← Search all jobs

Product Design Engineer

Sturm Ruger

Mayodan, NC · Posted October 14, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Sturm Ruger

More in North Carolina job market · Manufacturing & Industrial · Design jobs

More roles at Sturm Ruger

Similar jobs

Design jobs in the rankings

Rankings about design jobs

Design jobs · Top Design employers · All rankings

How AI is used in this kind of work

AI use among engineers, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for engineers, all other: 7% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

  • Excel
  • Supply chain
  • PowerPoint
  • ERP
  • Oracle

About the job

If you are a current Ruger employee, please click here to apply internally.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Product Design Engineer to support new product development, derivative and line extension product initiatives, sustaining engineering, and cost reduction efforts. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and hands-on experience in product design within a manufacturing environment. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to develop robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective designs, supporting products from concept through production and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and develop line extension and derivative configurations from concept through production release.

Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks in accordance with company standards.

Apply GD&T principles to ensure functional, manufacturable, and inspectable designs.

Conduct tolerance stack-ups and variation analysis using CETOL or similar tools.

Develop predictive mathematical models for simulating various aspects of mechanical motion.

Lead and participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities.

Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) initiatives to optimize cost, quality, and throughput.

Support sustaining engineering efforts including design updates, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues and implement corrective actions.

Manage engineering changes through PDM and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), ensuring proper documentation and revision control.

Develop and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, test plans, and reports.

Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities.

Interface with suppliers to support design development and cost reduction initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related equivalent technical discipline.

3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment.

Must be proficient in SolidWorks as well as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009) and tolerance analysis (CETOL preferred).

Experience with DFMA and FMEA methodologies.

Familiarity with Bill of Material (BOM) management in ERP systems (Oracle preferred).

Experience supporting products through full lifecycle (concept to production).

Strong problem-solving, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.

Self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Commitment to continuous improvement

Good judgment/decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in firearms or regulated manufacturing environments.

Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities of machined, injection molded, MIM (Metal Injection Molded), and stamped components.

Spring design experience

Experience performing moderately complex analyses such as kinematic/dynamic motion and FEA.

Experience with cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.

Exposure to product testing and validation processes.

Additional Requirements:

Must be able to successfully pass a drug and background screen.

Must be eligible to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship now and in the future.

Salary:

D.O.E. – please include your salary requirements with your resume.

Additional benefits to becoming a member of our team:

Competitive compensation package including competitive salary, profit sharing, and bonus

Health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision

Life and Retirement benefits, including 401k match, discretionary supplemental 401k contribution, basic and supplemental life options, as well as short- and long-term disability plans

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Relocation Assistance is available for the right candidate who is willing to relocate.

Casual work environment