VP of Engineering

Job Title: Vice President of Engineering, Research and Development (R&D)

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: US

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Overview:

The Vice President (VP) of Engineering, Research and Development (R&D) will play a pivotal role in driving the innovation, design, and development of cutting-edge firearms and related technologies.

This executive will oversee the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to testing and production.

They will ensure the company's products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety while aligning with the market's evolving demands and legal compliance.

The VP will collaborate with senior management to set strategic goals, develop R&D initiatives, and drive product innovation that enhances the company's competitive edge in the firearms industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the overall engineering and R&D strategy in alignment with the company's business objectives.
• Lead the innovation agenda to enhance product offerings, incorporating emerging technologies and trends within the firearms industry.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders (e.g., marketing, sales, operations) to translate customer needs and market demands into engineering solutions.

Team Management & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of engineers, designers, and technical professionals.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the engineering and R&D teams.
• Ensure the team stays current with industry standards, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements.

Product Design & Development:

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept through production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Ensure all firearms designs meet or exceed performance, reliability, and safety standards, and comply with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Drive innovation in new materials, manufacturing processes, and firearm technology to improve product performance and reduce cost.

Research & Innovation:

• Lead R&D initiatives focused on new product development, firearms innovation, and enhancements of existing products.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends, ensuring the company is at the forefront of technical advancements within the firearms industry.
• Oversee patent applications, intellectual property management, and ensure competitive market positioning through technological advancements.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the engineering and R&D budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum innovation and return on investment.
• Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and cost management to ensure engineering efforts are completed within budget and on schedule.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all product designs comply with federal, state, and international regulations, including safety standards and certifications specific to the firearms industry.
• Maintain rigorous quality control and testing procedures to ensure the safety, reliability, and functionality of firearms.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to stay informed of regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments in product design.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Partner with manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless transition of products from development to production.
• Work closely with the marketing and sales departments to ensure alignment between product offerings and customer needs.
• Communicate engineering and R&D progress to the executive team and provide updates on key projects, timelines, and challenges.

Risk Management & Problem Solving:

• Identify and mitigate risks related to product design, manufacturing, and R&D initiatives.
• Develop solutions for technical challenges, product performance issues, and process inefficiencies.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in engineering, with at least 8 years in a leadership role within the firearms, defence, or a related industry.
• Deep knowledge of firearms design, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record of managing large, multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies, materials, and innovations in firearms or related industries.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership and drive organizational success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing and CNC machining.
• Familiarity with firearms safety testing, ballistics, and product certification processes.
• Strong project management skills with experience in Agile or Lean methodologies.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Relocation assistance, if applicable

At Morgan Ryder we can provide you with a full range of employment opportunities from short term and fixed term temporary vacancies to permanent positions.

We recruit for companies that operate in the following industries: Food and Drink Manufacturers, FMCG, Packaging, Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace, Warehousing, Logistics, Waste Management, Petro Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Power & Renewable Energy.

Please note that calls to and from the offices of Morgan Ryder Associates Ltd. may be monitored or recorded. This is to ensure compliance with regulatory procedures, record business transactions and for training purposes.