Mechanical Engineer - Product Validation and Research

Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the sporting goods manufacturing industry is looking for a Mechanical Engineer for product validation and research. The ideal candidate will manage a testing team, develop test plans, and support innovative small arms technology projects. This role demands problem-solving expertise and hands-on experience in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Collaborative work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in instrumentation, automation, and testing.
• Strong background in root cause analysis and test data interpretation.
• Ability to plan and execute test protocols and draft technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead a testing team focused on verification, validation, and reliability testing.
• Develop and execute test plans for product performance validation.
• Collaborate with product design engineers and document results.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data collection and analysis

Instrumentation

Automation

Reliability testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Product Validation and Research

Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer - Product Validation and Research role at Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC

Mechanical Engineer - Product Validation and Research

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer - Product Validation and Research role at Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC

Position Overview

We are seeking a multifaceted Mechanical Engineer with expertise in testing, automation, and instrumentation. In this role, you will lead a verification and validation testing team of two direct reports, oversee the integration and calibration of sensors and instruments, and design and execute reliability and durability tests on small arms. You will also be responsible for drafting, standardizing, and maintaining foundational test procedures that will guide future test technicians and engineers. Additionally, you will review product requirements documents and develop test plans to confirm each product meets the established criteria. When testing volume is low, you will support larger design projects or address design issues by providing insight and recommendations and occasionally contribute to product designs. This position requires solid problem-solving skills, hands-on testing capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to data collection and analysis.

Position Overview

We are seeking a multifaceted Mechanical Engineer with expertise in testing, automation, and instrumentation. In this role, you will lead a verification and validation testing team of two direct reports, oversee the integration and calibration of sensors and instruments, and design and execute reliability and durability tests on small arms. You will also be responsible for drafting, standardizing, and maintaining foundational test procedures that will guide future test technicians and engineers. Additionally, you will review product requirements documents and develop test plans to confirm each product meets the established criteria. When testing volume is low, you will support larger design projects or address design issues by providing insight and recommendations and occasionally contribute to product designs. This position requires solid problem-solving skills, hands-on testing capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to data collection and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead a team of two direct reports focused on verification, validation, and reliability testing.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring consistent application of testing protocols and continuous skill development.
• Testing & Evaluation
• Read and interpret product requirements documents to create and execute comprehensive test plans that validate product performance and functionality.
• Plan, conduct, and document reliability and durability test-firing of small arms.
• Integrate sensors (force transducers, accelerometers, etc.) into test jigs and fixtures to capture performance data.
• Collect and analyze test data, including high-speed video, to identify design improvements and troubleshoot issues.
• Draft, standardize, and maintain test procedures, ensuring repeatability and reproducibility for future test technicians and engineers.
• Coordination & Collaboration
• Work closely with lead product design engineers to ensure test plans address all product requirements and that test data supports root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with product design engineers to address design issues and support large-scale design projects when testing demand is low.
• Provide feedback to cross-functional teams based on test findings, contributing to ongoing product refinement.
• Travel occasionally (though rarely) to support testing at external facilities or to troubleshoot issues in the field.
• Instrumentation & Automation
• Recommend, procure, and integrate instruments and sensors to support testing, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Oversee sensor calibration and ensure all instruments remain accurate and properly maintained.
• Develop innovative methods for data collection and analysis, enhancing root cause analysis and product optimization.
• Design test jigs, fixtures, and automation solutions to improve repeatability and reproducibility of test results.
• Reporting & Documentation
• Prepare comprehensive test reports, including data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for design improvements.
• Coordinate with external testing labs for environmental or other specialized tests not performed in-house.
• Maintain detailed documentation of test methods and processes, enabling consistent application and future reference.
• Continuous Improvement
• Propose and implement design improvements or process changes to facilitate continuous product enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline testing methods and incorporate new technologies or best practices.
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field); equivalent experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in instrumentation, automation, and testing.
• Familiarity with small arms testing, reliability, and durability is highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of CAD software (PTC Creo experience is a plus; training available for those with related software experience).
• Strong background in root cause analysis, problem-solving, and test data interpretation.
• Experience with laboratory sensors (e.g., force transducers, accelerometers) and data acquisition systems.
• Proven ability to plan and execute test protocols, then compile and present findings in clear, concise technical reports.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
  
  

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Innovative thinker who can identify and implement creative testing and instrumentation methods.
• Detail-oriented approach to documentation and process standardization.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on environment that includes live test-firing of small arms.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced research and development setting, able to shift priorities as needed.
• Skilled in mentoring and guiding a small team, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge small arms technology for commercial, military, and law enforcement applications.
• Collaborative work environment that encourages innovation, cross-functional problem-solving, and professional development.
• Work closely with Senior Design Engineers.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Sporting Goods Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Mechanical Engineer” roles.

Bloomfield, CT $71,102.00-$101,315.00 4 days ago

Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area 3 weeks ago

West Hartford, CT $39.00-$60.00 1 hour ago

Plainville, CT $90,000.00-$110,000.00 2 days ago

Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area $85,000.00-$110,000.00 2 weeks ago

Connecticut, United States $90,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago

Product Manufacturing Engineer - New Product Introduction (Onsite)

Manufacturing Engineer - New Product Introduction (Onsite)

Manufacturing Engineer - New Product Introduction (Onsite)

Mechanical Design Engineer - Hybrid role

Windsor Locks, CT $76,478.00-$91,773.00 3 weeks ago

Torrington, CT $90,000.00-$115,000.00 1 month ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.