Senior Design Engineer

Kaspar Outdoors

Job Description: Senior Design Engineer

Opportunities:
? Are you creative and innovative?
? Are you an expert in CAD software and have a deep understanding of the manufacturing process?
? Does working for a family-centric organization based in a small-town environment appeal to you?
? Do the values of stewardship, versatility, and family resonate strongly with you?
? Do you find the improvement of people?s lives through stewardship of God-given resources inspiring?

Then, Kaspar Outdoors is for you!

Primary Function:

The Senior Technical Design Engineer leads mechanical design across new product development, cost reduction, and production support. This role blends expert CAD work with strong DFM/DFA principles to deliver scalable, manufacturable solutions in a lean environment.

Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Design Ownership & Execution:
? Lead mechanical design projects from concept through production release using SolidWorks.
? Generate and manage detailed 3D models, assemblies, and fully toleranced 2D drawings.
? Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T to ensure fit/function in real-world manufacturing.
? Select appropriate materials, coatings, and mechanical components for performance and manufacturability.
? Manage engineering files and revisions using SolidWorks PDM.
? Maintain engineering change control and revision tracking across product lines.

Manufacturing & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
? Work closely with CNC programmers, machinists, and assembly to ensure manufacturability and cost-efficiency.
? Support tooling, fixture design, and prototype evaluation to bridge design and production.
? Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to drive root cause analysis and corrective action for design-related production issues.
? Partner with purchasing and suppliers to resolve design constraints related to material or process capabilities.

Continuous Improvement & Leadership:
? Mentor design staff on best practices, GD&T, DFM/DFA, and design workflows.
? Propose and implement improvements to design workflows, drawing standards, and product documentation.
? Lead design reviews and support lean initiatives (e.g., Kaizen events, standard work definition).

Skills:

Technical Skills:
? Expert in SolidWorks, including parametric modeling, configurations and assemblies.
? Proficient with SolidWorks PDM for file management and design revision control.
? Understanding of GD&T, Knowledge of drawing standards, and tolerance analysis.
? Strong DFM/DFA skills and understanding of machining, metal fabrication with knowledge of composites.
? Familiar with FEA, design validation, and physical testing methodologies.
? Strong grasp of materials, coatings, and finishes, especially for stainless steel, aluminum, and composites.

Soft Skills & Attributes:
? Strong technical communication skills, both written and verbal.
? Highly organized with a detail-oriented mindset.
? Proven ability to take initiative and drive projects with minimal oversight.
? Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications:

Required:
? Bachelor?s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
? 5+ years of mechanical design experience in a production-focused environment.
? Mastery of SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
? Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept to production with minimal revision cycles.
? Strong problem-solving mindset with experience in root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Preferred:
? Background in firearms, defense, or precision manufacturing.
? Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and engineering document control practices.
? Experience leading or mentoring junior engineers.

Physical Requirements: ? Extended periods of sitting and/or walking (33% - 75% of time) ? Stooping, bending, twisting, leaning (10% - 25% of time) ? Lifting of up to 25 lbs. occasionally (0% - 33% of time)

Work Environment:
? Frequent work in a manufacturing environment where the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes is mandatory

Apply Job!