Innovation EngineerSyndicateRivertonFull-time ExemptShift: Monday-Friday Company OverviewSyndicate is a growing organization that provides shared services and operational support to multiple affiliated entities. The innovation engineer plays a critical role in driving a culture of solution focused creativity and tangible results across all entities. Position OverviewSmall Arms / Suppressor / Accessory / Defense Skunk Works environment. Job ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of new products, components, and accessories from concept through pre-commercializationConduct research on emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods to drive innovationCreate detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and specifications using CAD softwareAnalyze test data and implement design improvements based on findingsCollaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost efficiencySupport prototyping efforts, including hands-on assembly and evaluation of test unitsConduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for product issuesMaintain thorough documentation including design history files, test reports, and compliance recordsParticipate in continuous improvement initiatives and innovation strategy planning Job Qualifications (Required) Technical FoundationMechanical engineering fundamentals with deep understanding of firearms and accessoriesMaterials science experience: metallurgy, composites, polymers, and emerging materials (metal matrix composites, advanced ceramics, carbon fiber applications)CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or Creo) with ability to rapidly iterate designsMultidisciplinary Technical SkillsAdditive manufacturing expertise (DMLS, SLM, binder jetting) for rapid prototyping and novel geometriesInnovation & Problem-SolvingSystematic innovation frameworks / Biomimicry and cross-domain solution mining (applying concepts from unrelated fields)Constraint-based thinking: thriving when told "impossible" requirementsPrototyping & TestingRapid prototyping mindset: comfort with "good enough to test" over perfectionHands-on troubleshooting in field conditionsManufacturing & ProducibilityDesign for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)Understanding of production processes: CNC, MIM, stamping, extrusion, IMTolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T expertiseDomain-Specific KnowledgeOperational experience or deep user empathy (combat veteran, competitive shooter, or extensive end-user engagement)Threat assessment and emerging tactical requirementsInternational small arms landscape and competitive analysisMilitary standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1913, etc.) and proof testing requirementsSkunk Works MindsetExtreme ownership and self-directionComfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing requirementsSpeed bias: 80% solution tomorrow beats 100% solution next quarterScrappiness: making do with limited resourcesDirect communication style, bypassing bureaucracy when mission-criticalWillingness to challenge conventional wisdomSoft Skills & AttributesTechnical communication: translating complex engineering to military end-users and non-technical leadershipCollaborative spirit despite independent work styleIntellectual curiosity: constant learning across disciplinesResilience: handling failed tests and rapid pivots without losing momentumCultural Fit IndicatorsThrives in unstructured environmentsDriven by mission impact over process complianceComfortable being the "jack of all trades, master of several"Excited by technical risk-takingPrefers building things to endless analysisCan context-switch rapidly between projects Job Qualifications (Preferred) Multidisciplinary Technical SkillsElectronics and programmingOptics and photonics experienceBonus DifferentiatorsCompetition shooting experience (USPSA, 3-Gun, PRS) for user perspectiveSoftware development skills
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