Role Overview
Atlas Gunworks operates in a precision manufacturing environment where engineering decisions directly impact product performance, manufacturability, and scalability.
The Engineering Manager leads the integration of product design, manufacturing engineering, and process execution. This role is accountable for building technical systems that translate design intent into repeatable, high-yield production outcomes.
This is not a purely administrative leadership role. The Engineering Manager is expected to operate as both strategic leader and technical executor. The individual must be comfortable leading teams while simultaneously engaging in proof of concept work, process validation, fixture reviews, tolerance analysis, and production problem solving.
Leadership Scope
Lead Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering functions
Build technical roadmaps aligned to production scaling needs
Establish engineering execution standards and accountability systems
Drive cross-functional alignment between Engineering, Quality, and Operations
Develop engineering talent and succession depth
Core Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership & Team Development
Manage and mentor design and manufacturing engineers
Establish performance expectations and development pathways
Build capability in fixture design, process engineering, and manufacturability
Technical Execution & Process Ownership
Lead manufacturing process development and validation
Oversee fixture strategy and workholding architecture
Ensure tight-tolerance manufacturability across product lines
Validate machining strategies and production readiness
Proof of Concept & Substantive Testing
Lead prototype builds and proof of concept validation
Develop structured engineering test plans
Define data collection methodologies and validation criteria
Translate testing results into production decisions
Root Cause & Failure Analysis
Lead structured root cause investigations
Apply fact-finding methodologies to production and product failures
Implement corrective and preventive actions
Institutionalize lessons learned into engineering standards
Planning, Implementation & Execution Discipline
Own engineering project planning and implementation roadmaps
Establish task management systems and execution tracking
Drive schedule adherence across engineering deliverables
Align engineering output to production capacity and launch timelines
Technical Documentation & Standards
Develop product definition and build standards
Oversee drawing standards, GD&T application, and revision control
Ensure work instruction and process documentation rigor
Maintain configuration and engineering change governance
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
Lead OPEX initiatives across manufacturing engineering
Drive cost, cycle time, and scrap reduction programs
Support automation and lights-out manufacturing strategies
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments
Leadership experience managing engineering teams
Direct experience within CNC machining operations
Background in aerospace, defense, or equivalent tight-tolerance industries
Expertise in fixture design and manufacturing process development
Strong GD&T and technical drawing proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
Military service or defense industry experience
Firearms manufacturing exposure
Multi-axis CNC and advanced machining knowledge
CAM programming familiarity
Lean / Six Sigma certification
Automation integration experience
Leadership & Execution Profile
The right candidate:
Leads from the floor, not just the office
Engages directly in technical problem solving
Thrives in proof-of-concept and validation environments
Demands data before conclusions
Operates with task and schedule discipline
Drives root cause resolution, not symptom fixes
Balances leadership authority with hands-on execution
