Director of Research & Development

waltherarms; Arkansas; On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Walther Arms seeks an experienced Director of R&D to lead the research and development of our firearms portfolio. Based in Fort Smith, AR, you will build and guide a high-performing team and own the design, testing, and launch of innovative firearm systems.

The role requires leadership, advanced project management, and cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain, while ensuring safety and regulatory standards are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; MBA a plus.
• 10+ years in product design and development with leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of firearms systems, ballistics, manufacturing processes and regulatory standards (ATF, ITAR).
• Experience with project management tools; SolidWorks PDM a plus; ability to bring products to market from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Fort Smith-based R&D team, including recruiting and developing top engineering talent.
• Oversee design, development, and testing of new firearms and related technologies, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical leadership to guide next-generation firearms platforms.
• Manage multiple R&D projects to meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth launches.
• Establish and maintain test protocols and performance validation standards.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement focusing on innovation, efficiency, and product excellence.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international regulations related to firearms development and testing.
• Lead drawing control processes and lifecycle management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

People management

Communication

Mentoring

Product development

Ballistics knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical Engineering

MBA or advanced technical degree

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

3D CAD

PMP

Job description

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of R&D to lead the research anddevelopment efforts of our firearms product portfolio. This leadership role will be responsible forbuilding and guiding a high-performing R&D team based in Fort Smith, AR, with fullaccountability for the design, testing, and launch of innovative firearm systems.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in product design and development,project management, and proven leadership abilities, with a demonstrated history of takingproducts from concept through to production. This position is critical to driving our strategicgrowth through technological innovation and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Fort Smith-based R&D team, including recruiting and developing top engineering talent and fostering a collaborative, innovative culture.
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of new firearms and related technologies, ensuring products meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and vision to guide the development of next-generation firearms platforms.
• Manage multiple concurrent R&D projects using proven project management methodologies to meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth product launches.
• Establish and maintain test protocols and performance validation standards for new designs.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive products, and emerging technologies.
• Drive a continuous improvement mindset within the R&D team, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and product excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and international regulations related to firearms development and testing.
• Lead the development and maintenance of drawing control processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Advanced technical degree or MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product design and development.
• Proven track record of successfully leading design and R&D teams, with strong people management and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop a deep understanding of firearms systems, ballistics, materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards (e.g., ATF, ITAR).
• Strong experience in project management tools and techniques; PMP certification and SolidWorks PDM experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to bring new products to market from concept through full-scale production.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in 3-D CAD design, focusing on SolidWorks, and other engineering analysis software.
• Experience in ANSI-Y-14.5 drawing terms and tolerances.
• Experience in DFM in a Lean environment.

Additional Qualifications:

• A solid leadership style based on the development and support of those you lead.
• A passion for metric driven results.
• A team focused approach to design and development which leverages feedback and input across the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills providing clear communication at all levels.
• Exceptional product life cycle management skills.
• Proven success of project management through documentation and KPIs.
• An ability to prioritize and pivot based on internal and external customer demands.
• Strong ethics, integrity and leadership qualities that inspire trust and confidence from all levels.
• An established history of mentoring, motivating and developing individuals.
• A Cultural fit built around engagement, empowerment and servant leadership.