Firearms Design & Process Engineer

Company Overview
80 Percent Arms, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms components, dedicated to innovation and precision in firearm design and manufacturing. We strive to deliver reliable products that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

About the Role
80 Percent Arms is seeking a highly skilled and analytical Firearms Design & Process Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and final production. You will be instrumental in designing new products, optimizing how they are made, and ensuring every component meets our rigorous quality standards. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in modern firearm platforms, hands-on experience in process engineering, and a collaborative mindset to work seamlessly with our in-house machining and production teams. Being a passionate firearms enthusiast is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Design & Prototyping: Lead the design and development of new firearm components and accessories from concept through prototyping and final testing.
• Platform Diagnostics: Act as the subject matter expert to systematically troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve mechanical and functional issues specific to the AR-15 and Glock platforms.
• Manufacturing Optimization: Partner closely with the Machine Shop Manager to transition prototypes into scalable production, optimizing parts for CNC manufacturing processes that reduce cycle times without sacrificing quality.
• Quality Control Management: Conduct hands-on QC operations. Develop, implement, and document robust QC processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both in-house manufactured parts and components received from third-party vendors.
• Process Engineering: Analyze current manufacturing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and product consistency.

Required Qualifications & Conditions

• Platform Expertise: Extensive, hands-on experience and deep mechanical familiarity with the AR-15 and Glock platforms (experience with AR-9 systems is a strong plus).
• Materials & Coatings Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of firearm metallurgy and surface finishes. Must be highly knowledgeable in the application and machining properties of 6061 and 7075 aluminum, tool steel, and steel alloys, as well as finishing and hardening processes like Type III Hardcoat Anodizing, black nitriding, and heat treating.
• Engineering Background: Minimum 1 year of experience in a role of process engineering, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering within the firearms industry, or 2 years in another highly regulated precision-machining environment.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex mechanical failures and implement effective, manufacturable solutions.
• CAD/CAM Proficiency: Experience designing parts and creating technical drawings using industry-standard CAD software.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical requirements clearly to both floor operators and executive management.
• Legal & Compliance Mandates:
• Must be able to lawfully possess and handle firearms under all federal, state, and local laws.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background check.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Why Join 80% Arms?

At 80 Percent Arms, you will be directly impacting the quality and innovation of our product lines in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work with top-tier equipment and materials to build the next generation of reliable firearm components.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently own any firearms?
• Please describe your firearms experience.

Work Location: In person