Engineering Project Manager

If you are a current Ruger employee, please click here to apply internally.

Job Description:

Position: Project Manager – Manufacturing Integration

Location: Onsite in Mayodan, NC

Reports to: Sr. Director, Operations

Position Summary

The Project Manager – Manufacturing Integration leads the execution of major operational initiatives across the facility. This includes new production lines, manufacturing cell expansions, assembly layout redesigns, factory optimization projects, and capital-driven operational improvements.

This role serves as the single point of accountability for project success—ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Acting as the enterprise integrator, the Project Manager aligns cross-functional stakeholders and drives disciplined execution without direct authority.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Operations, this role bridges strategy to execution, ensuring operational projects transition seamlessly from concept through implementation into stable production.

Vision of the Role

To lead and influence cross-functional teams to successfully implement operational initiatives that strengthen the facility’s manufacturing capability, scalability, and long-term competitiveness.

Core Responsibilities

Project Ownership & Governance

• Lead full project lifecycle from charter through production stabilization.
• Define scope, budget, risk profile, and success metrics.
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules and milestone reviews.
• Drive structured stage-gate reviews with senior leadership.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Protect projects from scope creep while maintaining agility.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Align efforts across:
  • Operations Integration Coordinator (OIC)
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Product Engineering
  • Machine Technology
  • Facility Maintenance
  • Quality
  • Supply Chain
  • NPD (as required)
• Ensure engineering outputs align with operational readiness.
• Escalate constraints and decision gaps appropriately.

Capital & Financial Stewardship

• Monitor capital investment performance and ROI.
• Ensure adherence to approved financial parameters.
• Provide transparent reporting to senior leadership.

Operational Launch & Stabilization

• Oversee facility readiness and installation sequencing.
• Validate ramp-up plans and handoff to Operations.
• Ensure sustainable transition into steady-state production.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular status updates to the Assistant General Manager and senior leadership.
• Maintain clear, concise, and structured communication across all stakeholders.
• Drive a culture of transparency and urgency.

Leadership Competencies

• Servant leadership mindset.
• Charismatic and influential communicator.
• High accountability and ownership.
• Systems thinker.
• Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity.
• Disciplined, organized, and detail-oriented.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated capability to successfully lead and manage engineering projects.

• Demonstrated experience implementing process improvements and leading cross-functional initiatives.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Experience with CNC machining, tooling design, fixture design, and manufacturing process development.
• Proficiency with CAD and CAM software, preferably SolidWorks and Mastercam.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of:
  • Lean Manufacturing principles
  • Statistical process control and process capability analysis
  • Root cause analysis methodologies
  • Automation systems
  • CMM and inspection technologies
  • Project management practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience with:
  • Powder metallurgy
  • Sintering processes
  • Heat treatment
  • Injection molding
  • Automation and robotics
  • Advanced manufacturing technologies

Additional Requirements:

Must be able to successfully pass a drug and background screen

Must be eligible to handle firearms per the Federal Firearms Act

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package including competitive salary, profit sharing and bonus
• Heath benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Life and Retirement benefits including 401k match, company 401k contribution, basic and supplemental life options, as well as short- and long-term disability plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Relocation Assistance is available for the right candidate
• Casual work environment

About the company:

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market, all made in America. For over 75 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, "Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®," echoes our commitment to these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms. Ruger has remained a global leader in offering unparalleled service, innovative technology, and providing peace of mind to our users at every step.