Associate R&D Performance Engineer

Callaway Golf Company; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Callaway Golf Company is seeking an early-career engineer to perform finite element analyses and develop CAD-ready models for golf club and equipment design. You will evaluate structural performance, run optimization studies, and analyze measurement data to inform engineering decisions.

You will also develop computational workflows, collaborate with product teams, and support prototype development while balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost within fast-paced timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and mathematics.
• Proficiency with Excel for data analysis.
• Experience with CAD like Siemens NX and scripting in MATLAB or Python.
• Experience with or exposure to AI-assisted engineering tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform finite element analyses to evaluate structural and performance characteristics of woods products.
• Execute parametric, topology, and numerical optimization studies to improve performance, durability, and robustness.
• Analyze simulation, robot, and testing data to identify design trends and inform decisions.
• Develop and improve workflows using scripting, automation, and AI-assisted tools.
• Create, modify, and prepare CAD geometry for analysis and prototype development.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering to transition designs to manufacturable products.
• Integrate aesthetic concepts with functionality while maintaining manufacturability.
• Support prototype development and validation with labs and suppliers.
• Participate in design reviews and product development activities through the cycle.

Skills

Mechanics basics

Materials

Mathematics

Excel data analysis

LLM-based tooling

Interpersonal skills

Fast learner

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

Siemens NX

Python

MATLAB

Job description

ABOUT THE BRAND

Callaway Golf Company is a premium golf equipment, gear and apparel company with a portfolio of global brands, including Callaway Golf, Odyssey, TravisMathew, and OGIO. Through an unwavering commitment to innovation and premium craftsmanship, Callaway designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance golf clubs, golf balls, apparel, bags, and other accessories—setting the standard for performance in the game of golf. Our Mission: To create demonstrably superior and pleasingly different products powered by innovative technology and premium craftsmanship enabling golfers of all abilities to play their best and find more joy in the game. Our company is a blend of experience and diverse backgrounds, and together we look to leave the past behind while moving the game forward. For more information, please visit https://www.callawaygolf.com

Roles & Responsibilities

• Perform finite element analyses to evaluate the structural and performance characteristics of woods products.
• Execute parametric, topology, and numerical optimization studies to improve product performance, durability, and robustness.
• Analyze simulation, robot, player testing, and physical measurement data to identify meaningful design trends and inform engineering decisions.
• Develop and improve computational workflows using scripting, automation, and AI-assisted engineering tools.
• Create, modify, and prepare CAD geometry for simulation, optimization, and prototype development.
• Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes and collaborate with Product Engineering to transition designs from concept to consistently manufacturable products.
• Collaborate with Industrial Design to integrate aesthetic concepts and artwork into functional product designs while maintaining performance and manufacturability.
• Support prototype development and validation by collaborating with Product Engineering, prototype labs, testing teams, and external suppliers.
• Participate in design reviews, competitive benchmarking, performance target development, and product development activities throughout the development cycle.
• Balance performance, manufacturability, cost, risk, and development schedule when evaluating and recommending design solutions.
• Work efficiently within fast-paced development timelines, prioritizing analyses and engineering work to support key product milestones.
• Document technical findings and communicate results through clear reports, presentations, and engineering reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve analysis methods, engineering workflows, and team processes to increase the quality and efficiency of product development.

Technical Competencies Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and mathematics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and technical data analysis.
• Basic experience with CAD software, such as Siemens NX or equivalent, with the ability to navigate models, suppress features, make basic geometry modifications, and prepare models for analysis.
• Working knowledge of programming or scripting concepts, such as MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Proficiency with modern LLM-based tools and the ability to use them effectively to support technical problem solving, automate workflows, and improve engineering productivity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn complex, multi-step technical processes quickly and apply them effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and willingness to seek out the information and resources needed to solve challenging technical problems.

Preferred

• Experience with or exposure to finite element analysis and CAE tools such as LS-DYNA, HyperMesh/HyperWorks, LS-OPT, OptiStruct, or similar.
• Experience with design optimization, parametric studies, topology optimization, design of experiments, or statistical analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other engineering programming languages.
• Experience working with physical testing, experimental data, or product development.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.
• Interest in golf and golf club technology.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related engineering discipline required.
• 0–2 years of relevant engineering experience preferred; new graduates with strong technical aptitude and relevant academic or project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Previous golf industry or FEA experience is helpful but not required.

DE&I and EEOC: Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity.

We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, supporting them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We know that diverse backgrounds and experiences make for the best problem-solving and creative thinking, which is why we’re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team and encourage everyone to apply. We look forward to learning more about you.

66,200.00 - 82,700.00 - 99,200.00 USD Annual

Callaway Golf is the leading manufacturer of premium golf clubs, balls, performance gear and accessories worldwide. Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, we push the limits of performance and create demonstrably superior products designed to make every golfer a better golfer. Our company is a blend of experience and diverse backgrounds, and we want top-notch people to join us in that mission! By joining Callaway Golf, you also join part of the portfolio of brands within Topgolf Callaway Brands, an unrivaled tech-enabled Modern Golf and active lifestyle company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, with a portfolio of global brands including Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and World Golf Tour (“WGT”). “Modern Golf” is the dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that includes both on-course and off-course golf. For more information, please visit https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com. At Callaway we don’t settle or rest on our laurels and we never, ever leave well enough alone. We tinker, tweak and test while making constant strides to break through. Everything we do is about making the turn and improving the game. As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.