Research Engineer (Mechatronics)
About the role
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.
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
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
Qualifications
- 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
Skills
- 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
Benefits
TaylorMade offers a comprehensive benefits package including health & wellness, performance bonuses, product discounts, holidays, paid time off, etc. in addition to a competitive salary range of $110,000 - $122,000 annually.
Pay
$110,000 - $122,000 annually
Schedule
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; frequent handling of electronic components, test fixtures, golf equipment, and portable sensor systems; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs; Frequent travel may be required.