R&D Project Engineer

Winchester Ammunition; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 105,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation available

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Winchester Ammunition is seeking an energetic R&D Project Engineer in Independence, MO to bridge lab designs and factory scale. You will transform experimental ammo concepts into production-ready processes and tooling, collaborating with designers and manufacturing experts to meet stringent Army standards.

You will own projects from prototyping through pilot runs to full production hand-off, traveling ~10% and contributing to critical defense initiatives at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems and machinery.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to collaborate with team members.
• Travel approximately 10%.

Responsibilities

• Take experimental R&D designs and re-engineer them for high-speed, production environments.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment specifications for precision at scale.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers, ballisticians, and manufacturing experts to solve complex technical hurdles.
• Own the lifecycle of engineering tasks from prototyping to full-scale production hand-off.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance quality and throughput.
• Lead testing and qualification to meet Army performance standards.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

3+ years experience

Mechanical systems

Independence & prioritization

Team collaboration

Travel ~10%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Title: R&D Project Engineer Location: Independence, MO Salary: $104,700- $157,800 depending on experience level Schedule: 9/80 schedule Relocation Available Focus: We are looking for a high-energy R&D Project Engineer to join our elite team at the forefront of ammunition innovation. This isn't just about desk work; it’s about taking cutting-edge, R&D-scale designs and transforming them into high-speed, steady-state production realities that support the U.S. Army. If you thrive in the space where creative engineering meets industrial scale, this is your opportunity to leave a tangible mark on national defense. As an R&D Project Engineer, you will be the connective tissue between the visionary designers and our high-volume manufacturing floor. You will lead the transition of next-generation ammunition projects, ensuring that what works in the lab excels in the factory.

R&D Project Engineer - Essential Job Functions:

• Take experimental R&D designs and re-engineer them for high-speed, production environments.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment specifications to ensure precision at scale.
• Work side-by-side with other R&D engineers, ballisticians, and manufacturing experts to solve complex technical hurdles.
• Own the lifecycle of engineering tasks—from initial prototyping and pilot runs to full-scale production hand-off.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance quality and throughput.
• Lead testing and qualification efforts to ensure every round meets rigorous Army performance standards.

R&D Project Engineer - Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree* in Engineering
• Minimum of 3 years of recent related experience.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems and machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a high-pressure environment.
• Effectively set priorities, manage high-volume workload, and willingness to be collaborative and support team efforts.
• Ability to travel approximately 10%.

Location-Specific Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense secret security clearance.
• Must possess a valid US Driver’s License.
• This position requires successful vetting as an Employee Possessor in accordance with U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• This position requires access to ITAR controlled technical data, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate's ability to access ITAR controlled technical data pursuant to an export license approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, if required.
• This position requires successful vetting for unescorted access in accordance with U.S. Army and Department of Defense access policies. The US Government does not allow non-US citizens on-site at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Therefore, to be considered in the hiring process, the candidate must be a US citizen.

Strong Careers Grow Here

Olin fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, where you are encouraged to join or lead our Olin People Networks. These voluntary groups connect employees across sites, divisions and functions to strengthen connections, belonging, and community involvement.

Rooted in our corporate values , Olin continues to be the global leader in both ammunition and chemical manufacturing. We invest, recognize, and reward the talents and contributions of our employees, empowering over 8,000 global individuals to make an impact both at work and in surrounding communities.

View a snapshot of our comprehensive benefits package.

• Degree must be from a school that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent program from an international university.

Olin does not provide any form of sponsorship. We will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN or who need sponsorship now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Olin is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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