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Freelance Firearm Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Design Engineer SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over ...

Design Engineer II, Suppressors SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training.

Design Engineer II, Suppressors SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Troy, AL

$61K - $82K/yr

Design Engineer will design, create solid models, detail components, and support the development of ... firearms is a plus. Education:Bachelor LevelEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

Product Design Engineer

Prescott, AZ · On-site

$127K - $152K/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 ...

Senior Design Engineer Location: Gunnison Utah Full-Time Position Summary Applies scientific ... Experience designing firearms is desired. * Experience in design for metal casting, composite and ...

Gwynedd Manufacturing is seeking a talented and driven Mechanical Design Engineer to play a key ... firearms and knife production for government and law enforcement agencies. Backed by a stable and ...

Department of Defense and federal law enforcement agencies with high-quality firearms and ... Position Summary We are seeking a Process Design Engineer with strong 3D modeling expertise and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineers at Axon have full design ownership over next generation life-saving ... Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment. We collect ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

... Design Engineers at Axon have full design ownership over next generation life-saving technology ... Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment. We collect ...

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Freelance Firearm Design Engineer information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance firearm design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance firearm design engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Firearm Design Engineer vs Firearm Manufacturing Technician?

AspectFreelance Firearm Design EngineerFirearm Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, firearm design certificationsTechnical diploma or vocational training
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client sites, remote workManufacturing plants, assembly lines
Industry UsageDesign, R&D, consultingProduction, assembly, quality control

Freelance Firearm Design Engineers focus on designing and developing firearms, often working independently or with clients, requiring engineering expertise. Firearm Manufacturing Technicians primarily work in production settings, assembling and maintaining firearms. While both roles are essential in the firearm industry, they differ in responsibilities, work environment, and required credentials.

More about Freelance Firearm Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Firearm Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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 Freelance Firearm Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Firearm Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Firearm Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Sr. Design Engineer

Sr. Design Engineer

SIG Sauer

Exeter, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Sig Sauer rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Sr. Design Engineer
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over 250 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER employs people across various U.S. locations, and global facilities across multiple regions. SIG SAUER is certified a Great Place to Work™. For more information about the company and product line visit: www.sigsauer.com.
Position Summary: The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for developing new firearms and/or accessories as well as initiating legacy product improvements. Responsibilities also include exercising sound engineering judgement, presenting analysis summaries which support design decisions, and coaching R&D staff. The Sr. Design Engineer will be attentive to detail in completing tasks assigned by the Engineering Manager as well as providing guidance to less experienced team members. The Sr. Design Engineer will work both independently and in a team environment with Designers, other Design Engineers, NPI Managers, and Test Technicians. Proactive collaboration with other departments such as Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality and Assembly is also required.
FLSA: Exempt
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Actively contribute to and provide technical leadership in the development of innovative firearms and/or related products which meet product requirements and cost targets.
• Generate and check drawings, ensuring a functional dimensioning scheme, appropriate GD&T, and ASME Y14.5 compliance. Determine required tolerance stack analyses for product designs and ensure final design results showing acceptability are documented. Identify QAPs with consideration for tolerance stack contributions, and Quality Function/FMECA characteristics.
• Independently complete complex, accurate analyses using two or more of the following tools: FEA, motion, CFD, heat transfer, or other software. Review analyses completed by other Engineers for accuracy and provide guidance for identified concerns.
• Process all levels of change orders through the PLM system. Responsible for the accuracy of assemblies and BOMs.
• Ensure test plans used to evaluate new or modified products are logical and thorough. Coordinate Test Technician activity, assisting with testing as necessary. Review test data and ensure hypotheses, conclusions, and next steps are valid. Verify accuracy and completeness of test reports.
• Responsible for DFM of complete products, coordinating activities with Manufacturing Engineers, and vendors. Track product cost rolls against targets and implement design changes as necessary to meet plans. Evaluate part inspection data and determine the acceptability of non-conformances, providing feedback to suppliers.
• Develop and manage Intellectual Property through patent searches, patent applications, and trade studies.
• Lead the continuous improvement of technical information, analytical methods, design practices, and other R&D activities.
• Lead and sustain 5s activities.
• Must follow all required Safety and ISO procedures. Follow safe firearms handling practices, and all range safety procedures when in the range area.
• Must be able to travel infrequently.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Education/Experience & Skills:
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and 7-10 years of previous engineering experience in a R&D environment.
• Capable of performing highly complex analyses such as FEA, kinematic and dynamic motion, CFD, and/or heat transfer.
• Proficient using Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Proficiency with Microsoft Project preferred.
• Proficient using CAD software to create parametric solid models, complex mated assemblies, and associated drawings; SolidWorks experience highly preferred. Experienced using a PLM system for complete product lines; Agile preferred.
• Able to generate clear, fully dimensioned, ASME Y14.5 compliant drawings of complex parts using logical datum structures and functional dimensioning schemes. Familiar with GD&T symbology and standard inspection methods. Capable of completing complex tolerance stack analyses using software.
• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing methods including machining, metal injection molding, plastic injection molding, stamping/fine blanking, extrusion, forging, and casting is required, as well as knowledge in material selection, heat
treatment, and coatings.
• Must be able to clearly, concisely, and accurately convey ideas and information to others, both verbally and in written form.
• Experience in using and maintaining firearms and/or related products preferred.
• Familiarity with ITAR, ATF and EAR regulations is preferred.
• Familiarity with NATO and TOP standards as well as Mil-Specs is preferred.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, provide guidance to less experienced team members, and work independently, with minimal guidance.
• Possess practical experience with mechanical assembly techniques. Able to independently define and resolve complex problems by collecting and analyzing data, establishing facts, drawing valid conclusions, and executing viable solutions.
Working Conditions:
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer using a keyboard and mouse performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to open file cabinets, reach with hands and arms, bend, and twist, lift and move files.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
• Must comply with all work exposure EH&S training requirements and adhere to SIG SAUER Inc. Security Mandates.
SIG SAUER, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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