R&D Engineer - Reels

Reflector Entertainment Ltd.; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Reflector Entertainment Ltd. seeks an R&D Engineer - Reel to design, test, and refine fishing reels from concept through production. You will apply mechanical engineering and CAD skills, partnering across the business to meet performance, quality, cost, and timing goals.

You will work with cross-functional teams, prototypes, testing, and VAVE initiatives, balancing manufacturability and reliability while delivering solid engineering changes and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years in product development, mechanical/manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Pro/ENGINEER or similar 3D CAD software proficiency; strong design principles.
• Experience with product testing, prototyping, manufacturing processes, or VAVE preferred.
• Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with consumer products, sporting goods, fishing products, reels, or similar mechanical products preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and improve fishing reels from concept through production.
• Develop prototypes and conduct tests to validate designs.
• Analyze results and implement design improvements for performance and cost targets.
• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and global teams.

Skills

Mechanical Eng

3D CAD

Prototyping

Product Testing

VAVE

Root Cause

Cross-Functional

Cost & Quality

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Pro/ENGINEER

Job description

Job Summary: What will you do?

Do you enjoy turning ideas into products anglers can rely on? As our R&D Engineer - Reel, you'll help design, test, and improve fishing reels from concept through production. You'll use mechanical engineering skills and CAD tools while partnering across the business to deliver products that meet performance, quality, cost, and timing expectations.

What makes you a great catch?

• You apply mechanical engineering principles to practical product and manufacturing challenges.
• You're comfortable with 3D CAD, prototypes, product testing, and using results to improve a design.
• You balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality, and cost when evaluating solutions.
• You communicate clearly and work well with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and global partners.
• You're organized, responsive, and able to work independently while keeping multiple assignments on schedule.

Why you will love it here

• Help develop and improve fishing products that anglers rely on.
• See projects move from early concepts and prototypes through production.
• Build your expertise alongside experienced engineers and manufacturing partners.

Your work environment

You’ll work within Engineering and partner with Brand, Quality, Manufacturing, suppliers, and global facilities. Your projects may include designs and technical documentation, prototypes, testing, VAVE and product improvements, Engineering Change Notifications, manufacturing support, and project records. You’ll support work from concept through production under general supervision, with guidance from Senior Engineers and Engineering leadership.

What you will need to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of engineering education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in product development, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency with Pro/ENGINEER or similar 3D CAD software and a working knowledge of engineering design principles
• Experience with product testing, prototyping, manufacturing processes, or VAVE preferred
• Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate technical requirements clearly and collaborate across functions
• Experience with consumer products, sporting goods, fishing products, reels, or similar mechanical products is preferred