Senior Materials Engineer - Golf Ball R&D

Callaway Golf Company; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 97,200 - 145,700; Full time

Job summary

Callaway Golf Company is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to join our Golf Ball R&D team in Carlsbad, California. You will lead R&D projects to develop materials that enhance golf ball performance, leveraging your expertise in polymer science.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in materials science with at least 5 years of relevant experience, a collaborative spirit, and technical leadership skills. The role offers the opportunity to influence future product innovations in the sporting goods industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in polymer materials research or development.
• Ability to characterize materials and interpret data using analytical techniques.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects for future golf ball products.
• Develop and evaluate materials based on structure-property-performance.
• Communicate technical findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Polymer materials science

Advanced materials characterization

Project management

Technical communication

Education

MS or PhD in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Mechanical testing methods

Job description

Job Overview

Callaway Golf is looking for a Senior Materials Engineer to join our Golf Ball R&D team, to help develop the materials technologies that will enable future golf ball performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in polymer or materials science and the ability to translate fundamental material understanding into practical solutions that improve product performance and the player experience. This role will provide the opportunity to lead complex R&D projects, work closely with cross‑functional teams and material suppliers, and influence the development of future golf ball platforms. The successful candidate will be a technically curious individual who enjoys solving challenging problems and applying materials innovation to real‑world products.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects to identify, design, develop, and evaluate materials for use in future‑generation golf ball products.
• Design, execute, and interpret advanced materials characterization and testing results, including the development of new methods and equipment where required.
• Apply materials science principles to develop structure‑property‑performance relationships, linking material structure with on‑ball performance attributes.
• Provide technical leadership and recommendations on material selection, formulation, processing, and performance trade‑offs to support product development decisions.
• Partner with testing, prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing teams to evaluate materials and drive the successful integration of new material systems and manufacturing processes into scalable commercial products.
• Establish and maintain strong technical relationships with material suppliers to evaluate, develop and qualify materials for future and existing products.
• Document and communicate technical findings, project status, risks, and recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert, providing materials expertise to support product messaging, technical communications, and internal/external education materials.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert, providing materials expertise, mentoring team members, and supporting knowledge sharing across materials R&D and broader technical teams.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of polymer materials science, including structure‑property relationships, polymer chemistry, and material behavior.
• Experience with polymer systems including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, and polymer‑based composite materials.
• Ability to characterize materials and interpret data using appropriate analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, thermal analysis, chromatography) and mechanical testing methods.
• Understanding of polymer processing technologies, including injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, and related manufacturing processes.
• Ability to evaluate material solutions against multiple competing requirements, including mechanical properties, processability, manufacturability, and product performance.
• Ability to assess supplier technologies and collaborate with external partners to identify, develop, and qualify new material solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.

Education and Experience

• MS or PhD in Materials Science/Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant industry experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience in polymer materials research, development, or application engineering, ideally within sporting goods, consumer products, or other performance‑driven industries.
• Demonstrated ability to translate materials research and innovation into commercially viable products that deliver targeted performance attributes.
• Experience with technical publications, patents, or other documented contributions to materials innovation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and product development stakeholders.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of general office and relevant laboratory equipment.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Occasionally required to travel domestically and/or internationally.

Salary

Annual: $97,200.00 - $121,450.00 - $145,700.00 USD.

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.