Material Scientist

ABOUT THE BRAND:

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 together we look to move the game forward, 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, 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

Job Overview

This role will be responsible for testing, analyzing, and qualifying materials and associated processes for current and next-generation golf ball core, mantle, cover, printing and coating applications. This person will act as the liaison between R&D, manufacturing and product engineering for understanding and trouble-shooting technical issues related to new and current materials in manufacturing or development processes. This person will also be required to work very closely with outside vendors in the commercialization of new materials and will have primary responsibility for all incoming quality metrics related to raw materials.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Use analytical tools and techniques to analyze materials, compositions, or components and troubleshoot material-related problems.
• Support experimentation to further the fundamental understanding of materials for golf balls.
• Support incoming material quality evaluations and sampling plans as directed. This includes the following responsibilities:
• Sample, inspect, and test raw materials according to the incoming inspection and testing plan. Materials to be tested include (but are not limited to) rubbers, ionomers, urethanes, masterbatches, powders, and paints.
• Collect suppliers’ certificates of analysis; enter data into associated data systems, maintaining original records.
• Verify acceptability of raw materials and conformance of suppliers’ COAs to Callaway’s specifications.
• Notify appropriate personnel of the status of raw materials (i.e., release, reject, etc.).
• Work with suppliers to resolve testing discrepancies.
• Generate defective material notices upon rejection of raw material.
• Document and update incoming test procedures.
• Verify/monitor calibration of test equipment and provide routine upkeep of equipment.
• Advise supervisor/manager of equipment needs, alternate testing methods, and other incoming quality trends.
• Under the direction of management, lead the execution of studies to optimize golf ball core, mantle, and cover, and/or paint formulations with the goals of maximizing product performance and reducing variation.
• Provide project timelines, status, and technical summary reports to management as required.
• Work closely with other team members to understand the projects they are working on in an effort to collaborate and contribute effectively.
• Practice effective, professional communication and collaboration within the team and between functional groups.
  
  

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Direct understanding of golf ball-related materials and processes:
• Understanding or experience with polybutadiene rubber chemistry, formulation, processing, and properties
• Understanding or experience with thermoplastics, thermosets, rheology, and application to the injection molding process
• Understanding or experience with coating chemistry, formulation, processing, and properties
• Understanding or experience with various chemical testing, mechanical testing, and other structure-property characterization techniques
• Direct experience with experimental design, execution, and analyzing results to draw conclusions
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis techniques (Six Sigma training preferred) and experience using statistical tools (Minitab, JMP, Matlab, etc.)
• Ability to communicate in technical meetings and communicate complex ideas to a broad audience
• Excellent written communication skills
• Self-motivated and driven to exceed expectations
• Strong team orientation with great interpersonal skills
  
  

Education And Experience

• B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or related field
• 2-4 years of experience preferred
  
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if Applicable)

• The employee may be frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles
• The employee may be exposed to confined spaces while working on machines
• The employee may be exposed to loud noises in the manufacturing environment
• Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business-related machines and software.
• Occasional travel 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.

If your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying. 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.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE THE TURN? APPLY TODAY!