Product Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Product Engineer to design and develop innovative products across both our racquet sports (pickleball, padel, and related) and baseball divisions. This role will work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to deliver best-in-class equipment—from high-performance pickleball paddles and padel racquets to wood and composite baseball bats—helping set industry standards for quality and innovation. The position is located in our headquarters in Chicago, IL, and will report to the Senior Product Line Manager.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to develop innovative pickleball paddles, padel racquets, baseball bats and ancillary products.
• Build a deep understanding of both racquet sports and baseball equipment, customer needs, and athlete feedback.
• Analyze market and industry product trends to come up with unique product ideas.
• Partner with Project Managers on product ideas and to establish project priorities.
• Lead the development and testing of new materials suitable for racquet and baseball products.
• Create rough product designs using sketches and computer software.
• Select product materials and design the product manufacturing process.
• Determine product feasibility costs and return on investment.
• Test product prototypes to adjust design flaws.
• Consult with operations team to determine cost-effective manufacturing procedures.
• Oversee the start of the manufacturing process to ensure productivity and safety.
• Work with team to bring new concepts to market.
• Actively implement continuous process improvement.
• Help drive innovation and participate in evolving design language for products that inspire passion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience inventing and developing products.
• Experience in sports equipment (racquet sports and/or baseball) strongly preferred.
• Keen creative and innovative skillset and eye for detail.
• Documented success in launching new products and maintaining products.
• Strong 2D skills: hand sketching (digital) and rendering skills with ability to create designs quickly, working in and out of software tools.
• Experience in producing design spec packs and technical drawings.
• Expertise in Key Shot or similar rendering software.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other necessary product development software.
• Ability to travel domestically.

What We’ll Provide

• Competitive compensation of $115,000 with a 5% bonus
• Benefits
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan with company match
• Professional development opportunities
• Smart casual dress