All Rocky Mountain bikes are first prototyped in their Vancouver B.C. location. From the original concept meeting, to 3D models, to their master framebuilders cutting the tubes and cnc'ing the parts, the entire process takes place under one roof.
Having the ability to turn ideas into reality in a matter of days significantly speeds up product development, because their never at the mercy of a vendor's lead time - they can do everything themselves in-house. It's important to know every tiny detail about the bikes they make, and without building them first for themselves, they couldn't.
Not only does Rocky Mountain have a large engineering department, but theirs is staffed with experienced senior engineers and designers who all RIDE. They know what matters both on the computer and on the trail.