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

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in product design for iconic golf and travel gear brands like Titleist, utilizing a blend of artistic, design, graphic, and 2D/3D CAD skills.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product design and development teams to translate design concepts into commercially viable solutions within critical timelines.

• Contribute to the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to refinement, IP support, and vendor engagement.

• Leverage a strong passion for golf and travel gear to inform thoughtful design, material innovation, and compelling visual storytelling that enhances product performance and brand appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a product design function rather than traditional Revenue or Sales Operations. The focus is on the tangible product development lifecycle for golf and travel gear, emphasizing creative design, technical development, and market viability. The "Custom Operations" location listed in the raw data appears to be a placeholder or internal designation, with the more specific "New Bedford, Massachusetts" being the primary location.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Concept, develop, and refine new product ideas for Titleist Gear, Club Glove, and Links & Kings franchises, employing art, design, graphic, and 2D/3D CAD skills.

• Work under the guidance of the Design Manager and Senior Designers to translate form, function, and brand intent into commercially viable product solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional product design and development teams to ensure alignment with critical project timelines and market objectives.

• Support intellectual property (IP) efforts through design documentation and concept generation.

• Participate actively in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate product quality and innovation.

• Engage with vendors to ensure design specifications are met and to explore material and manufacturing possibilities.

• Conduct hands-on conceptualization, prototyping, research, and detailed documentation to support product development.

• Drive thoughtful design, material innovation, and visual storytelling that enhance product performance and presentation from inspiration through commercialization.

• Expand technical and creative expertise through continuous learning and application of new design methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role focused on physical product development. Keywords like "product design," "CAD," "prototyping," "material innovation," and "commercialization" are central. The emphasis on collaboration with "cross-functional teams" and "vendors" is typical for product development roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Product Design or a closely related field. Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional experience in product design or a related role.

• Associate-level knowledge of golf and travel gear design preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in computer-based design tools including Adobe Creative Suite.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Clo 3D and/or SolidWorks.

• Experience with 2D and 3D prototyping methods including sketching, model making, pattern making, and hands-on fabrication.

• Familiarity with product design and development processes, materials, construction methods, and engineering design techniques.

• Strong project milestone and product calendar management skills with the ability to meet timelines.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional and international partners.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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

• Genuine interest in how products are made, including processes and materials. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

• Passion for golf gear and golf culture is highly desirable.

• Experience with techpack building.

• Experience with seasonal color and trend forecasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative software proficiency (Adobe Suite, 3D CAD) and practical, hands-on design skills (prototyping, fabrication). The experience level is clearly defined as early-to-mid career, with a preference for candidates passionate about the specific product categories (golf and travel gear).

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of product design projects, demonstrating the full product development lifecycle from initial concept to final commercialization.

• Include detailed case studies of at least one product where 2D/3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Clo 3D) were integral to the design and development process.

• Feature examples of hands-on prototyping, model making, and fabrication techniques used to iterate and refine designs.

• Present projects that highlight an understanding of materials, construction methods, and engineering design techniques relevant to golf and travel gear.

• Demonstrate how project milestone and product calendar management skills were applied to meet critical timelines. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for each featured project, emphasizing how user needs, market trends, and brand intent were integrated.

• Document the iterative design process, including how feedback from cross-functional partners, design critiques, and vendor engagements were incorporated.

• Illustrate the application of technical documentation, including the creation of techpacks or detailed design specifications.

• Provide evidence of problem-solving skills related to design challenges, material selection, or manufacturing constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design skills and process. The emphasis is on showcasing the journey from ideation to a tangible, market-ready product, highlighting technical tool proficiency and collaborative problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive suite of health and well-being programs, including onsite fitness center, acupuncture, physical therapy, and wellness coaches.

• Paid time off.

• 401k with company match.

• Health savings accounts (HSAs).

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

• Pet insurance.

• Legal planning services.

• Education assistance.

• Exclusive access to the Associate Store.

• Health insurance for associates and their families, including domestic partners. Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the role and location. The benefits package is extensive, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which is attractive to professionals at this experience level. The inclusion of "wellness coaches," "acupuncture," and "physical therapy" suggests a comprehensive approach to employee health.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Manufacturing, Apparel & Accessories. Acushnet Company, through its Titleist brand, is a leader in the premium golf equipment and apparel market. This context implies a culture that values high performance, precision, innovation, and a deep understanding of the golfer's needs. The "Where Performance Meets Purpose" tagline suggests a commitment to excellence and meaningful contribution.

Company Size: Acushnet Holdings Corp. is a large, publicly traded company. The specific division or brand team the designer will join might be smaller, but the overall organization's scale suggests structured processes, robust resources, and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: Acushnet Company has a long history, with Titleist founded in 1932. This heritage signifies stability, brand loyalty, and a deep-rooted expertise in golf. This historical context implies a culture that respects tradition while pushing boundaries for innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Associate Product Designer will work within a product design team, likely reporting to a Design Manager or Senior Designer.

• This role necessitates close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, marketing, and potentially global partners.

• The team structure likely supports a specialized approach to product design, with distinct franchises like Titleist Gear, Club Glove, and Links & Kings having dedicated focus areas. Methodology:

• Design thinking and user-centered design principles are likely core methodologies, focusing on understanding golfer needs and translating them into functional, aesthetically pleasing products.

• The process involves hands-on conceptualization, rapid prototyping, iterative refinement, and rigorous testing to ensure performance and commercial viability.

• Data-driven decision-making may be incorporated, using market trends, performance metrics, and user feedback to inform design choices.

• Collaboration with vendors is key for material sourcing, manufacturing feasibility, and quality control.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in the golf industry, emphasizing performance, quality, and innovation. The "purpose" in their tagline suggests a mission-driven approach. The size and history of Acushnet indicate a stable environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specific brand franchises.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Senior Associate Product Designer," indicating an early-to-mid career stage. It's a step beyond an entry-level designer, requiring 1-3 years of professional experience and the ability to work with some autonomy under senior guidance. It signifies a transition from foundational learning to contributing significantly to product development projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Design Manager and/or Senior Designers. This structure provides mentorship and guidance while allowing the associate to take ownership of specific design tasks and projects. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key aspect, requiring effective communication and partnership across departments.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, this position has a direct impact on the company's product performance, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue. Successful product designs that meet market demands and golfer expectations drive sales and reinforce Titleist's premium brand positioning. The role contributes to the company's ability to innovate and maintain its competitive edge in the golf and travel gear markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in 3D CAD software (Clo 3D, SolidWorks), advanced prototyping techniques, material science, and product development processes.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific product categories like golf clubs, bags, travel gear, or accessories, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or Design Manager roles, with increasing responsibility for strategy, team management, and product vision.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with various departments like marketing, engineering, and global sourcing, which broadens understanding of the business.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry trade shows, trend forecasting seminars, and potentially engage with professional golfers or athletes for product feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title suggests a defined career path. Growth opportunities are focused on deepening design expertise, specialization within product lines, and potential advancement into leadership roles within the design department. The impact is measured by product success and brand contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as on-site. Acushnet Company offers an onsite fitness center and other wellness facilities, suggesting a campus-like environment that supports employee well-being. The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among design, development, and marketing teams.

Office Location(s): The primary location is New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. This area is known for its industrial heritage and proximity to coastal regions, which may influence design aesthetics or material choices for certain product lines.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for hands-on work and interaction with design tools, materials, and prototypes.

• Access to computer-based design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, 3D CAD software) and physical prototyping equipment will be essential.

• The environment likely encourages cross-pollination of ideas between design, product development, and marketing, supporting the "Where Performance Meets Purpose" ethos.

• The presence of an onsite fitness center and other wellness amenities indicates a company culture that values employee health and work-life balance. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required for vendor meetings, trade shows, or collaboration with global teams, which may necessitate flexibility in the work schedule during those periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role, combined with the company's investment in amenities like a fitness center, suggests a traditional office environment that prioritizes in-person collaboration and employee well-being. Occasional travel indicates a need for schedule flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter. The cover letter is specifically requested to detail inspiration from the golf industry and motivation for joining Acushnet.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical stage to evaluate design skills, CAD proficiency, prototyping experience, and understanding of the product development process.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be presented to assess problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to apply design principles under time constraints.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess fit with company culture, teamwork, communication skills, and ability to handle specific design scenarios.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with members of product development, marketing, or engineering teams to gauge collaboration capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with golf gear, travel gear, or similar product categories. Showcase projects where you used 2D/3D CAD tools extensively.

• Showcase Process: Clearly document your design process from concept to prototype. Explain your rationale for design decisions, material choices, and problem-solving approaches.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved functionality, aesthetic appeal, contribution to sales if applicable).

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of detailed sketches, 3D models, renderings, and prototypes. If you have experience with techpacks, include a sample.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives, explaining the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Be ready to articulate your role and contributions clearly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target user, and any constraints.

• Think Holistically: Consider form, function, materials, manufacturing feasibility, brand alignment, and user experience.

• Sketching & Ideation: Be prepared to quickly sketch out ideas and concepts.

• Presentation: Practice articulating your design thinking and solution concisely and effectively, as you may need to present your approach and rationale.

• Research: Familiarize yourself with Titleist products, their target audience, and the competitive landscape in golf and travel gear.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process strongly emphasizes the portfolio and a specific cover letter. Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, understanding of the product lifecycle, and passion for the golf industry. The inclusion of potential interview questions in the original prompt provides a good starting point for preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Computer-Based Design:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D design, graphic elements, rendering, and presentations (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator,

InDesign).

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency required in at least one, with specific mention of:

  • Clo 3D: Highly relevant for apparel and textile design, pattern making, and realistic 3D rendering of soft goods.
  • SolidWorks: A common choice for 3D mechanical design, product modeling, and engineering applications.

• Prototyping Methods:

  • Sketching

  • Model making (physical mock-ups)

  • Pattern making (for soft goods)

  • Hands-on fabrication Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how design impacts sales and user engagement may involve basic familiarity with:

  • Product performance data.

  • Market trend analysis reports.

  • User feedback analysis. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of this design role. Other Relevant Tools/Systems:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): Experience is a plus, indicating familiarity with systems used to manage product data throughout its lifecycle.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard requirement for general business operations (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily skewed towards creative and 3D design software, reflecting the core function of the role. Clo 3D is particularly noteworthy for its application in apparel and soft goods design, which is relevant for Titleist's gear and accessories.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A core value reflected in the company's tagline and its leadership in the golf industry. This means a drive for high-quality, performance-driven products.

• Purpose-Driven: The company emphasizes that "your performance has purpose," suggesting a culture where associates feel their work contributes to a larger mission – empowering golfers worldwide.

• Passion for Golf: A deep appreciation and understanding of the sport and its culture are likely highly valued, influencing design decisions and team camaraderie.

• Collaboration: The role explicitly requires working with cross-functional teams, highlighting a value placed on teamwork, communication, and shared goals.

• Detail-Oriented & Organized: With a focus on product precision and meeting timelines, a meticulous and organized approach is essential.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The design team works closely with product development, marketing, and potentially engineering. This requires open communication, active listening, and a willingness to integrate feedback.

• Design Critiques: A culture of constructive critique is integral to the design process, fostering continuous improvement and shared ownership of design quality.

• Vendor Partnerships: Building strong relationships with vendors is key for material sourcing and manufacturing, requiring clear communication and collaborative problem-solving.

• Global Awareness: With potential international partners, the collaboration style needs to be adaptable and respectful of different working cultures and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is deeply intertwined with the golf industry and the company's mission. Values such as excellence, innovation, and purpose are paramount. Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of the design process, extending across internal departments and external vendor relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance and Aesthetics: Designing products that not only look appealing but also enhance a golfer's performance requires a deep understanding of both design principles and athletic needs.

• Meeting Strict Timelines: The product development cycle often has tight deadlines, especially for seasonal product launches, requiring efficient workflow and time management.

• Material Innovation and Sourcing: Finding and integrating new, high-performance materials that meet durability, aesthetic, and cost requirements can be challenging.

• Global Collaboration: Working with international teams or vendors can present communication hurdles due to time zones, language barriers, or cultural differences.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: The golf and travel gear markets evolve, requiring continuous monitoring of trends in design, materials, and consumer preferences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen CAD Expertise: Advanced training in Clo 3D for sophisticated garment design and rendering, or SolidWorks for complex product modeling.

• Material Science: Opportunities to learn about new textile technologies, advanced composites, and sustainable materials relevant to sports equipment.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of all stages, from market research and concept ideation to manufacturing, quality control, and commercialization.

• Brand Strategy: Understanding how design contributes to brand identity and market positioning for premium brands like Titleist.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on design, materials, or the golf industry to stay current and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inherent to creating premium, performance-driven products in a competitive market. Growth opportunities are focused on enhancing technical design skills, expanding knowledge in materials and product development, and understanding brand strategy within the sports industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Design Process: "Walk us through a product you’ve designed from initial concept to prototype. How did you use CAD tools, hands-on prototyping, and feedback from cross-functional partners to refine the design and meet project timelines?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study of a past project. Clearly outline your steps, the tools used (mentioning specific CAD software), how you incorporated feedback, and how you managed your time to meet deadlines. Quantify results if possible.

• Market & Material Knowledge: "How do you incorporate knowledge of materials, construction, and market trends—particularly within golf or travel gear—into your design work?"

  • Preparation: Research current trends in golf equipment, apparel, and travel gear. Be ready to discuss specific materials (e.g., performance fabrics, durable composites) and how they influence design and functionality.

• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: "Can you share an example of how collaboration with developers, suppliers, or international partners improved the final product?"

  • Preparation: Think of a time when cross-functional input or vendor collaboration led to a significant improvement or solved a design challenge. Focus on your communication and problem-solving approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation & Passion: "Why is the golf industry inspiring to you? What motivates you to pursue a career with the Acushnet Company?" (This is specifically requested in the cover letter, so be ready to elaborate).

  • Preparation: Articulate your genuine interest in golf, the brand, and the company's mission. Connect your personal passion to the professional opportunity.

• Teamwork & Fit: Questions about how you handle feedback, work in a team environment, and contribute to a positive culture.

  • Preparation: Align your answers with Acushnet's values of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Provide examples of successful teamwork.

• Design Philosophy: Discuss your approach to design, user experience, and brand representation.

  • Preparation: Connect your design philosophy to the premium nature of Titleist and the performance requirements of golf gear.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Start with your strongest, most relevant projects.

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the final outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, renders, and videos of your prototypes and final designs. Show the evolution of the design.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including materials, construction, and manufacturing considerations.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should be highly tailored to the specific role and company. The emphasis on a cover letter and portfolio means these elements need to be meticulously crafted. Understanding the "why" behind your interest in golf and Acushnet is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Associate Product Designer position:

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

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Specifically address why the golf industry inspires you and what motivates you to pursue a career with Acushnet Company. This is a key differentiator.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your skills in 2D/3D CAD, prototyping, material understanding, and the product development lifecycle, prioritizing golf or travel gear examples.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience (1-3 years), education (Product Design degree), and technical skills (Adobe Suite, Clo 3D, SolidWorks, prototyping). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and passion for golf. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to design challenges and collaboration.

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