Position Title: R&D Engineering Technician
Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt
Location: Houston, TX, Onsite
Compensation: $70,000
Reports to: Engineering Manager
COMPANY OVERVIEW
For nearly 30 years, Bowtech has been a leader in premium archery equipment, delivering innovative products trusted by hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Guided by our motto, Refuse to Follow®, we are committed to quality, craftsmanship, and creating exceptional experiences for the communities we serve. Proudly manufacturing our products in the USA, we foster a culture built on respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether you share a passion for archery and the outdoors or are simply eager to learn and contribute, we invite you to become part of our supportive and dedicated team.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the R&D Engineering Technician supports the development, testing, validation, and continuous improvement of Bowtech products from concept through production. This position plays a critical role in prototype fabrication, bow assembly, product testing, engineering validation, and product performance evaluation activities. The R&D Engineering Technician works closely with Engineering, New Product Development, Quality, and Operations teams to help develop innovative products that meet Bowtech's standards for performance, reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
This position requires extensive hands-on archery experience, strong mechanical aptitude, machining capabilities, and the ability to evaluate compound bow performance through both laboratory and field testing environments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Execute integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social media, email, print, video, influencer
- Assemble, tune, modify, and maintain prototype and production compound bows for engineering evaluation and testing.
- Build and evaluate engineering prototypes, fixtures, and testing assemblies.
- Perform bow setup procedures including cam timing, synchronization, center-shot adjustment, draw weight adjustment, draw length changes, peep installation, and paper tuning.
- Support new product development initiatives through prototype fabrication, testing, and validation activities.
- Operate manual mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment to fabricate prototype components and engineering fixtures.
- Operate, maintain, and support testing utilizing Instron equipment and other laboratory testing systems.
- Conduct product durability, lifecycle, environmental, and performance testing.
- Collect, analyze, document, and report engineering test data.
- Assist engineers with product validation, design verification, and product improvement initiatives.
- Perform draw force curve testing and analysis.
- Conduct speed testing, chronograph evaluations, vibration analysis, noise evaluations, and shooting performance assessments.
- Assist with root cause investigations related to product performance, quality concerns, and warranty issues.
- Maintain engineering documentation, test records, and prototype inventories.
- Support implementation of new products into manufacturing operations.
- Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to improve product reliability and manufacturability.
- Participate in field testing activities involving hunting and target archery applications.
- Maintain testing equipment, machine shop equipment, and laboratory workspaces.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Follow all departmental policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
CROSS-TRAINING AND BRAND SUPPORT
- Support engineering and product development activities across all Bowtech brands and product categories.
- Assist Quality Assurance teams during product validation and launch activities.
- Support Manufacturing teams with process development and production implementation efforts.
- Participate in product demonstrations, dealer events, and field evaluations when necessary.
- Maintain familiarity with current and future products throughout the organization.
- Assist with special projects as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of three years of hands-on experience assembling, tuning, troubleshooting, and maintaining compound bows.
- Minimum of two years of machining experience operating manual mills and lathes.
- Experience operating and utilizing Instron testing equipment.
- Ability to fabricate prototype components from engineering drawings and specifications.
- Product development or engineering support experience.
- Experience operating CNC equipment.
- Experience using CAD software.
- Competitive archery, bowhunting, or archery industry experience.
- Passion for archery, bowhunting, and the outdoor lifestyle.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Extensive knowledge of compound bow systems, cam systems, bow setup procedures, and tuning methodologies.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, measurement techniques, and engineering testing procedures.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and technical software applications.
- Ability to accurately document testing procedures and engineering results.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Passion for archery and/or bowhunting required.
- Ability to travel for extended periods of time as business needs require.
WHY JOIN BOWTECH?
At Bowtech, we are passionate about innovation, quality, and teamwork. We offer a collaborative culture where employees have the opportunity to make an impact, develop professionally, and support products trusted by archers around the world. Whether you're an experienced industry professional or eager to grow your skills, Bowtech provides an environment where people can succeed together.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Bowtech is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Mechanical assembly: 3 years (Required)
- compound bow systems: 3 years (Preferred)
- Archery: 3 years (Preferred)
- CNC milling machine: 2 years (Required)
- CNC lathe: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
