Materials and Performance Engineer

FRANKLIN SPORTS INC•Stoughton, MA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Franklin Sports is seeking a Materials and Performance Engineer to enhance their internal lab capabilities and efficiencies. This role is crucial for driving innovation in Franklin's paddle development, leading research and development initiatives to improve product performance for elite pickleball players. The engineer will collaborate with top athletes, push the boundaries of materials, construction, and performance, and stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. This position serves as the technical backbone of the product team, ensuring Franklin remains a leader in performance-driven product development. The role involves mentoring and technical leadership within the product organization, overseeing testing resources, and requires occasional travel with overnight stays. The position is based at the Stoughton, MA headquarters and reports to the Sr. Director, Product & Brand Strategy.

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

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
Other projects as assigned

Benefits

Employee Discounts
401K with immediate participation and a 1% match
a retirement 401(K) match of 3% safe harbor match
potential profit-sharing retirement contribution of 1% after a full calendar year of employment
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