Sr. R&D Engineer - Equipment

Senior R&D Engineer - EQT

SUMMARY

Are you a curious, resilient engineer with a passion for product innovation and solving riders’ problems? We're looking for a driven problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced environments and brings an insatiable appetite for learning and building. In this floating innovation role, you’ll be a critical resource supporting the Flywheel Equipment franchise products across multiple product categories—working side-by-side with Design to drive breakthrough innovation. You’ll play a pivotal role in identifying gaps, concepting solutions, and translating ideas into testable prototypes, by leveraging your experience in mechanics, materials, and manufacturing. With a rider-first mindset, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams—from Human Performance to Product Management—and help shape the future of our product experiences through advanced engineering and hands-on prototyping.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Take Ideas to Concepts: Working with product teams, map out gaps in innovation plans and work alongside design to solve problems for riders, focusing on pinnacle innovation. Deliver working concepts to product teams, pre-briefing.
• Prototyping: Take concepts from sketches into testable prototypes. Work with designers, Human Performance and athletes to evaluate concepts across multiple product categories.
• Engineering Expertise: Bring your engineering expertise to product ideation, across multiple product categories. Be the voice of leading-edge engineering and manufacturing, able to partner with product teams to evaluate and drive product innovation.
• Vendor Relations and Evaluation: work with new and existing manufacturing partners to explore new methods, materials, and technologies to drive innovation and solve problems. Act as lead or supporting role, depending on project and needs.
• Leveraging a rider-first mindset: Work with Design, Product Management, and Human Performance to develop a deeper understanding for rider preferences and biomechanics, to better define problems and create solutions that solve tangible problems for riders.

WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN

• Ability to mockup prototypes and test using problem solving skills and on-hands experience.
• Ability to work with 3D printing software and machinery.
• Ability to turn rider feedback into defined problems that can be tested with prototypes.
• Deep understanding of foams, composites, plastics, and metals; both for production projects and in prototyping.
• Ability and attitude to collaborate internally with neighboring product teams; fostering innovation collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work in fast paced environment, think on your feet, make decisions confidently and deliver excellence.

· Curiosity to continually find a better way, humble approach to team collaboration, and a passion to drive for tangible innovation.

· Self-driven mindset, with a bias for action, and a strong bias for simplicity to process, communication, and product.

• Role is located on-site, 3 days per week, in Morgan Hill, CA.
• Knowledge of cycling equipment products: Helmets, shoes, saddles, wheels, apparel, etc.
• Extensive time spent working with factories, understanding of cultural norms, and how to lead projects successfully.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 10+ Experience in product development or Engineering.

· Excellent communication skills, including with international manufacturers.

· Deep experience with Asia-based manufacturing – metals/polymers/composites/etc.

· Biomechanics experience a plus.

· Deeply passionate cyclist with drive to make riders perform better, ride more comfortably, and safely.

· Ability to travel internationally and domestically.

About Specialized:

First and foremost, we are riders. We share the core belief that bikes help make the world a better place. From product development and operations, to finance and marketing - every role at Specialized contributes to a culture of sustainable, global growth, and innovation. Around the world, we work to recruit candidates who are passionate and curious with the belief that everyone has the potential to be a leader.