Mechanical Engineer, Firearm Optics & Hands-On Prototyping; Orofino

Overview

Up front, so you can decide fast: this is a hands‑on engineering role at a US defense manufacturer that designs weapon sights, red dots, magnifiers, and aiming systems for military, law enforcement, and commercial firearms markets. You will design and build hardware that mounts on firearms, and you will field‑test it on the range. For a real shooter or a firearms and optics enthusiast, that is the whole appeal: you would be engineering the gear you already care about.

If working in and around guns is not for you, this role will not be a fit, and it is better for both of us to know that now.

The work itself is prototype‑driven mechanical engineering. You will design, build, test, and refine rugged mechanical systems and assemblies that go into advanced electro‑mechanical and electro‑optical products. One day you are designing parts in CAD, the next you are running 3D printers, finishing prototype parts, modifying components on the mill with taps, hand tools, and a Dremel, assembling hardware, and heading to the range to validate performance.

You will print parts nearly every day, iterate fast, solve fitment problems firsthand, and make real‑time engineering calls that shape the product.

• Your hands stay on the hardware. This is not a sit‑in‑a‑cubicle‑all‑day job. The team designs, builds, assembles, tests, breaks, improves, and repeats, fast.
• Real ownership. You get direct input and influence over product performance and direction, not a narrow slice of someone else’s design.
• You engineer products you would actually use. Field testing happens on the range, not just on a bench.
• A team that builds together. You will work alongside an experienced group of optical, electrical, and mechanical engineers developing advanced products.
• We care more about hands‑on aptitude and drive than years on a resume. If you love building real hardware, apply.

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Comfort in 3D CAD, plus a real willingness to get on the shop floor: 3D printing, machining, hand tools, assembly, and test‑fitting.
• A prototyping mindset. You iterate quickly, solve fitment and tolerance problems in the real world, and learn by building.
• A genuine interest in firearms, optics, or shooting sports. The engineers who thrive here care personally about what they build.

• 401(k) with a 6% company match, vested after your first contribution.
• Benefits start on day one.
• 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.
• Relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.
• Employee purchase program on company products.

• On‑site in Orofino, Idaho. This is a hands‑on role, so it is not remote.
• US Citizenship is required. The work is subject to US export‑control regulations.
• Offers are contingent on a background check, drug screen, and employment and reference checks.