Manufacturing Engineer

Hard Head Veterans and Kevy Safety are seeking a practical, process-driven Manufacturing Engineer to help scale helmet production in Sweetwater, Texas. We make helmets for freedom—those who build, enjoy, and protect it. As we grow, we need someone who thrives on efficiency, quality, and hands-on problem-solving.

Mission Brief:

As a Manufacturing Engineer, your mission is to design, optimize, and maintain the manufacturing processes that bring our helmets to life safely, efficiently, and at scale. You'll bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring that every helmet we produce is built to spec, on time, and with no-nonsense excellence.

Outcomes:

Process Optimization: Improve production workflows to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and meet volume targets.

Product Quality: Ensure all manufacturing meets performance and safety standards; troubleshoot defects quickly.

Tooling & Equipment: Design and implement tools, fixtures, and processes that improve production output and consistency.

Safety & Compliance: Build systems that put safety first for our team and our customers.

Scalability: Help us scale up without sacrificing quality or speed as demand increases.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, document, and implement lean manufacturing processes for helmet assembly and testing.

Collaborate with Product Development and Production to translate designs into practical, repeatable production systems.

Select and maintain equipment, tooling, and automation necessary for current and future builds.

Improve QA/QC program to identify root causes of production issues and drive corrective actions.

Monitor performance metrics (yield, throughput, downtime) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Maintain safe working conditions and ensure compliance with OSHA and relevant manufacturing standards.

Assist with plant layout and workflow planning as we expand operations.

Contribute to inventory planning, BOM optimization, and cost-saving initiatives in collaboration with supply chain and procurement.Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).

5–10 years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience; DFM/DFA knowledge a must.

Strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred), ERP/MRP systems, and production documentation.

Experience working in high-mix, low-volume environments or regulated industries (defense, industrial safety, etc.).

Detail-oriented and self-driven with a "fix it, don’t just flag it" attitude.

Willingness to be on the floor, get your hands dirty, and work with cross-functional teams daily.

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience and skillset.

Company wide profit sharing (10%).

Paid gym time daily (if on-site).

Paid holidays and generous PTO policy.

Health Insurance matching, including vision/dental.

Pro-deal discounts on outdoor gear, clothing, and equipment.

American values-based culture built on freedom, integrity, accountability, respect, and service.

Location:

On-site at our Sweetwater, TX manufacturing facility.