Design Engineer

Cartridge Actuated Devices; Fairfield (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cartridge Actuated Devices in New Jersey seeks a Design Engineering Manager with deep knowledge of CAD and PAD, and experience across aerospace and defense systems to lead end-to-end product development from concept to production. You will coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and R&D, drive safety and regulatory compliance, and advance energetics technology while maintaining rigorous safety protocols.

This role requires 10+ years in pyrotechnics or energetics with senior leadership experience

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of energetic materials, explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems.
• Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, safety protocols, and hazardous materials handling.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Experience with regulatory certifications and aerospace design standards.
• Proficient CAD/CAE and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full product development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Design and develop CAD/PAD components ensuring safety and performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and R&D to integrate design solutions.
• Prepare detailed engineering documentation, schematics, specifications, and test plans.
• Perform prototype development and testing, analyze results and adjust designs.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, DOT, OSHA, EPA and industry standards.
• Drive innovation in energetics technology and maintain safety protocols.

Skills

Energetic materials

Explosives

Propellants

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Technical documentation

Problem solving

Team leadership

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MATLAB

SAP

Sightline

Sage

Epicor

Job description

COMPANY CULTURE

Our focus is to deliver world‑class solutions to our customers, on time and of the highest quality as the preferred supplier of highly engineered, energetic, and pyrotechnic devices while developing our associates and maximizing long‑term value for our shareholders through organic growth and targeted acquisitions.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Design Engineering Manager has a deep and integral understanding of Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propellant Actuated Devices (PAD) across aerospace, defense and oil and gas sectors. The Design Engineering Manager has extensive knowledge of the design, development, qualification, certification, integration and operation of these devices across platforms and applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Design Engineering Manager oversees the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to testing and introduction to production. This role is integral to the advancement of our innovative aerospace and defense technologies, ensuring robust design, development, and integration of pyrotechnic devices and systems. Duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Design and develop CAD and PAD components and systems, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.
• Conduct detailed analysis and simulations to predict the behavior and performance of pyrotechnic devices under various conditions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D to integrate design solutions into production.
• Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including schematics, specifications, and test plans.
• Perform prototype development and testing, analyzing results and making necessary design adjustments.
• Assist in troubleshooting and failure analysis to continuously improve product reliability and performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements, Mil‑Standards.
• Oversee the formulation, manufacturing, testing, and validation of explosive and energetic materials, ensuring adherence to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including compliance with agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), DOT, OSHA, and EPA.
• Drive innovation in energetics technology by researching emerging materials, propulsion systems, and deployment mechanisms to enhance performance, safety, and reliability in aerospace and defense operations.
• Establish and maintain rigorous safety protocols, handling procedures, and quality assurance processes for sensitive and hazardous energetic materials.
• Monitor technological advancements, industry standards, and regulatory developments to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of energetics technology.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, safety forums, and regulatory meetings, communicating technical insights and strategic initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Physical activity includes walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders and lifting up to 40lbs. Must be able to drive an automobile for short and long distances. The candidate for this position may have to spend long hours using a computer, which can cause eye strain. This position will have to manage a number of requests and situations at one time. Stress may be caused by the need to complete tasks within tight deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performs office activities in a lighted and ventilated area. May be subject to changes in temperature and exposure to dust. Will be exposed to uncontrolled environmental conditions during driving. Will work in a normally acceptable office environment, with no abnormal hazards or risks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel between two manufacturing sites, Byram NJ and Fairfield.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• Extensive knowledge of energetic materials, explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems used in aerospace and defense applications.
• Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, safety protocols, and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large‑scale projects, budgets, and cross‑functional teams in a high‑stakes environment.
• Effective decision‑making and strategic planning skills.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, SAP, Sightline, Sage, Epicor.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Effective team management abilities and cross‑functional communication.
• Project management experience or familiarity with aerospace development lifecycle.
• Industry certifications related to aerospace engineering (e.g., ASQ certifications, IPC certifications).
• Strong understanding of testing, validation, manufacturing, and quality control processes for energetic products.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and meet critical deadlines.
• Experience with compliance documentation and certification processes.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degrees are a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in pyrotechnics, explosives, energetics, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in aerospace component development, testing, or systems integration.
• Strong understanding of aerospace design standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA, USG, DOD Requirements).
• In‑depth knowledge of explosive and energetic materials, chemistry, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex projects involving hazardous materials.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies and obtaining certifications or approvals for energetic products.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks), simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB), and test equipment.
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental testing.
• Knowledge of air worthiness certification, supplemental type certification, and parts manufacturing authority.

EEO STATEMENTS

Cartridge Actuated Devices is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the application of female, minority, disabled, and veteran candidates. Due to the potential for exposure to ITAR controlled data, the incumbent in this role must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident).

Due to the nature of our products, to the extent applicable to an employee's role, each employee must be able to obtain (and maintain) the ATF Possessor License as a condition of employment.