PE-Duty Gear - R&D Design Technician-DGM Pattern Maker

About the role

Safariland is seeking a R&D Design Technician to join its Engineering and Product Development teams. This role collaborates with Product Design Engineers, R&D, and CNC Technicians to develop new products for military, law enforcement, and commercial applications. The primary responsibilities include designing new 2D patterns, transforming them into 3D thermoformed holster designs, assembling prototypes, and supporting manufacturing handoffs.

Responsibilities

• Design new 2D patterns using laminated materials like Kydex, Boltaron, Cordura, and suede.
• Transform 2D patterns into conceptual 3D thermoformed holster designs using internal forming practices and equipment.
• Construct holster test samples by installing secondary components using hand, pneumatic, or other assembly tools.
• Collaborate with Product Design Engineers to test initial samples, refine prototype designs, and ensure final product quality.
• Perform fit checks of guns and holster combinations.
• Create forming stands, inserts, plates, pins, or other production tool and assembly aids 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.
• Affirm physical or digital file documentation, samples, and development tools are stored in an organized manner.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2+ years of pattern making, design, or manufacturing experience with thermoforming processes.
• 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 (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with holster design, laminate manufacturing process, materials, and construction.
• Familiarity with handguns, accessories, their identification, and operation.
• 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.
• Basic CAD, CNC Router, and Laser Engraving experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability.
• Wellness program.
• Adoption assistance.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holidays.

Why work at Safariland?

The Safariland Group fosters a work culture driven by core values of integrity, curiosity, excellence, and empowerment. They offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security for eligible employees and their families, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, employer-paid life insurance and disability, a wellness program, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program. Safariland is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.