Innovation Engineer

Innovation Engineer Syndicate Riverton Full-time Exempt Shift: Monday-Friday Company Overview: Syndicate is a growing organization that provides shared services and operational support to multiple affiliated entities. The innovation engineer plays a critical role in driving a culture of solution focused creativity and tangible results across all entities. Position Overview Small Arms Defense Skunk Works environment. Job Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of new firearm products, components, and accessories from concept through commercialization
Conduct research on emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods to drive innovation
Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and specifications using CAD software
Develop and execute product testing protocols, including durability, safety, and performance validation
Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings
Ensure all products meet applicable federal, state, and industry regulations and safety standards
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency
Support prototyping efforts, including hands-on assembly and evaluation of test units
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for product issues
Work with suppliers and vendors on material selection and component development
Maintain thorough documentation including design history files, test reports, and compliance records
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and innovation strategy planning Job Qualifications (Required)
Technical Foundation
Mechanical engineering fundamentals with deep understanding of firearms and accessories
Materials science expertise: metallurgy, composites, polymers, and emerging materials (metal matrix composites, advanced ceramics, carbon fiber applications)
CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or Creo) with ability to rapidly iterate designs
Multidisciplinary Technical Skills
Additive manufacturing expertise (DMLS, SLM, binder jetting) for rapid prototyping and novel geometries
Innovation & Problem-Solving
Systematic innovation frameworksBiomimicry and cross-domain
solution mining (applying concepts from unrelated fields)
Constraint-based thinking: thriving when told "impossible" requirements
Prototyping & Testing
Rapid prototyping mindset: comfort with "good enough to test" over perfection
Data acquisition and analysis (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB)
Test plan development and DOE (Design of Experiments) methodology
Hands-on troubleshooting in field conditions
Manufacturing & Producibility
Design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)
Understanding of production processes: CNC, MIM, stamping, extrusion, IM
Tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T expertise
Domain-Specific Knowledge
Operational experience or deep user empathy (combat veteran, competitive shooter, or extensive end-user engagement)
Threat assessment and emerging tactical requirements
International small arms landscape and competitive analysis
Military standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1913, etc.) and proof testing requirements
Skunk Works Mindset
Extreme ownership and self-direction
Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing requirements
Speed bias: 80% solution tomorrow beats 100% solution next quarter
Scrappiness: making do with limited resources
Direct communication style, bypassing bureaucracy when mission-critical
Willingness to challenge conventional wisdom
Soft Skills & Attributes
Technical communication: translating complex engineering to military end-users and non-technical leadership
Collaborative spirit despite independent work style
Intellectual curiosity: constant learning across disciplines
Resilience: handling failed tests and rapid pivots without losing momentum
Cultural Fit Indicators
Thrives in unstructured environments
Driven by mission impact over process compliance
Comfortable being the "jack of all trades, master of several"
Excited by technical risk-taking
Prefers building things to endless analysis
Can context-switch rapidly between projects Job Qualifications (Preferred)
Multidisciplinary Technical Skills
Electronics and programming
Optics and photonics experience
Bonus Differentiators
Competition shooting experience (USPSA, 3-Gun, PRS) for user perspective
Software development skills