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Contractual Firearm Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Prescott, AZ · On-site

$127.30K - $152.90K/yr

Job Title: Product Design Engineer Location: Prescott, AZ (on site) Company: Sturm, Ruger & Co ... Experience in firearms or regulated manufacturing environments. * Knowledge of manufacturing ...

Protingent

Design Engineer III

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Design Engineer III Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Design ... any other contractual specifications. * Review designs for cost, manufacturing, and quality ...

Karman Space & Defense

Design Engineer II+

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

SUMMARY The Design Engineer's role is to conceptualize, design, develop, test, and support ... any other contractual specifications * Review designs for cost, manufacturing, and quality ...

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Contractual Firearm Design Engineer information

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$60.5K

$97.1K

$127K

How much do contractual firearm design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual firearm design engineer in the United States is $97,060.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contractual Firearm Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contractual Firearm Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and firearm safety standards, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and knowledge of industry regulations such as ATF compliance is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients and manufacturing teams set top professionals apart. These skills ensure the safe, innovative, and compliant design of firearms to meet client specifications and regulatory requirements.

What are some typical collaboration points for a Contractual Firearm Design Engineer within a project team?

As a Contractual Firearm Design Engineer, you'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineers, quality assurance specialists, and compliance officers, to ensure your designs meet regulatory and production requirements. You may also work closely with project managers to align on timelines and deliverables, and with prototype technicians to oversee testing and refinement of firearm components. Effective communication and documentation are essential, as your work often impacts multiple aspects of product development and safety. Regular meetings and design reviews help ensure your contributions are integrated smoothly into the overall project.

What is a Contractual Firearm Design Engineer?

A Contractual Firearm Design Engineer is a professional who is hired on a contract basis to design, develop, and test firearms and related components. They work with manufacturers or defense companies to create new firearm models, improve existing designs, and ensure compliance with safety and legal standards. Their work often involves using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software, conducting prototype testing, and collaborating with other engineers and stakeholders. Since they are contractors, their employment is typically project-based and may vary in duration and scope.

What is the difference between Contractual Firearm Design Engineer vs Mechanical Firearm Design Engineer?

AspectContractual Firearm Design EngineerMechanical Firearm Design Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, firearm safety certificationsEngineering degree, firearm safety certifications
Work EnvironmentContract-based projects, firearm manufacturing facilitiesFull-time roles, firearm manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring contractors for firearm designEmployed directly by firearm manufacturers
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for project-based rolesCompared for permanent engineering positions

The Contractual Firearm Design Engineer typically works on a project basis, providing specialized firearm design services for a limited period, often through contracts. In contrast, the Mechanical Firearm Design Engineer is usually a full-time employee involved in ongoing firearm development and manufacturing. Both roles require similar credentials and safety certifications, but their employment structure and work environment differ significantly.

More about Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contractual Firearm Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firearm Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Firearm Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs are:
Contractual Firearm Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Firearm Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,060 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
UAS Design Engineer

UAS Design Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Port Orange, FL

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

#sofweek

Position Overview

The UAS Design Engineering Lead provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the design, rapid prototyping, integration, and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for government programs. This role ensures all engineering efforts-particularly for Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms-are aligned with contractual requirements, industry standards, and program objectives, while guiding a multidisciplinary team through all phases of the UAS lifecycle.

This is not a remote position; the selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Port Orange, FL.

Responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership: Direct and oversee the UAS design engineering team, ensuring technical excellence and innovation, with a focus on Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms.
  • Requirements Analysis: Analyze, interpret, and decompose customer and stakeholder requirements into actionable engineering specifications, particularly for Group 1 and 2 unmanned aerial systems.
  • Rapid Design & Prototyping: Quickly design, prototype, and iterate new UAS solutions based on evolving customer requirements and timelines, with demonstrated expertise in Group 1 and 2 UAS development.
  • 3D Concept Development: Utilize Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling to develop, iterate, and refine UAS concepts, assemblies, and components from initial concept through final design.
  • DFM/DFA Integration: Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to ensure optimized production and assembly processes, reducing cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
  • Systems Architecture: Lead the development and validation of UAS architectures, subsystems, and interfaces.
  • Integration & Testing: Oversee system integration, test planning, execution, and design verification/validation efforts for Group 1 and 2 UAS.
  • Risk Management: Identify technical risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs adhere to relevant regulatory, military, and industry standards (e.g., FAA, DoD, MIL-STD), specifically as they apply to Group 1 and 2 UAS categories.
  • Documentation: Prepare and review technical documentation, design artifacts, and compliance reports for stakeholders.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary technical liaison with program management, customers, and suppliers.
  • Team Development: Mentor, train, and support the continuous development of engineering staff.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace or defense engineering, including UAS design and development.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the design, prototyping, integration, and testing of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms, including knowledge of applicable DoD and FAA categorization and requirements.
  • Proven experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to optimize product designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
  • Proven ability to develop and refine engineering concepts and solutions utilizing Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling.
  • In depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of UAS systems software: drone platform operating systems, component firmware, base station software, TAK software. Ability to load, configure and test SW as required on drones and drone system components. Ability to identify and relate technical software requirements to with internal and external software developers.
  • Software experience with UAS control and integration software including EdgeTX, MAVLink, ArduPilot, TAK APIs, Betaflight, etc.
  • Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering principles, product lifecycle management, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
  • Strong ability to rapidly design, prototype, and iterate new solutions in response to dynamic customer requirements.
  • Deep knowledge of relevant regulations and standards (e.g., FAA Part 107, MIL-STD-810, DO-178C, DO-254).
  • Flexibility and agility to adjust schedules to meet rapidly evolving customer requirements.  
  • Lead and manage an in house rapid prototyping facility (ie "maker shop") and staff. 
  • Proven track record in delivering complex aerospace or UAS projects on time and within budget.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative team environment.

  • Willingness to travel as required to support program objectives or customer engagements.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in engineering or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with rapid prototyping resources and processes focused on Group 1 and 2 UAVs.
  • Ability to write code, firmware as required.
  • FAA Part 107 Certification
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required by contract or program needs.
Employment Type: OTHER

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