Project Development Director Jobs in Connecticut

Job Location: W Hartford - West Hartford, CT 06110

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: BS Degree or Equivalent Experience

Salary Range: $185,000.00 - $205,000.00

Travel Percentage: Up to 50%

Job Category: Engineering

Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, The Director, Product Development & Industrialization is responsible for leading new product platforms from concept through full-rate production. This role combines deep technical engineering expertise with hands‑on industrialization leadership to ensure products are not only designed to meet performance, reliability, and customer requirements, but are also manufacturable, scalable, and supported by a capable supply chain.

The successful candidate will be expected to operate at both the strategic and tactical levels, owning critical design decisions while also developing suppliers, establishing manufacturing processes, managing launch readiness, and driving successful product introductions. This is a highly cross‑functional position requiring direct engagement with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, and external suppliers.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable creating CAD models, conducting FEA and tolerance stack analyses, troubleshooting production issues on the manufacturing floor, and leading cross‑functional teams through industrialization and production launch activities.

• Lead the design and development of new firearm products, accessories, and related platforms from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain complete Technical Data Packages including CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and supporting documentation.
• Utilize PTC Creo or equivalent CAD software to create detailed component and assembly designs.

Conduct engineering analyses including:

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Tolerance stack‑up analysis
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Reliability and durability assessments

• Perform root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design, manufacturing, and supplier‑related issues.
• Evaluate materials, manufacturing methods, finishes, and component designs for performance, quality, and cost optimization.

• Develop and execute industrialization plans for new product introductions.
• Define manufacturing strategies including make-versus-buy decisions and production process selection.
• Lead manufacturing readiness activities through prototype, pilot, validation, and production builds.

Define requirements for:

• Tooling and fixtures
• Gauging and inspection methods
• Process controls
• Assembly procedures
• Test equipment and validation methods
• Work instructions and production documentation

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to establish efficient production processes and assembly lines.
• Support facility and production floor setup for new product launches.
• Establish launch readiness criteria and support transition into stable serial production.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for components, assemblies, materials, and specialized manufacturing processes.
• Lead technical supplier assessments and capability evaluations.
• Partner with Purchasing to develop sourcing strategies for new product platforms.
• Manage supplier readiness throughout development, launch, and ramp‑up phases.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks impacting launch timing or product quality.

• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Product Management.
• Maintain project risk registers and drive resolution of critical technical and operational issues.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff while promoting engineering best practices and structured problem solving.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of engineering experience in product development, manufacturing, industrialization, or new product introduction.
• Strong mechanical design experience with complex mechanical systems.
• Expertise in 3D CAD design and engineering drawing creation.
• Demonstrated experience performing:

• FEA
• GD&T
• Tolerance stack analysis
• Root cause investigations
• Design reviews

• Experience launching products from concept into production.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, injection molding, castings, forgings, sheet metal, MIM, and assembly operations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

• Experience in firearms, defense, aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured product development processes.
• Experience supporting military or government product programs.
• Proficiency in PTC Creo, Windchill, and engineering simulation tools.
• Experience establishing production lines and manufacturing cells for new product introductions.