, and manufacturing processes related to firearms and/or similar precision-engineered products.
• Proven ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards, including military and law enforcement requirements.
• A strong passion for firearms, defense technologies, and the shooting sports community is a significant plus.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor engineering staff to drive performance, results, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and execute the Company’s technical strategy and long-term engineering roadmap. 
• Oversee the full lifecycle of engineering projects – from planning and design to testing and delivery – ensuring on-time and on-budget execution for both existing and developing products. 
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring high-quality and compliant product delivery. 
• Track and report on team performance, department KPI’s, resource utilization, and project milestones. 
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and output for new and existing product development.
• Maintain compliance with industry regulations, security standards, and relevant certifications (ITAR, ISO, etc.) for government and military requirements, as well as international regulations.
• Communicate with executive leadership on project status, risks, and opportunities. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders involved in engineering initiatives.
• Oversee the design, development and enhancement of firearms and related components, ensuring products meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Guide and oversee assessments, prototyping, and experimental testing to support new product development and performance enhancements.
• Collaborate across departments to gather market trends and emerging technologies into technical requirements and product innovations that can enhance the design of new or existing products. 
• Lead product design reviews, design validation, and design for manufacturability and assembly efforts.
• Address engineering-related challenges proactively, including production delays and product quality issues.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and market trends to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage in the firearms industry.
• Work closely with other departments, including Operations, Quality, R&D, and Marketing, to ensure the engineering teams meet product timelines, cost goals, and quality standards.
• Any other duties assigned by the Vice President of Operations.

*LMT Defense is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

LMT Defense is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

*Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with policies and applicable state laws, LMT Defense provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with LMT will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment. The purpose of this standard procedure is to establish and define the basic function, reporting relationships, authority, requirements, responsibilities, duties, and measures of performance to successfully fulfill the position of Marketing Representative of LMT Defense.