R&D Pattern & Prototype Designer - Thermoform Holsters

Forensics Source; Jacksonville (FL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Employer paid life insurance

Employer paid disability

Wellness program

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Safariland in Jacksonville, FL is seeking an R&D Design Technician to develop new holster patterns and prototype assemblies. You will transform 2D patterns into 3D thermoformed designs, fabricate test samples, and support engineering with pattern refinement.

The role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, CAD input, and on-site manufacturing work. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in pattern making or thermoforming, strong mechanical aptitude, and good teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of pattern making or thermoforming experience preferred.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and creative drive.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with others.

Responsibilities

• Design new 2D patterns using laminated materials (Kydex, Boltaron, Cordura).
• Convert 2D patterns to 3D thermoformed holster designs for prototypes.
• Assemble test samples and install components using hand or pneumatic tools.
• Collaborate with engineers to refine patterns and tooling for final products.

Skills

Pattern making

Holster design

Fabrication tools

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD

CNC Router

Laser Engraving

Job description

Overview

Safariland is looking for a self-motivated, creative and detail-oriented R&D Design Technician to join our Engineering and Product Development teams. The position works closely with Product Design Engineers, other R&D and CNC Technicians to develop new products for military, law enforcement and commercial applications. The role will be responsible for new pattern design, fabrication, prototype assembly and testing of thermoform holsters and related firearm accessories.

Key Responsibilities

• Design new 2D patterns using laminated materials such as Kydex, Boltaron, Cordura and suede.
• Using internal forming practices and equipment, transform 2D patterns into conceptual 3D thermoformed holster designs.
• Construct holster test samples by installing secondary components using hand, pneumatic or other assembly tools.
• Work with Product Design Engineers to test initial samples, alter pattern and tooling designs or forming process to refine the prototype into a finished product design.
• Perform fit checks of guns and holster combinations.
• Design and produce forming stands, inserts, plates, pins or other production tool and assembly aides using mills, lathes, saws or other fabrication machinery.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering handoff and Production implementation.
• Fabricate additional preproduction Engineering samples to support Customer, Marketing or other product launch needs.
• Assist in creation of Bill of Materials and reviews for completeness and accuracy.
• Assures physical or digital file documentation, samples and development tools are stored in an organized manner.

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with holster design, laminate manufacturing process, materials and construction is ideal.
• Familiarity with handguns, accessories, their identification and operation is preferred.
• Comfortable using hand tools and small power tools on a daily basis.
• Experience in fabrication with milling, lathe, grinder or bandsaw machines.
• Familiarity with proper use and handling of adhesives or solvents
• TIG welding or vacuum forming experience is a plus
• Basic CAD, CNC Router and Laser Engraving experience is a bonus

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2+ years of pattern making, design or manufacturing experience with thermoforming process fabrication is preferred.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and creative drive.
• Good communication skills and ability to work constructively with others
• Basic proficiency in spoken and written English
• Familiarity with Microsoft productivity tools (Work, Excel Outlook)

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities

• The role reports to Engineering department Manager or Supervisor.
• The role of the R&D Design Technician does not have supervisory or people management responsibilities

Schedule/Location

• Full time position, Monday-Friday.
• Some 8-hour schedule flexibility is available, between 6am and 6pm.
• Occasional overtime opportunities available, rarely required.
• This is not a hybrid or remote position.
• Role requires on site attendance in a light manufacturing environment.