Materials Engineer

Callaway Golf•Chicopee, MA

4d•$82,400 - $123,300

About The Position

This role will be responsible for testing, analyzing, and qualifying materials and associated processes for current and next-generation golf ball core, mantle, cover, printing and coating applications. This person will act as the liaison between R&D, manufacturing and product engineering for understanding and trouble-shooting technical issues related to new and current materials in manufacturing or development processes. This person will also be required to work very closely with outside vendors in the commercialization of new materials and will have primary responsibility for all incoming quality metrics related to raw materials.

Requirements

Direct understanding of golf ball-related materials and processes: Understanding or experience with polybutadiene rubber chemistry, formulation, processing, and properties Understanding or experience with thermoplastics, thermosets, rheology, and application to the injection molding process Understanding or experience with coating chemistry, formulation, processing, and properties Understanding or experience with various chemical testing, mechanical testing, and other structure-property characterization techniques
Direct experience with experimental design, execution, and analyzing results to draw conclusions
Working knowledge of statistical analysis techniques (Six Sigma training preferred) and experience using statistical tools (Minitab, JMP, Matlab, etc.)
Ability to communicate in technical meetings and communicate complex ideas to a broad audience
Excellent written communication skills
Self-motivated and driven to exceed expectations
Strong team orientation with great interpersonal skills
B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or related field
2-4 years of experience preferred

Responsibilities

Use analytical tools and techniques to analyze materials, compositions, or components and troubleshoot material-related problems.
Support experimentation to further the fundamental understanding of materials for golf balls.
Support incoming material quality evaluations and sampling plans as directed.
Sample, inspect, and test raw materials according to the incoming inspection and testing plan. Materials to be tested include (but are not limited to) rubbers, ionomers, urethanes, masterbatches, powders, and paints.
Collect suppliers’ certificates of analysis; enter data into associated data systems, maintaining original records.
Verify acceptability of raw materials and conformance of suppliers’ COAs to Callaway’s specifications.
Notify appropriate personnel of the status of raw materials (i.e., release, reject, etc.).
Work with suppliers to resolve testing discrepancies.
Generate defective material notices upon rejection of raw material.
Document and update incoming test procedures.
Verify/monitor calibration of test equipment and provide routine upkeep of equipment.
Advise supervisor/manager of equipment needs, alternate testing methods, and other incoming quality trends.
Under the direction of management, lead the execution of studies to optimize golf ball core, mantle, and cover, and/or paint formulations with the goals of maximizing product performance and reducing variation.
Provide project timelines, status, and technical summary reports to management as required.
Work closely with other team members to understand the projects they are working on in an effort to collaborate and contribute effectively.
Practice effective, professional communication and collaboration within the team and between functional groups.