The Research Engineer - Mechatronics is a hands-on engineering role within the TaylorMade Research & Development team, focused on the design, prototyping, integration, and validation of electromechanical systems that advance golf equipment and player performance. This role demands deep practical expertise in mechatronics, sensor systems, electronic hardware, wiring, and embedded controls, combined with the ability to develop supporting software and user-facing tools. The ideal candidate is a builder and problem-solver who thrives in a laboratory and prototype environment, producing functional systems from concept through deployment.
Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:- Design, prototype, wire, assemble, and test mechatronic and electromechanical systems used in golf equipment evaluation, performance measurement, and product development
- Develop and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical specifications for custom hardware assemblies, test rigs, and IoT-connected devices
- Select, integrate, and characterize sensors (IMUs, load cells, encoders, pressure sensors, optical sensors, etc.) - including defining operating limits, calibration procedures, and signal conditioning requirements
- Design and implement IoT systems and wireless data acquisition platforms that capture real-time performance data from equipment and players
- Develop embedded firmware and control software for microcontrollers and microprocessors (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32 or similar) to drive test automation and data capture systems
- Write clean, maintainable code to interface with hardware, process sensor data, and build internal and user-facing applications and interfaces; leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate prototyping and automate test routines; apply basic computer vision techniques to support equipment and player performance analysis
- Define and communicate technical requirements and specifications effectively across multiple disciplines including research, development, engineering, legal, and external partners / suppliers; document designs thoroughly including schematics, BOMs, test protocols, and calibration records
- Performs other related duties and assignments as required.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:- Expert-level understanding of electromechanical systems - integrating mechanical structures, electrical circuits, actuators, sensors, and controllers into cohesive working prototypes
- Proficiency in reading and creating wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and PCB layouts
- Hands-on experience with sensor selection, integration, calibration, and characterization - including noise floors, bandwidth, dynamic range, operating limits, and environmental constraints
- Experience with IoT architectures and wireless communication protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRa, MQTT) and embedded data transmission systems
- Proficiency with prototyping tools and bench instrumentation: breadboarding, soldering, oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and data acquisition systems
- Strong programming skills in embedded C/C++ for microcontroller firmware, and Python or MATLAB for data processing, test automation, and hardware interfacing; working knowledge of computer vision libraries (e.g., OpenCV) for image and video-based analysis
- Demonstrated ability to build user-facing applications or interfaces - desktop GUIs, web dashboards, or mobile apps - to present hardware data and system status; practical use of AI coding tools and LLM-assisted development workflows
- Familiarity with mechanical CAD (CREO or similar) sufficient to design sensor mounts, fixtures, and enclosures
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally across research, engineering, and commercial teams; knowledge of the game of golf, golf equipment, and golf biomechanics strongly preferred
Education, Work Experience, and Professional Certifications:- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field
- B.S. with 5+ years of hands-on industry or research experience in mechatronics or embedded systems; M.S. with 3+ years; Ph.D. with relevant experience; demonstrated portfolio of built and tested systems strongly preferred - candidates who can show their work will stand out.
Work Environment / Physical Requirements:- Primarily laboratory and office environment with significant hands-on bench work; occasional travel to test facilities, retail locations, or tour events is required
- Ability to work flexible hours around project and event timelines as needed
- Moderate physical effort; regular handling of electronic components, test fixtures, golf equipment, and portable sensor systems; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs
- Frequent travel may be required.
TaylorMade is a performance driven organization and our total rewards approach to compensation is designed to support this. We consider many factors in determining base compensation, including position scope, job related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and work location. The expected annual base pay range for this position is $110,000 - $122,000. Additional benefits, such as health & wellness, performance bonuses, product discounts, holidays, paid time off, etc. may also be offered in accordance with our plans.
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