Mechanical Engineering Group Manager

Overview

We are Nightforce Optics Rugged. Reliable. Repeatable.™ Nightforce Optics is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics products, including rifle scopes, spotting scopes and accessories. Known for its rugged products designed for use in punishing conditions, Nightforce is the industry benchmark for high-quality, high-performance products. Nightforce Optics, Inc., was established in 1992 with one goal in mind: to build the finest rifle scopes on the market.

The same qualities that have made Nightforce the choice of professionals have now created a dedicated following among hunters and serious shooters.

We want you to become part of our story! Nightforce Optics is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Group Manager. As part of the Nightforce R&D team, you will have a critical role in the development process of new or existing products. You will be responsible for organizing, managing, and leading the Mechanical Engineering Group through the development process of next-generation optics, including classical optics, electro-mechanical, and/or electro-optical systems and accessories used for Mil-Spec and Commercial applications within the firearms and outdoor industries.

• Manage and work with the Mechanical Engineering Group in the day-to-day performance of their jobs or engineering project functions.
• Lead the Mechanical Engineering Group in the development and creation of new product designs through the entire design phase, including the transfer from final design samples to production.
• Regularly and formally communicate tasks to project teams.
• Work with other engineering groups and departments to ensure cohesive collaborations.
• Plan, organize, and track design schedule to meet overall project timelines.
• Understand and drive organizational processes for the ISO 9001 quality management system related to design, manufacture, and test controls for the mechanical engineering group.
• Create and refine Standard Operating Procedures for product design.
• Coordinate and drive continuous improvement activities and quality projects. Utilize change management to implement and improve relevant processes, policies, and procedures to improve effectiveness across the engineering team.
• Assist in recruiting, developing, and maintaining an effective engineering team.
• Coach and develop staff by providing an environment that encourages ongoing professional growth, appreciation, and positivity. Ensure staff receive the appropriate training and skill development opportunities to be successful in their roles.
• Work closely with Product Managers to ensure designs fulfill market demand and sales potential.
• Travel as needed to other off-site NFO engineering locations.
• Track attendance, approve time off requests, and review and approve time cards weekly.
• Assist in vendor development and supplier management.
• Participate in mechanical engineering process improvement initiatives to ensure alignment of operations initiatives.
• Assist in creating department budget.
• Ensure changes follow the ECO process and are documented appropriately.
• Conduct performance reviews of the mechanical engineering team.
• Manage revisions for all design files and documentation.

• Perform root cause analysis of defective parts.
• Serve as technical correspondent to the Materials department.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate quality issues.
• Product testing with live gunfire and in-field usage.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• Up to 20% travel may be required.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, related technical degree, or equivalent work experience and education
• 7+ years of demonstrated hands-on mechanical design experience with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Experience with engineering document generation and change processes.
• Strong engineering project management and team building skills, and ability to establish priorities and work direction.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to manage a project from concept to full production.
• Proficiency using CAD design tools.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office tools.
• Proven troubleshooting skills and the ability to solve difficult problems.
• Self-motivated to resolve problems in creative ways, researching new technologies and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and skills quickly.
• Dynamic and open-minded
• Strong people management abilities with the capability to ensure team success (staffing, productivity) as well as the career development of team members.
• Positive attitude and be highly motivated.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• High regard for confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to keep accurate records.
• Due to government ITAR regulations, you must be a US citizen.

• 5 years of demonstrated management experience in overseeing a team of engineers
• Software:
  Autodesk Inventor, Smartsheet, Google Suite of tools
• Optical,…