Senior Associate Product Designer | Titleist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Associate Product Designer | Titleist

Company: Acushnet Company

Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Development (GTM)

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (1-3 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for innovative golf and travel gear under the Titleist, Club Glove, and Links & Kings brands.

• Translate artistic, design, and graphic concepts into tangible, commercially viable product solutions utilizing 2D/3D CAD and advanced prototyping.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product design and development teams to ensure brand intent, form, and function are meticulously integrated.

• Support intellectual property (IP) initiatives and contribute to design critiques and vendor engagements to foster continuous improvement.

• Champion thoughtful design, material innovation, and compelling visual storytelling to elevate product performance and market presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Go-To-Market (GTM) function, specifically focusing on the Product Design and Development aspect. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the design and development of products directly impact market entry, sales enablement, and ultimately, revenue generation. The "Custom Operations" location suggests a potential focus on bespoke or specialized product lines, which requires a deep understanding of client needs and manufacturing processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and refine new product designs for Titleist Gear, Club Glove, and Links & Kings franchises, aligning with brand strategy and market demands.

• Utilize a blend of artistic, design, graphic, and 2D/3D CAD skills to create innovative and functional product concepts.

• Work closely with product design and development teams to translate design intent into manufacturable solutions, adhering to critical project timelines and commercialization goals.

• Engage in hands-on concepting, prototyping (sketching, model making, painting, fabrication), and research to validate design directions and material performance.

• Support the creation and submission of intellectual property (IP) documentation, contributing to the company's innovative edge.

• Actively participate in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance product quality and aesthetic appeal.

• Collaborate with and engage vendors to ensure design specifications are met, and manufacturing processes are optimized for quality and efficiency.

• Conduct market research and trend analysis, particularly within the golf and travel gear sectors, to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Assist in the preparation of design presentations for internal stakeholders and external partners, effectively communicating design rationale and benefits.

• Maintain comprehensive design documentation, including CAD files, renderings, prototypes, and material specifications, for product lifecycle management (PLM) integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on the product development lifecycle, directly influencing the GTM strategy by ensuring products meet market needs and brand standards. This role requires a designer to think commercially, considering market trends, vendor capabilities, and IP protection, which are critical for successful product launches and sustained revenue.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS or BA in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 1–3 years of professional experience in product design or a related role, with a demonstrated ability to contribute to product development processes.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in computer-based design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Expertise in 3D CAD software such as Fusion 360 and/or SolidWorks for modeling and design.

• Hands-on experience with 2D and 3D prototyping methods, including sketching, model making, painting, and physical fabrication.

• Strong understanding of product design and development processes, materials, and construction methods.

• Familiarity with engineering design techniques and an awareness of current market trends in relevant industries.

• Excellent project milestone and product calendar management skills, ensuring adherence to deadlines and GTM schedules.

• Superior communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design concepts to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and documentation.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, self-motivated, and team-oriented with strong decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Associate-level knowledge of golf and travel gear design.

• Passion for golf gear and golf culture.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

• Experience with vendor engagement and international partner collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is explicitly stated as 1-3 years, indicating an Associate or early-Mid level role. The emphasis on both digital (CAD, Adobe) and physical (prototyping, fabrication) design skills suggests a hands-on approach. The preference for golf/travel gear knowledge and passion for golf culture is crucial for ensuring brand alignment and product relevance within the Titleist ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive product design projects, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from ideation to finalized design.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight problem identification, user research (if applicable), concept generation, and design refinement processes.

• Feature clear examples of 2D/3D CAD work, including renderings, technical drawings, and potentially animation or interactive models.

• Demonstrate hands-on prototyping skills through high-quality photographs or videos of physical models, mock-ups, or functional prototypes.

• Present evidence of understanding materials, manufacturing processes, and how these constraints influenced design decisions and product viability.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, include a section detailing the product development process followed, highlighting any specific methodologies or frameworks used.

• Document the iterative design process, including sketches, CAD revisions, and prototyping iterations, showing how feedback was incorporated.

• Detail the collaboration process with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, marketing, product management) and how their input shaped the final design.

• If applicable, include examples of vendor communication or collaboration related to manufacturing feasibility or material sourcing.

• Demonstrate an understanding of project timelines and how design activities were sequenced to meet GTM deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design capability and process understanding. The emphasis on showcasing the entire design lifecycle, including hands-on prototyping and an understanding of manufacturing, is key for a product design role at a company like Acushnet. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their designs meet commercial objectives and brand standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,831.00 - $98,486.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and well-being programs for associates and their families, including domestic partners.

• Paid time off for work-life balance.

• On-site fitness center, acupuncture, physical therapy, and wellness coaches.

• Financial security benefits: 401k with company match, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Additional perks: Pet insurance, legal planning services, and education assistance.

• Exclusive access to the Associate Store for company products.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional domestic and international travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $78,831 - $98,486 aligns with mid-level Product Designer roles in the New England region, particularly for specialized industries like sporting goods. The extensive benefits package highlights Acushnet Company's commitment to associate well-being and financial security, which is a strong draw for candidates. The mention of occasional travel indicates the global nature of product development and supply chains.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods Manufacturing, with a strong focus on Golf Equipment and Apparel.

Company Size: Acushnet Company is a large organization, part of Acushnet Holdings Corp., which employs thousands globally. This specific role is likely within a significant division focused on product innovation and brand development.

Founded: Acushnet Company was founded in 1932. Its rich history, particularly with brands like Titleist, signifies a culture that values heritage, quality, and long-term commitment to the sport.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Associate Product Designer will likely be part of a Product Design or Product Development team, reporting to a Design Manager or Senior Designer.

• This team will collaborate closely with Product Line Managers (PLMs), Engineers, Marketing, Sales, and potentially Global Sourcing/Manufacturing teams.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a performance-driven approach to product development, focusing on innovation that enhances athletic performance for golfers.

• Design processes likely incorporate user-centered design principles, market trend analysis, and rigorous testing to ensure products meet the high standards of Titleist.

• A blend of creative ideation, technical execution (CAD, prototyping), and collaborative refinement forms the core of their product development methodology.

Company Website: https://www.acushnetgolf.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Acushnet Company, and specifically Titleist, is synonymous with premium quality and performance in golf. The company culture is expected to be highly competitive, quality-focused, and deeply rooted in the golf community. For a product designer, this means a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport. The "Custom Operations" location might imply a specialized unit, perhaps for custom fitting or high-end gear, requiring a meticulous and detail-oriented approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Associate" Product Designer, indicating a mid-level position with 1-3 years of experience. It’s a stepping stone for designers looking to deepen their expertise in product development within a leading sports brand.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Design Manager or Senior Designer, providing clear guidance and mentorship. This structure allows for direct supervision while encouraging independent contribution on specific projects.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the Product Designer's impact is profound. Their work directly influences the quality, appeal, and performance of products that are the core of Acushnet's revenue streams. Successful product designs lead to strong market adoption, brand loyalty, and ultimately, increased sales and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like 3D CAD, advanced prototyping techniques, material science, or specific product categories (e.g., golf clubs, bags, accessories).

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or Managerial roles within the Product Design or broader Product Development teams.

• Cross-functional Experience: Exposure to various aspects of the product lifecycle, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, providing a holistic understanding of the business.

• Brand Ownership: As experience grows, taking ownership of key product lines or franchises within the Titleist, Club Glove, or Links & Kings portfolios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title suggests a role that balances execution with growing responsibility. The growth path within Acushnet is likely tied to demonstrated design excellence, an understanding of the golf market, and the ability to contribute to commercial success. The company's structure offers clear pathways for specialization and advancement within the product development domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "Custom Operations" location suggests a specialized facility, possibly involving R&D, prototyping labs, or specific manufacturing lines. It's likely a professional office environment with integrated studio or workshop spaces.

Office Location(s): New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. This location is part of Acushnet's operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include access to state-of-the-art design software, 3D printers, model-making tools, and potentially specialized equipment for golf product testing or development.

• Opportunities for collaboration will be abundant, with shared studio spaces, design review rooms, and access to cross-functional team members for feedback and ideation.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and innovative, driven by the competitive nature of the golf industry and the brand's commitment to performance.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demands of product development cycles, GTM deadlines, and potential travel may require flexibility. The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and access to physical resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Custom Operations" designation is intriguing. It could mean a facility dedicated to bespoke product lines, advanced R&D, or specialized manufacturing processes for premium goods. This might imply a more hands-on, experimental, and detail-oriented work environment compared to a standard corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical step where design skills, process, and creativity are evaluated.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Manager or Senior Designer to assess technical skills, design thinking, and cultural fit.

• Cross-functional Interview(s): Interviews with members of the product development team (e.g., engineers, product managers) to gauge collaboration capabilities and understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a project from their portfolio in detail or complete a small design exercise to demonstrate their problem-solving approach and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with higher management or HR for final assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to golf and travel gear, highlighting your ability to work with premium brands.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Showcase Process: Detail your use of CAD, prototyping methods, material exploration, and how you incorporated feedback to iterate on designs.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., improved functionality, aesthetic appeal, potential cost savings).

• Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of Titleist's brand ethos – performance, quality, and premium positioning.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Titleist's product lines, design language, and brand values.

• Product Analysis: Be prepared to critically analyze existing Titleist products and suggest design improvements or new concepts.

• Process Demonstration: If given a design exercise, be ready to outline your thought process, sketch concepts, and discuss potential materials and manufacturing approaches.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders who may not have a design background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio, which is standard for design roles. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their work but also to articulate the "why" behind their design choices and how they align with Acushnet's business objectives and brand identity. The "Custom Operations" context might mean a focus on user customization or specialized product features.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D design, rendering, graphic elements, and presentation materials. Specific applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are key.

• 3D CAD Software: Proficiency in Fusion 360 and/or SolidWorks is required for creating detailed product models, assemblies, and technical drawings.

• Prototyping Tools: Hands-on experience with model making, 3D printing (e.g., FDM, SLA), CNC machining, and various fabrication techniques (cutting, sanding, painting, assembly).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how product performance data (e.g., sales figures, return rates, user feedback) informs design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Experience with PLM systems is a plus, indicating familiarity with managing product data and workflows throughout the development process.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used for managing project timelines and tasks (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira, or internal Acushnet systems) is advantageous for meeting GTM schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack clearly points to a hands-on design role requiring both digital proficiency (Adobe, CAD) and physical creation skills (prototyping). The mention of PLM as a plus highlights the company's structured approach to product development and data management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Performance: A core value, reflecting Titleist's commitment to creating the best-performing golf equipment. Designers are expected to strive for exceptional quality and innovation.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in design, business practices, and intellectual property.

• Passion for Golf: A genuine love for the sport and a deep understanding of golfers' needs and aspirations are highly valued.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams to achieve common goals, valuing input from all disciplines.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new materials, technologies, and design approaches to push the boundaries of product performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: The team fosters a collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with engineers, marketers, and product managers.

• Constructive Feedback: Design critiques are an integral part of the process, encouraging open discussion and shared ownership of product quality.

• Global Interaction: Collaboration extends to international partners and vendors, requiring clear communication and cultural sensitivity.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is paramount, design decisions are increasingly informed by market data, user feedback, and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Acushnet, especially within a premium brand like Titleist, is likely to be highly professional, performance-driven, and collaborative. Designers are expected to be passionate about golf and dedicated to creating products that uphold the brand's reputation for excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance and Aesthetics: Designing products that meet the rigorous performance demands of professional golfers while also appealing aesthetically and commercially.

• Material Innovation: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new materials and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance and sustainability.

• Global Supply Chain Coordination: Working with international vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure design integrity and timely production, especially given the "Custom Operations" context which might involve unique materials or processes.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Maintaining the premium and performance-oriented identity of Titleist and its sub-brands across diverse product categories.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Adapting designs to evolving trends in golf, travel, and consumer preferences, while also considering the long product development cycles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized CAD modules or rendering software.

• Material Science Workshops: Learning about new materials, their properties, and applications in sporting goods.

• Product Development Process Immersion: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of engineering, manufacturing, and GTM strategies within Acushnet.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Senior Designers and Design Managers to refine design thinking and professional skills.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for attending trade shows or conferences related to design, golf, or sporting goods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-performance product design role in a competitive industry. The growth opportunities are geared towards professional development within the design discipline and broader product development functions, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and staying ahead of industry advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to "walk us through a product you’ve designed from initial concept to prototype." Focus on your decision-making process, how you used CAD and prototyping, and how cross-functional feedback shaped the final design. Emphasize how you met project timelines and commercial goals.

• Market & Material Integration: Discuss how you incorporate knowledge of materials, construction, and market trends into your design work, especially within golf or travel gear. Provide an example of how collaboration improved a product.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design challenge for a specific Titleist product category (e.g., improving a golf bag's ergonomics, designing a new travel cover).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: Why are you interested in working for Titleist/Acushnet? What do you admire about the brand and its products?

• Passion for Golf: How does your passion for golf, or your understanding of the sport, inform your design approach?

• Teamwork: Describe a time you collaborated with engineers or other cross-functional teams. How did you handle disagreements or differing perspectives?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations around compelling narratives for each project, clearly outlining the problem, your process, and the solution.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images, renderings, and videos to showcase your work. Ensure CAD models are clean and well-organized.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design methodology, tools used, and iterative steps taken.

• Impact & Rationale: Explain the rationale behind your design decisions and highlight any measurable impact or key learnings.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time during presentations and focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also a deep understanding of the golf industry, the Titleist brand, and the collaborative nature of product development. Being able to articulate your design process and its impact on commercial outcomes is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Associate Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Acushnet Company careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant projects in golf or travel gear design. Emphasize your 2D/3D CAD skills, prototyping experience, and understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 1-3 years of relevant experience, highlighting specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, Fusion 360/SolidWorks) and accomplishments in product design and development.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your work aligns with Titleist's brand values of performance and quality. Be ready to discuss your passion for golf.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Acushnet Company, Titleist, and their product lines. Understand their market position, brand ethos, and recent innovations to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.