Research Engineer (Mechatronics)

Taylormade; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

TaylorMade is seeking a Research Engineer – Mechatronics to design, prototype, integrate, and validate electromechanical systems that advance golf equipment and player performance. This hands-on role requires deep practical expertise in mechatronics, sensor systems, electronic hardware, wiring, and embedded controls, with the ability to develop supporting software and user-facing tools.

The ideal candidate thrives in a laboratory environment, building functional systems from concept through

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechatronics or embedded systems experience.
• Portfolio of built and tested systems preferred.
• Ability to work in a laboratory and prototype environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, wire, assemble, and test mechatronic systems for golf equipment evaluation and product development.
• Develop wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical specifications for hardware assemblies and test rigs.
• Select, integrate, and characterize sensors (IMUs, load cells, encoders, pressure sensors, optical sensors).
• Design and implement IoT systems and wireless data acquisition platforms for real-time data capture.
• Develop embedded firmware and control software for microcontrollers and microprocessors to drive test automation and data capture.
• Write clean code to interface with hardware and build user-facing interfaces; explore AI-assisted prototyping and basic computer vision techniques.

Skills

Mechatronics systems

Embedded C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Sensor integration

PCB layouts

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Mechatronics or related field

Tools

CREO or CAD tooling

Job description

The Research Engineer – Mechatronics is a hands-on engineering role within the TaylorMade Research & Development team, focused on the design, prototyping, integration, and validation of electromechanical systems that advance golf equipment and player performance. This role demands deep practical expertise in mechatronics, sensor systems, electronic hardware, wiring, and embedded controls, combined with the ability to develop supporting software and user-facing tools. The ideal candidate is a builder and problem-solver who thrives in a laboratory and prototype environment, producing functional systems from concept through deployment.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

• Design, prototype, wire, assemble, and test mechatronic and electromechanical systems used in golf equipment evaluation, performance measurement, and product development
• Develop and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical specifications for custom hardware assemblies, test rigs, and IoT-connected devices
• Select, integrate, and characterize sensors (IMUs, load cells, encoders, pressure sensors, optical sensors, etc.) – including defining operating limits, calibration procedures, and signal conditioning requirements
• Design and implement IoT systems and wireless data acquisition platforms that capture real‑time performance data from equipment and players
• Develop embedded firmware and control software for microcontrollers and microprocessors (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32 or similar) to drive test automation and data capture systems
• Write clean, maintainable code to interface with hardware, process sensor data, and build internal and user‑facing applications and interfaces; leverage AI‑assisted development tools to accelerate prototyping and automate test routines; apply basic computer vision techniques to support equipment and player performance analysis
• Define and communicate technical requirements and specifications effectively across multiple disciplines including research, development, engineering, legal, and external partners / suppliers; document designs thoroughly including schematics, BOMs, test protocols, and calibration records
• Performs other related duties and assignments as required.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Expert‑level understanding of electromechanical systems – integrating mechanical structures, electrical circuits, actuators, sensors, and controllers into cohesive working prototypes
• Proficiency in reading and creating wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and PCB layouts
• Hands‑on experience with sensor selection, integration, calibration, and characterization – including noise floors, bandwidth, dynamic range, operating limits, and environmental constraints
• Experience with IoT architectures and wireless communication protocols (BLE, Wi‑Fi, Zigbee, LoRa, MQTT) and embedded data transmission systems
• Proficiency with prototyping tools and bench instrumentation: breadboarding, soldering, oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, and data acquisition systems
• Strong programming skills in embedded C/C++ for microcontroller firmware, and Python or MATLAB for data processing, test automation, and hardware interfacing; working knowledge of computer vision libraries (e.g., OpenCV) for image and video‑based analysis
• Demonstrated ability to build user‑facing applications or interfaces – desktop GUIs, web dashboards, or mobile apps – to present hardware data and system status; practical use of AI coding tools and LLM‑assisted development workflows
• Familiarity with mechanical CAD (CREO or similar) sufficient to design sensor mounts, fixtures, and enclosures
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross‑functionally across research, engineering, and commercial teams; knowledge of the game of golf, golf equipment, and golf biomechanics strongly preferred

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Certifications:

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field
• B.S. with 5+ years of hands‑on industry or research experience in mechatronics or embedded systems; M.S. with 3+ years; Ph.D. with relevant experience; demonstrated portfolio of built and tested systems strongly preferred – candidates who can show their work will stand out.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

• Primarily laboratory and office environment with significant hands‑on bench work; occasional travel to test facilities, retail locations, or tour events is required
• Ability to work flexible hours around project and event timelines as needed
• Moderate physical effort; regular handling of electronic components, test fixtures, golf equipment, and portable sensor systems; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs
• Frequent travel may be required.