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Contract Firearm Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Firearm Design information

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$12

$19

$28

How much do contract firearm design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract firearm design in the United States is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Firearm Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Firearm Designer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, firearms design principles, and relevant manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), prototyping tools, and knowledge of industry safety and compliance standards are typically required. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help set designers apart when working with clients and cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure innovative, safe, and functional firearm products that meet both client specifications and regulatory requirements.

What types of projects and clients can I expect to work with in a contract firearm design role?

As a contract firearm designer, you may collaborate with a diverse range of clients, such as firearm manufacturers, defense contractors, and sometimes law enforcement agencies. Projects can vary from designing new firearm models and upgrading existing systems to developing specialized components or prototypes for testing. The work environment is often fast-paced and project-based, requiring adaptability to different client specifications, regulatory requirements, and tight deadlines. Collaborative skills are essential, as you’ll typically work closely with engineers, CAD specialists, and compliance teams to bring designs from concept to production.

What is contract firearm design?

Contract firearm design refers to the process where individuals or companies are hired to design firearms, either for manufacturers or government agencies, based on specific requirements. These designers may work on creating new models, improving existing designs, or ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards. The role requires a strong understanding of engineering, materials, ballistics, and firearm regulations. Contract designers typically work on a project basis and may collaborate closely with manufacturers, law enforcement, or military clients.

What is the difference between Contract Firearm Design vs Contract Mechanical Design?

AspectContract Firearm DesignContract Mechanical Design
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, firearm safety certificationsEngineering degrees, mechanical design certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, firearm industryManufacturing plants, R&D labs across various industries
Industry UsageFirearms manufacturers, defense contractorsAutomotive, aerospace, consumer products
Search/Comparison IntentDesigning firearms, firearm developmentMechanical component design, product development

Contract Firearm Design focuses on creating and developing firearm components and systems, often requiring specialized safety and industry knowledge. Contract Mechanical Design involves designing mechanical parts across various industries, emphasizing general engineering principles. While both roles require engineering expertise, Contract Firearm Design is specific to the firearm industry, whereas Contract Mechanical Design offers broader application opportunities.

More about Contract Firearm Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Firearm Design jobs? Cities with the most Contract Firearm Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firearm Design jobs? The most popular types of Firearm Design jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Firearm Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Firearm Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Firearm Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Firearm Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Firearm Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,144 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer III

Cayuse Holdings

Blackstone, VA

$33.61/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview

Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client.

The Work

The Firearms Instructor/Senior Range Safety Officer III will serve as a range safety officer and course administrator for firearms training courses with responsibility for planning, organizing, and presenting and/or managing the presentation of one or more of these courses and for evaluating training effectiveness to ensure that objectives are met. The role will also serve as subject matter expert on firearms.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.


Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Operates the Diplomatic Security (DS) range facility and judgmental use of force facility ensuring compliance with OSHA and/or EPA standards and regulations.
  • Plans, organizes and instructs/manages the presentation of firearms training courses, which may include basic and advanced firearms and use of deadly force.
  • Conducts firearms and deadly force scenario-based training; provides appropriate after-action reviews and feedback to trainees.
  • Applies U.S. Constitutional law, relevant case law, and DS policies to firearms training and use of force scenarios.
  • Reviews established training objectives, lesson plans, training materials, and instructional methods prior to the beginning of assigned courses.
  • Researches and reviews current reports related to DS and introduces applicable information into firearms training courses.
  • Resolves complex problems that occur in the preparation for and during training.
  • Evaluates training effectiveness to ensure that training objectives have been met.
  • Complies with all Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) standards.
  • Complies with all DS and Firearms Training program policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Reviews and analyzes trainee evaluations, feedback from other instructors, and personal observations.
  • Identifies need for and drafts revisions to course content and materials or instructional methods as necessary to improve the firearms training curriculum effectiveness and quality.
  • Evaluates the impact of planned or projected changes in DS security programs and associated training requirements on the existing content, materials, and methods used for firearms training.
  • Participates in curriculum review conferences.
  • Ensures optimum efficiency in the use of assigned resources.
  • Assists instructors in other security related subjects.
  • Establishes and maintains liaison with a broad array of law enforcement, security, military, government and civilian organizations related to security and firearms techniques, tactics, and procedures.
  • Keeps abreast of current security techniques, methods, and procedures in firearms training through attendance at training sessions, seminars, and workshops.
  • Provides technical guidance to managers, law enforcement employees, and students on basic and complex topics related to firearms and use of deadly force.
  • Assists in scheduling and planning classes by developing and maintaining close contact with program coordinators as well as with other appropriate training entities.
  • Submits training records in a timely manner.
  • Serves as subject matter expert for the design of new training.
  • Tests/evaluates new training courses and instructional materials.
  • Tests/evaluates new and updated firearms, ammunition, and related equipment.
  • Assists with equipment inventory and maintenance for assigned training programs.
  • Articulates instructional tasks and provides guidance on how to perform them; assists with performance evaluations.
  • Maintains requisite levels of proficiency in all duty-related techniques and procedures to include 90% on all graded DS courses of fire.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.

  • Must possess a high school diploma.
  • Must be a certified firearms training instructor; must have attended a recognized instructor development training course.
  • 5 - 7 (five to seven) years of firearms instructor experience required with evidence of increasing responsibility in a firearms training environment.
  • Must be proficient in firing, handling, and giving instruction on a variety of revolvers, pistols, submachine guns, carbines, rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers.
  • Expert knowledge of health and safety standards for firearms ranges and training facilities.
  • Advanced knowledge of security concepts, principles, and practices to provide basic and advanced training in the application of firearms use.
  • Advanced knowledge of security programs, operations, and techniques, including terrorism and anti-terrorism operations, use of force, civil liability, with respect to firearms and appropriate techniques, tactics, and procedures.
  • Advanced knowledge of current protective security methods to provide instruction that is consistent with currently accepted methods and practices.
  • Familiarity with the functions, responsibilities, and duties of Foreign Service personnel preferred.
  • Intermediate knowledge of adult learning principles, course development, classroom and practical. instructional presentation methods, and methods for evaluating training effectiveness.
  • Intermediate knowledge of the development and revision of training curriculum.
  • Ability to maintain requisite knowledge of U.S. Constitutional Law, case law, and DS policies related to firearms and use of force.
  • Ability to immediately analyze, predict, and preclude situations to ensure training is conducted in a safe manner.
  • Ability to establish and maintain liaison with personnel at all levels in order to plan and coordinate assigned responsibilities.
  • Secret Clearance is required.
  • Due to the nature of work at the client’s site, U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred
  • Two (2) years as a level II instructor preferred

Minimum Skills:

  • Excellent organization and interpersonal skills required.
  • Must possess problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to respond effectively to customers with a sense of urgency.
  • Proficient Microsoft and Adobe toolsets, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc. skills.
  • Highly motivated with the ability to handle and manage multiple tasks at any one time.
  • Ability to forge new relationships, individual and teaming in nature.
  • Must be a Self-starter, that can work independently and as part of a team.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to present training to a variety of audiences.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

  • SCA Health & Welfare fringe benefits.
  • Telemedicine.
  • Dental & Vision.
  • EAP.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
  • Paid Time Off.

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

  • Ability to complete work requiring regular and recurring physical exertion, including periods of standing, occasional heavy lifting, and irregular hours in both training and protective service operations
  • May be exposed to loud noises.
  • Ability to work outdoors where conditions may be unpleasant or uncomfortable and may be exposed to extreme weather fluctuations.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment and materials
  • Must be able to work on-site in Blackstone, VA.
  • Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
  • May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
  • Periodic local travel and occasional travel to other areas within and outside the United States and overseas to potentially high threat posts may be required.
  • May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.