Materials and Performance Engineer

About the role

We are excited to hire a Materials and Performance Engineer to expand our internal lab equipment and efficiencies. This role will be a critical driver of innovation within Franklin’s paddle development pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive ongoing product initiatives, ensuring continuous innovation across all paddle platforms
• Own and execute constant R&D efforts focused on advancing materials, construction, and performance technologies
• Partner directly with elite athletes to develop, test, and refine next generation products
• Identify and stay ahead of emerging trends, materials, and technologies within pickleball and adjacent industries
• Serve as the technical engine behind product development, supporting the broader team with deep expertise and insight
• Develop and iterate on new constructions, core technologies, and surface treatments to enhance performance and durability
• Work cross functionally with product, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to bring innovations to market
• Establish and refine testing protocols and performance benchmarks for elite level play
• Translate athlete feedback and lab data into actionable product improvements
• Continuously evaluate competitive products and innovations to ensure Franklin remains a category leader

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field (MBA preferred)
• 6+ years of experience in materials development, performance testing, or technical product validation, ideally within consumer sporting goods or composite manufacturing
• Proven success managing multi phase, multi million dollar projects
• Experience working with global manufacturing partners preferred

Qualifications

• High level of ownership over product innovation and R&D direction
• Key contributor to overall product strategy and long term technology roadmap
• Direct impact on performance outcomes at the highest levels of the sport
• Deep passion for pickleball with a strong understanding of the game and player needs
• Highly analytical with a strong curiosity for materials, engineering, and performance optimization
• Forward thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate trends and innovate ahead of the market
• Strong collaboration skills, especially when working with elite athletes and cross functional teams
• Detail oriented with the ability to balance experimentation and execution
• Self starter who thrives in a fast paced, evolving environment
• Strong communication skills to translate technical insights into clear product direction

Skills

• Valid driver’s license in good standing
• Ability to travel up to 10% via car, plane an train including overnight stays

Benefits

• Employee Discounts
• 401K with immediate participation and a 1% match, a retirement 401(K) match of 3% safe harbor match, plus a potential profit-sharing retirement contribution of 1% after a full calendar year of employment
• After 30 Days Waiting Period 20 days PTO program/13 Paid Holidays (prorated)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company Paid AD&D and Life Insurance (2 times Base Salary)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance, Critical Illness or Hospital Indemnity
• Company Paid Short- and Long-Term disability plans
• Flexible Spending with $680 Carry Over option and Dependent Care Account Plans
• Employee Life Assistance Plan and Identity Theft Protection Support
• Tuition Reimbursement after waiting period