Director of Research & Development

EmergencyMD; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EmergencyMD in Fort Smith, AR is seeking an experienced Director of R&D to lead our firearms product portfolio, overseeing design, testing, and launch of innovative firearm systems. You will build and guide a high-performing R&D team and drive strategic growth through technical excellence.

The role requires a strong background in product design, project management, and proven leadership, with a track record of taking products from concept to production while ensuring safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in product design and development with leadership experience.
• Experience leading design/R&D teams; ability to drive products from concept to production.
• Knowledge of firearms systems, ballistics, materials, and regulatory standards (ATF, ITAR).
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Fort Smith-based R&D team, including recruiting and mentoring engineers.
• Oversee design, development, and testing of firearms and related technologies.
• Provide technical leadership to guide next-generation firearms platforms.
• Manage multiple R&D projects to meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Collaborate with PM, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure launches.
• Maintain test protocols and performance standards for new designs.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement for innovation and product excellence.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations related to firearms.

Skills

Leadership

Product design

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

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 developingtop 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-generationfirearms platforms.


• Manage multiple concurrent R&D projects using proven project managementmethodologies 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 newdesigns.


• Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive products, and emergingtechnologies.


• 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 regulationsrelated 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 degreeor 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 andSolidWorks 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 analysissoftware.


• 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 andinput 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 alllevels.


• An established history of mentoring, motivating and developing individuals.


• A Cultural fit built around engagement, empowerment and servant leadership.