Careers in sport science and engineering
A traditionally held perception of the world of sport is that it is only the star players and athletes who can make living from the industry. Of course the reality is that there are a myriad of career opportunities encompassing virtually every type, and that those star player and athletes represent just a tiny fraction of the big machine. Two particular career paths that have been rapidly gaining popularity and widespread recognition are those of the sports scientist and the sports engineer.
Science and technology underpins the world of sport; it has dramatically changed the playing field, often allowing players to push their limits and sometimes causing controversy. Top athletes and intermediates alike are able to consult experts in nutrition, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and even psychology to help them to raise their game. Equally, manufacturers of sporting goods are constantly looking for new innovations and cutting edge engineering to help them to gain a larger share of the market. There are clear, exciting and lucrative opportunities for the technically minded who wish to take advantage of this modern sporting world.
Study at university is the gateway to becoming a sports scientist or engineer. A great many universities offer degree programmes in sports science and its associated disciplines. Being good a sport is not a pre-requisite, however, a good aptitude for science is essential. You may study biomechanics, anatomy, exercise physiology and sports psychology and you’ll certainly have to develop analytical skills and expertise in scientific enquiry.
There are approximately 30,000 graduates in sports science every year and although the job market is buoyant, graduates often experience difficulty in landing that first dream job. Many individuals choose to enhance their expertise and chances in a competitive job market by studying for a Masters degree. Ultimately, as with any career path, the success of the individual will reflect their motivation and determination to succeed.
The sports engineer requires expertise in many technical skills; from mechanical design to aerodynamics, material science to computer modelling. Most of these skills are very similar to those of a mechanical engineer; indeed many successful sports engineers take their first degree in mechanical engineering. However, there are now over 20 different universities in the UK that offer specific degree programmes in sports engineering or sports technology. These degree programmes equip the student with both general engineering skills and the essential experience of sporting case studies.
The job market for sports engineers is highly competitive and companies will always try to employ graduates with the best academic and work experience records. Careers rarely take anticipated directions and so it is always wise to make sure that your options are left open. A sports technology degree may give you a chance at getting that dream job with the likes of Adidas or Nike, but in choosing that degree over mechanical engineering course, some doors to the traditional engineering industries will be closed. It can be a difficult decision for prospective students, but as with any industry, what the sports companies are really looking for are people with strong characters who will make the most out of each and every opportunity.
Dr David James, Senior Outreach Manager, Sheffield Hallam University
Job vacancies
Posted 6th May 2008 - Research positions - RMIT University, Australia
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the following research positions to join the RMIT University Sports Engineering and Technology research team:
Senior Research Fellow in Sports Equipment Design
3 year contract based at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (PhD in relevant area required)
PhD Research Student in Sports Equipment Design
3 year scholarship of AUD$25,000 p/a based at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (excelent academic record required)
All inquiries should be forwarded to prof. Aleksandar Subic at Aleksandar.Subic@rmit.edu.au
Posted 2nd May 2008 - Design Engineer - NEMO Equipment, Inc., USA
NEMO Equipment, Inc. was founded in 2002 with the commitment to bring the highest level of design and engineering to the world of outdoor adventure sports. The company produces lines of air-supported and traditional poled tents for the backcountry. Besides AirSupported Technology®, NEMO has patents pending for its lightweight pumps, washable floor liners, condensation curtains and many more features and accessories which add functionality and comfort to its shelters. NEMO products can be found at local, national, and international retailers.
This position is all about inventing the next generation of technology for the outdoor industry. NEMO has already made a name for itself with its unique and highly innovative shelters. The company has many other projects in the works and needs to expand its team. The best suited candidate will have the discipline and thought process of an engineer with the open minded creativity of a good designer.
NEMO is a small company that is growing fast. All employees are involved in many projects. While this position is flexible, the main responsibilities will be:
- Early stage product development (ideation and brainstorming)
- Modeling and Prototyping
- Communicating with manufacturers
- Product Testing
- Sourcing
- Computer Modeling
- Investigating new technologies
Applicants should be analytical, creative, high-energy and able to wear flip-flops while maintaining a professional demeanor. Experience is valued but less important than talent. Passion for the outdoors, the industry, and sports is a must.
To apply, please send your resume, a few images of your best work and a short cover letter to Suzanne at suzanne@nemoequipment.com. Candidates must be able to work in the US. We will respond to the most promising candidates as quickly as possible.
Posted 22nd April - Innovation Lead - Kids Footwear - Nike
Candidates can apply by going to www.nikejobs.com and referencing job number 037707
Description
The heart of Nike is built around one simple idea -- innovate. Whether that innovation is called Nike Air or ACG or Nike Swift or Nike Shox, the principle is the same: think something that nobody has thought before, or improve something that already exists. It's how we create our products, and it's the way we treat the people we work with. So take chances. Think bigger than the next achiever. Just know one thing. The more you succeed, the higher we'll raise the bar.
But would you really want it any other way?
As our Innovation Lead - Kids Footwear, you'll be responsible for applying advanced and diversified concepts, theories, principles and practices in a professional or technical discipline that is analytical, creative, evaluative and/or advisory in nature. You'll apply advanced techniques and diversified knowledge to consult with the business on critical issues, new concepts, unusual problems and policy issues. You'll independently develop conclusions and make recommendations on a wide variety of complex issues having a significant and strategic impact on processes and the business. You'll also be a partner in the development of multi-disciplinary teams (defined or virtual), to include all product creation and manufacturing pillars (e.g., research, pattern engineering, model shop, sample room, design centers, contract and in-house manufacturing, etc.). You'll create and define the project strategy, including the goal, scope, structure and timeline. You'll lead the team throughout the project, ensuring the team identifies the tasks and data required to commercialize products and/or fit an athlete. Furthermore, you'll lead the team in establishing the knowledge required and best practices to transition the product to inline creation and manufacturing. You'll direct the transition of innovation projects to inline businesses, serving as a consultant/resource to ensure product integrity during the "hand-off". You'll drive the innovation agenda adherence to C2C processes and calendar. You'll act as the decision-making catalyst within the Category Leadership team. In addition, you'll convert Adult-Inspired Innovation opportunities into inline product realities.
Requirements
Requirements for this position include: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering or a related field 8+ years' relevant work experience, typically in development, design, engineering, research and/or production Thorough knowledge of advanced product-construction concepts Relevant product experience strongly preferred Understanding and a diversified working knowledge of the tools that support the product creation process Understanding of the connectivity between business and innovation Direct Asia experience in a manufacturing or development environment, or extensive travel to Asia as part of past work experience, preferred Ability to conceptualize and implement project construction Experience in costing, pricing and determining margins Skilled in the communication of complex product and process concepts, both verbally and via various tools (Sketch, 3D, Project management) Demonstrated strong influencing skills Ability to identify and develop strong partnerships with various internal and external resources (Category team, Kitchen, etc.) Significant personal experience with a variety of manufacturing processes and materials Knowledge of Footwear components, technologies, engineering, etc. Interested yet? Good. Us too. We're pretty sure you'll want to know we offer one of the most generous benefits packages around. Things like a stock purchase plan, a 401(k) retirement plan, a casual work environment, childcare and a host of other perks we don't have room to mention here. We're interested in learning more about you and we appreciate you taking the time to apply online. Nike is committed to employing a diverse workforce. EOE/M/F/H/V.
8 February 2008: CAD Engineer
TaylorMade-adidas Golf, USA
Authentic. Competitive. Innovative. Passionate.
These are the core values of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company. Every day they inspire our 1,000-person global workforce to strengthen our brands – TaylorMade and adidas Golf – and reinforce our reputation for maintaining the Best Performance Brands in Golf.
Our Research & Developmentteam has an exciting opening foraCAD Engineer to join our Metalwood Advanced Technology team. This is a great opportunity to use your advanced skills with 3-D CAD Modeling Software andengineering problem solving skills to design advanced technology for our next generation of Driver, Fairway and Utility Metalwood products. Headquarters located in California, USA.
Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize Pro/Engineer (Pro/e, Wildfire) to conduct a wide variety of complex design tasks in the creation/production of new designs, prototypes, and/or fixturing and tooling.
- Contribute to the development of new designs and/or processes at all stages, from concept creation, prototype evaluation to production tooling. Take sketches from industrial design and Advanced Research team tomodel in Pro/Engineer (Pro/e, Wildfire), conduct FEA (ABAQUS) investigations, and facilitate prototype creation and evaluation. Use highest level of 3-D CAD modeling and problem solving skills to create a complete model and finished CAD drawings.
- Ensure that accurate and controlled documents/specifications are generated for new product designs and manufacturing processes. Transfer engineering drawings to outside vendors and necessary internal customers.
Education, Training, Professional Certification and Work Experience:
- 2 -5 years advanced level CAD Design & Engineering experience directly related to the essential duties and responsibilities described above.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering degree is required. Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering a plus.
- Advanced knowledge and3-D Modelingskill with Pro/Engineer (pro/e)/Wildfire or equivelant parametric 3-D CAD Modeling Design suite required (Unigraphics, CATIA, Solidworks, etc.). Advanced Surfacing knowledge preferred. Experience or training in FEA tools (i.e. ABAQUS) a plus, but not required.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:
- High level of proficiency in 3-D CAD modeling and engineering problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of multiple manufacturing methods (e.g. casting, injection molding, machining, compression molding, forging, and coating/plating techniques) and materials (steel, titanium, aluminum alloys, composites) is desired.
- Strong communication skills: Must be fluent in English (written and oral), excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization (e.g. marketing, sales, engineering, technicians, production, tour players).
- Knowledge of golf principles and associated terminology a plus.
Our mission is to be the leading sports brand in the world. If you’re poised to help us accomplish this mission and push for the win, apply today! You can apply by sending your resume to jobs@tmag.com . For more information on our company, please visit www.taylormadegolf.com.
8 February 2008: Lecturer C/D
University of Adelaide, Australia
A new member of academic staff is being sought to lead and further develop the new Sports Engineering program in the University of Adelaide’s School of Mechanical Engineering. You will be expected to play a key role in the Sports Engineering undergraduate teaching and research activities. The School has active research groups working in materials, fracture mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and vibration and your research interests should align with one of these areas.
You should have:
- an undergraduate degree in Sports, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Biomechanical, Biomedical, Automotive, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, and a PhD in the same or related field or equivalent experience;
- experience in teaching courses relevant to sports engineering or in applying Sports Engineering in practice
- demonstrable lecturing ability and commitment to excellence in teaching.
In addition to undertaking research, and lecturing in sports engineering subjects, you will supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student projects. You will be active in School and professional affairs and undertake administrative responsibilities at School level. Interaction with other disciplines, institutions and organisations will be encouraged. Applications that involve job sharing of the position by two people will also be considered seriously.
Applicants with a relevant Science degree and experience in Sports Engineering practice may also be considered.
Salary: Lecturer C = $83,337 - $96,099 per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
Associate Professor D = $103,358 - $113,868, plus 17% superannuation.
This tenurable position is available from June 1, 2008. Further information, including selection criteria, may be obtained from http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/ or Ms Wendy Brown, telephone: (08) 8303 5460, or email: wendy.brown@adelaide.edu.au
Applications, separately addressing each of the selection criteria (C) and (D), and include the names and address of three referees, should be forwarded in duplicate to Professor Colin Hansen, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, by 25th March, 2008.
30 January 2008: Innovation Engineer
Nike, USA
As our Innovation Engineer you will work on a team to create category-leading functional product solutions for athletes utilizing exceptional engineering, testing, biomechanics and product process knowledge.
Requirements for the position include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
- Minimum 6 years' work experience with a Bachelor's degree; 4 years' work experience with a Masters or 2 years' work experience with a PhD
- Solid understanding of engineering concepts including statics, dynamics and statistics
- Direct experience in consumer product engineering and manufacturing
- Strong 3-D CAD capabilities
- Experience with lab and field-testing of product concepts
- Deep familiarity with the fundamentals of project management and documentation including scheduling and resource planning
- Well-developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including status reports, meeting facilitation and project presentations
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
We're interested in learning more about you and appreciate you taking the time to apply online at www.nikejobs.com
29 January 2008: Engineering Research Internship
adidas Innovation Team
The adidas Innovation team is currently looking for engineers wishing to gain work experience in the sports industry through an internship program. The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. The team is based out of twooffices: Herzogenaurach, Germany and Portland, USA.
As an Innovation team intern you will be an active member of the Engineering group and you will experience a genuine opportunity to use your engineering competence to contribute towards advanced company projects. Main duties will include concept development, prototyping, computational simulation, materials and geometry optimisation, mechanical and field testing.
Education & Skills:
Graduated in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree. High levels of spoken and written English are essential. Good working knowledge and experience of CAE and FE applications as well as MS Office are preferred. Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products.
The internship is for a consecutive period of six to twelve months and is open to all nationalities. Start dates are flexible and interviews are expected to be held in the first quarter 2008. Previous applicants need to indicate their continued availability for the post. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position. To: Dr Tim Lucas, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering, Adi-Dassler-Str. 1-2, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, Email: tim.lucas@adidas.com MS word attachments only.