Chief Engineer - Sustainment

Chief Engineer
- Sustainment

W Hartford
- West Hartford, CT 06110

Salary Range $ - $ Salary/year Position Type Full Time Education Level BS Degree or Equivalent Experience Category Engineering

Job Summary:

The Chief Engineer – Sustainment shall take ownership in the effort to lead sustaining engineering activities that include, but are not limited to cost reduction programs, engineering changes, engineering tickets and other initiatives aimed at improving quality, and manufacturability of existing Colt firearm products and accessories. This role involves overseeing evaluation of proposed changes and conducting detailed engineering analysis. The Sustainment Chief Engineer will be responsible for ensuring all changes/cost reductions meet stringent safety, functionality, and durability standards while conforming to the requirements set forth by customer specific requirements or internal requirements provided by product management.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Lead or participate in various cost reduction initiatives of current firearm products and accessories.
• Work with purchasing to improve cost.
• Work with manufacturing to improve cycle times.
• Work with quality and product service to address any product engineering related customer/quality issues.
• Oversee prototype fabrication and testing of proposed changes when necessary.
• Analyze results to determine if change is acceptable.
• Write professional test reports.
• Conduct engineering analysis and simulations to optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Utilize 3D CAD software (PTC CREO) to change/develop models and maintain comprehensive engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Ensure all design changes meet rigorous safety, functionality, and durability standards.
• Stay current with advancements in materials and manufacturing processes.
• Responsibilities may include working on revolvers, 1911s, rifles, and future product lines across both commercial and military/defense markets.
• Develop drafting standards for department.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Responsibilities:

• Author test documentation showing change meets/does not meet requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, offering constructive feedback to enhance product quality and performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Production, and Quality Engineering to align with business goals.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff.
• Improve existing products and processes, including product engineering documentation updates and issue resolution.
• Address challenges related to product performance, supplier quality, and production efficiency.
• Support other projects as needed, stepping in to help the team meet company-wide objectives.
• Demonstrate flexibility and initiative, including working outside standard hours when necessary to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• BS Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Strong understanding of firearm mechanics and materials.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements for firearms.
• Passion for firearms and a commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Design experience with MIM, Injection Molding, Casting, Forgings, Sheet metal.
• Proficient knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience in developing products for commercial and government sectors.
• Experience with measuring equipment (Micro Height, Calipers, Comparator, etc.).

Software Knowledge

• PTC CREO CAD desired
• Windchill
  - Database Management Software desired
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Enventive Concept desired
• Epicor ERP system desired