Materials and Performance Engineer

MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCE ENGINEER (EXEMPT)

At Franklin Sports, Inc. we believe that sports make life better. Driven by our passion to get people moving, playing and competing, we bring sports to life for athletes of all ages.

This position is located at our Headquarters in Stoughton, MA and reports to the Sr. Director, Product & Brand Strategy.

Key responsibilities include leading material and performance research within Franklin’s paddle development pipeline, acting as the technical backbone of the product team, mentoring and technical leadership, overseeing testing resources, and supporting innovation across all paddle platforms.

• 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

• 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, or train, including overnight stays

Interact independently with internal and external parties, possessing the knowledge to make independent decisions.

This position does not supervise employees.

The employee is regularly required to sit/stand, talk, and hear, to use manual dexterity to handle objects, and must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

The noise level is usually moderate.

• Employee Discounts
• 401(k) with immediate participation and a 1% match; 3% safe harbor match; potential profit‑sharing contribution of 1% after full calendar year
• 20 days paid time off and 13 paid holidays (prorated)
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Company‑paid AD&D and life insurance (2x base salary)
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, or hospital indemnity insurance
• Company‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability plans
• Flexible spending with $680 carry‑over and dependent care account plans
• Employee life assistance and identity theft protection support
• Tuition reimbursement after waiting period

118,000 – 148,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Franklin Sports is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.