Firearm Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Ballistic Mechanical Engineer

Rocky Mountain Scientific Laboratory

Department: Research and Development

Location: Littleton, Colorado

U.S. Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess or be Able to Obtain: Secret

Travel: No

Schedule: Full-time

Description of Business Environment:

Peace is often associated with passivity. At Rocky Mountain Scientific Laboratory, we associate peace with strength, courage, and action. We know that enabling peace to prevail is not for the faint of heart, which is why we built our company foundation on the core values of Integrity, Quality, Agility, and Grit. We pride ourselves in providing unequaled services and technologies in the field of applied energetics to our customers. Our experts possess extensive knowledge and capability in energetic materials and military systems enabling them to offer analytical characterization, modeling & simulation, design, system integration, prototyping, test engineering, and proof-of-concept production services covering a wide range of applications. Our strengths lie in our ability and relentless determination to get the job done quickly and affordably.

RMSL is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.  All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin or other legally protected status.  An applicant with a disability or a disabled veteran can request reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our positions.

Specific Job Description:

The Ballistic Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, prototyping, testing and evaluation of specialized ammunition and energetic projectile systems. The responsibilities for this position will include:

• Design novel/specialized ammunition products for military and law enforcement applications.
• Conduct and oversee experimental ballistic tests on prototype ammunition (terminal ballistics, MOA, breaching etc.).
• Analyze and interpret experimental test data for design improvement.
• Create detailed scientific reports capturing design iterations, testing results, and lessons learned.
• Determine qualification and selection of propellants for specialized ammunition.
• Develop and oversee ballistics data acquisition hardware and software.
• Review ballistics aspects of Military and Law Enforcement contracts to assure full compliance with all specifications/contract requirements.
• Act as ballistics liaison to the Manufacturing Engineering Team and the Group Leads.
• Handling and testing of energetic materials, armaments, and weapons systems.
• Develop and maintain ballistic inspection plans.
• Apply theories, principles, and methods related to solid/structural mechanics, impact physics, and material behavior at high strain rates to research terminal ballistics phenomena.
• Perform computational studies using or developing advanced computational tools associated with shock physics and material failure using hydro codes.
• Integrate energetic materials into end articles such as ammunition and munitions.
• Assistance with company compliance in restricted information security regulations.
• Project engineering tasks such as report writing, technical presentations (at customer and public meetings), and technical deliverables tracking.
• Occasional business development activities in your area of expertise, e.g., customer relations, opportunity identification, proposal writing.
• Assistance with company compliance in explosive storage and handling regulations.
• Design ballistic test equipment and fixtures as required.
• Participate on or lead teams assigned to investigate potential or reported quality/performance problems.
• Generate and review ballistic procedures.
• Monitor product quality and effectively utilize department assets to minimize scrap and downtime.
• Maintain records pertinent to the job assignment.
• Conduct engineering investigations to determine Root Cause/Corrective Action for process and product issues.
• Support Continuous Improvement Initiatives, Quality objects, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Safety Initiatives.
• Oversee manufacturing and assembly operations of various products.
• Create manufacturing instructions for products detailing production steps, quality checks, and other relevant production information.

Required Skills:

• Hands-on experience with design and prototyping ammunition.
• Hands-on experience with ammunition and firearms.
• Problem solver that can work in a team environment on fast-paced projects.

• In depth knowledge of 3D CAD design software packages such as SolidWorks (preferred), Creo (Pro-E), CATIA, Fusion 360, etc.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Establish a good working relationship with engineering and production personnel.
• Must possess the ability to translate concepts into coherent communications and presentations.
• Ensure work complies with RMSLs policies and professional standards.
• Familiarity with mechanisms manufacturing, test, and qualification. Knowledge of CNC and conventional machining and machine shop theory.
• Rapid prototyping knowledge and experience.
• Ability to communicate with customers, co-workers, and management within areas of responsibility.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

• Must be able to work overtime as required.

Highly Beneficial Skills:

• Military or law enforcement background.
• Long range shooting experience (sniper training, infantry, hunting etc.).
• Tactical experience/training (CQB, CQC, MOUT, SWAT etc.).
• Manufacturing engineering or production experience.
• Experience with Quickload or other propellant calculation software.
• Hands-on experience with energetic materials.
• Experience with modeling FEA, Hydrocodes (ALE3d, CTH etc.).
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Armament and munition development
  • Explosive Testing
  • Blasting

Education/Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum of two (2) years recent related Engineer experience with five (5) years preferred.
• Must possess excellent leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, presentation, and report writing/structuring skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite,
• Ability to obtain security clearance
• Ability to obtain CO State Blaster’s Permit

Benefits: 

• Medical insurance 

• Dental insurance 

• Vision insurance 

• 401(k) with matching 

• Disability insurance 

• Life insurance 

• Paid time off 

• Professional development 

• Flexible schedule 

• Employee discounts 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and a dynamic, team oriented, and fun environment. Some on-the-job training is provided. Compensation and title contingent upon experience. Must be able to start within 3 weeks of offer.