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Design Engineer Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a design engineer to assist in the design and development of new products as well as the redesign of existing products. This role is designed as a developmental ...

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a design engineer to assist in the design and development of new products as well as the redesign of existing products. This role is designed as a developmental ...

Design Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: VP of Engineering and Quality JOB SUMMARY: The Design Engineer is responsible for the design of customized metal/wood composite tables, display ...

Design Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: VP of Engineering and Quality JOB SUMMARY: The Design Engineer is responsible for the design of customized metal/wood composite tables, display ...

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a Senior Design Engineer with experience in the field of firearm design and development. This position will have the overall responsibility for the design of new ...

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a Senior Design Engineer with experience in the field of firearm design and development. This position will have the overall responsibility for the design of new ...

We are seeking OSP Design Engineers to assist with the design and production of engineering deliverables on complex overhead and underground utility distribution projects. This position may require ...

Assembly Process Engineer

Sallisaw, OK ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

An Assembly Process Engineer is responsible to ensure that assembly equipment, tools, and systems ... Design, develop, and optimize assembly processes (washing, pressing, leak or other testing, etc ...

Design Release Engineer

Fort Smith, AR ยท On-site

$39.25 - $44.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

CNC Process Engineer

Sallisaw, OK ยท On-site

$61K - $77K/yr

Design, implement, and refine CNC machining processes. * Select cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and ... Programming & Tooling * Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software, G Code. * Develop ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Fort Smith, AR ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Fort Smith, AR ยท On-site

$100K - $133K/yr

This role contributes to mechanical design excellence by applying advanced analysis skills, implementing efficient design practices and ensuring alignment with engineering standards. Our Team ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Fort Smith, AR ยท On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

This role contributes to mechanical design excellence by applying advanced analysis skills, implementing efficient design practices and ensuring alignment with engineering standards. Our Team ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Fort Smith, AR ยท On-site

$100K - $133K/yr

This role contributes to mechanical design excellence by applying advanced analysis skills, implementing efficient design practices and ensuring alignment with engineering standards. Our Team ...

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Design Engineer information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$39.4K

$85.7K

$154.2K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Fort Smith, AR is $85,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $95,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a Design Engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What Is a Design Engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Fort Smith, AR? For Design Engineer jobs in Fort Smith, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:
What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,797 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Walther Arms, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a design engineer to assist in the design and development of new products as well as the redesign of existing products. This role is designed as a developmental position with a focus toward becoming a senior design engineer and advancement tied to demonstrated technical proficiency and project ownership/success.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, maintain, and update 3D models, mechanical drawings, part numbers, and BOMs for new and revised firearm/airgun components and assemblies
  • Support prototype builds and participates in design verification and validation testing
  • Maintain engineering documentation in accordance with company ECO/ECN processes
  • Design products to meet all requirements/specifications
  • Participate in design reviews, presenting work to senior engineers and stakeholders
  • Interact with QA & MFG to support new product activities and troubleshoot production issues
  • Collaborate with MFG to support DFM reviews and production readiness
  • Collaborate with QA to define critical dimensions, inspection plans, and verification testing
  • Coordinate as necessary with purchasing, quality, sales, manufacturing, accounting, and marketing teams
  • Assist with any product related testing
  • Interface with suppliers under guidance of Senior Engineers to clarify design intent

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
  • Two or more years' experience in design engineering in a manufacturing setting
  • Proficient in the use of SolidWorks
  • Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
  • Exposure to FMEA, Design Verification, and root cause analysis methodologies
  • Basic understanding of firearms mechanics and function preferred; willingness to develop domain expertise required
  • Experience with SolidWorks Simulation or equivalent FEA tools is a plus
  • Basic awareness of regulatory requirements for firearms manufacturing (ATF, ITAR)
  • Ability to read and interpret documents including reports, specifications, and standards
  • Ability to communicate complex information both verbally and in writing

As part of our hiring process, Walther Manufacturing requires all candidates to undergo a background check and drug screening. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.