Project Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We're looking for a Project Design Engineer who thrives in the final stretch of product development, where details matter, timelines tighten, and great ideas become real, manufacturable products. In this role, you'll work directly with the founding team and core engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and scalability, ensuring every product is ready for production at the highest standard.

You'll take ownership of design transfer and serve as the link between engineering, prototyping, production, and suppliers. From refining CAD models to validating tooling with contract manufacturers, you'll help drive products from prototype to market-ready. If you're motivated by hands-on engineering, cross-functional collaboration, and seeing your work move quickly into production, this role offers a high-ownership environment where your impact will be visible every day.

What You'll Do

Finalize designs with a strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturability across injection molding, CNC machining, extrusion, and other processes.

Convert prototypes and early iterations into complete, production-ready documentation—tolerances, specifications, and all.

Partner with contract manufacturers to validate tooling, assess manufacturability, and align on cost and quality expectations.

Support all phases of New Product Introduction, including pilot builds, validation testing, and design updates.

Maintain accurate 3D CAD models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks or Fusion 360 while upholding strong drafting and GD&T standards.

Troubleshoot late-stage design challenges involving materials, assembly, or production constraints.

Collaborate directly with founders, supply chain, and production teams to move projects through aggressive timelines without sacrificing quality.

What You Bring

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar field.

3–7 years of product development experience, ideally in high-performance, defense-adjacent, or ruggedized product environments.

Strong understanding of injection molding, CNC machining, and extrusion, with proven success optimizing designs for these methods.

Direct NPI experience, owning transitions from prototype to full production.

Proficiency in SolidWorks or Fusion 360, with solid knowledge of GD&T and drafting best practices.

A detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset with comfort in fast-paced, high-ownership environments.

Bonus Points

Experience in defense, firearms, or ruggedized consumer product development.

Exposure to rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, or bridge tooling.

Background working with suppliers, including overseas vendor coordination.