Careers in sport science and engineering
So you want to be a sports engineer?
For many people, a career in sports engineering seems like the perfect way to combine their passion for sport and technology. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have established a career in sports engineering will probably agree that we are very lucky indeed. Of course, the practical realities of this job are sometimes a little less glamorous than you might think, but to be able to work in a sector that holds such a special fascination is a very privileged position indeed.
Over the years, a great many people have asked me how to best gain a foothold in the world of sports engineering. Unfortunately it is not always clear what the various options are, or what career opportunities might lay ahead. This article will attempt to provide a little clarity, and hopefully some helpful advice!
First of all, it is important to understand what sports engineering actually is. Opinions may differ, but in essence, sports engineering is concerned with the research and development of technologies for the sports industry. The field is very broad and encompasses a wide range of activity. Sports engineers can be involved with projects as diverse as designing mountain bike suspension to developing image processing algorithms. The subject is fundamentally technical in its nature and attempts to quantify the performance gains that might be achieved through a particular design or method. It is important to recognise that the sports engineer is not a sports scientist; and whilst there is a good deal of overlap, the two fields are actually quite distinct. I have often remarked that a sports scientist is concerned with what is going on inside an athlete whilst the sports engineer deals with everything on the outside; namely their equipment and environment. Whilst this definition may not be completely robust, there is a modicum of truth in it!
Many sports engineers have a background in a traditional academic discipline such as mechanical engineering. Previous study in an area such as this provides a solid platform to develop the specialist expertise required by industry. However, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering is certainly not the only route that can be taken; many sports engineers have backgrounds in electrical engineering, material science, medical physics, mathematics or pure physics to name a few. Also, there are an increasing number of sports engineering and sports technology degree programmes; more of which below. Because sports engineering encompasses such a broad church of activity, individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds can be very successful. Nonetheless, a common trait is apparent in all successful sports engineers, and that trait is a love for sport that can only be rivalled by their obsession for science and technology.
Over the past decade, a great many new undergraduate courses in sports engineering have appeared in university prospectuses, particularly in the UK. This trend reflects the maturity of sports engineering as an established academic field and a growing sports equipment industry that is driven by technical performance. Undergraduate courses in sports engineering differ widely in their quality and scope. Some excellent courses are essentially a traditional engineering degree that has been modified to use sporting examples; whist other courses are more focused on product development and are allied to industrial design. If you are thinking of starting an undergraduate degree in sports engineering it is really very important to know what type of course you are looking at. Is the course accredited by a professional engineering body such as the IMechE? Is this important to you? Have graduates been successful in gaining employment within the sports equipment industry? Are the skills that you will be developing on the course transferable to other sectors?
Careers in sports engineering are real but they are less abundant than in other fields of engineering. Unfortunately not all graduates will be able to find their dream job when they graduate and many will transfer to other areas. A good question to ask before you start might be; what would an employer from a different engineering sector think my sports engineering degree?
In my experience, employers look for engineering skill first and knowledge of sport thereafter. This is somewhat obvious, but alas many individuals assume that just because they love sport they have the necessary attributes to become a successful sports engineer. The reality is that sport is a competitive business and just as companies will look to the best athletes to endorse their products, they will also look to the best engineers to conduct research and development.
It is my personal opinion that it is often better to develop a broad and solid grounding in a subject area before specialising in a specific field. One should really try to understand the fundamental science in question before the application. In this respect I think that a post-graduate qualification (MSc) in sports engineering is a sensible option. Developing your core skills in a technical subject during your first degree allows you to keep your options open, and a post-graduate qualification will enhance and apply your existing knowledge base to the sporting environment.
There is no formula for becoming a sports engineer and unfortunately no university course can guarantee you success in your ambitions. Ultimately it comes down to perseverance, making the most of every opportunity, taking a chance and perhaps just a little bit of luck!
Dr David James, Senior Lecturer, Sports Engineering Group, Sheffield Hallam University
Job vacancies
Posted 12 January 2012
ISEA Journal Sports Engineering.
Assistant Editorship
The ISEA is seeking to appoint an Assistant Editor for its journal Sports Engineering and applications are invited for this post. The Assistant Editor will work closely with the Editor in Chief, Dr Martin Strangwood, providing support for the processing of submitted papers and seeking especially to enhance the paper submission rate for the Journal. The Assistant Editor may also from time to time take full responsibility for special initiatives such as special issues, review papers etc.
The appointed person does not have to be a current member of the ISEA.
The Assistant Editor will not be able to serve on the Executive Committee (EC) of the ISEA during his/her period of office.
The appointment of the Assistant Editor does not imply that the appointed person would become the Editor in Chief but that possibility would not be excluded.
The Assistant Editor will be appointed by the ISEA EC for a period of three years in the first instance and, at the invitation of the ISEA EC, may serve for a further period of three years. In exceptional circumstances the period of service can be extended on an annual basis thereafter.
The Assistant Editor will receive an annual stipend, the value of which shall be agreed by the ISEA EC and reviewed annually by the ISEA EC in the light of the performance of the Journal and the financial circumstances of the ISEA.
Potential applications may wish to discuss this vacancy with the ISEA President, Dr Kim Blair, kbb@cooperperkins.com, desk: 781-538-5536 x 120 | mobile: 781-266-6375 or with Professor Alan Bramley, A.N.Bramley@bath.ac.uk, desk: +44 1904 848426.
Applicants for this post should submit a letter of application with a CV, both in PDF format, to Professor A. N. Bramley, A.N.Bramley@bath.ac.uk. All applications received on or before 31 January 2012 will be given full consideration.
Posted 21 December 2011
The ITF – Sports Engineer
The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the world governing body of tennis, is recruiting for a Sports Engineer within their Science & Technical department.
As the governing body of tennis, the ITF is responsible for protecting the integrity of the game. This it does, in part, through wide-ranging research, testing and approval programmes based in its world-leading tennis research laboratory in London. The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of the Science & Technical Department’s activities.
Reporting to the Science & Technical Technologist and based in Roehampton, south west London, this role will be responsible for testing tennis and sports related products as directed by senior staff and to report on the findings of such work through written reports and presentations within pre-arranged deadlines. The successful candidate will be familiar with the operation of all ITF Technical Centre equipment and assist in the development of testing methods and analysis of data, plus maintenance and calibration of equipment, whilst adhering to all health and safety guidelines as applicable.
The successful candidate will have a flexible approach to working to the highest standards with the ability to present data clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical people. A practical and analytical approach to solving problems is a must, as is fluency in written and spoken English. Computer programming skills, preferably C# or VB.NET, and electrical engineering/electronics are a distinct advantage.
Please email jobs@itftennis.com for a full job description and salary information, or to apply with CV and covering letter. Please put SPORTS ENGINEER in the subject line. Closing date: Friday 13th January 2012.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to candidates so therefore only successful candidates will be contacted for interview.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Posted 12th December 2011
3T Cycling
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Candidates to send an email with resume and motivation letter/text to info@3Tcycling.com
Posted 9th November 2011
Product Developer/Designer/s @ D3OLab, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex
D3O Lab is a dynamic, exciting and maturing company with patented, branded material technology that is very much in demand across a wide variety of markets, primarily: motorsports & sports but also encompassing medical, military, automotive & industrial. The company develops and produces innovative high performance solutions for impact protection. The unique selling point of the product is best described by our web site:www.d3o.com/d3o-technology
We are looking for versatile and energetic individuals with at least 5 years Product designing experience. As the company grows we are looking for someone who can develop with the company and take on more responsibility as growth and opportunities will naturally develop. The role is focussed on:
- You will be a member of the R&D team, working in multi-disciplinary teams, designing new products and developing them from conception to execution.
- Concept developing
- Mould/tool preparation and construction
- Casting the polymer to understand geometry constraints
- Testing of prototypes and production products to understand and resolve weaknesses in the design
- Use of project management tools to monitor the progress of the project.
- The role requires working closely with the D3O account managers, clients and their factories
- Work independently with minimal supervision from initial task assignments/objectives to completion of the project
- Undertake where appropriate, FMEA, reliability, concepts of life predictions, to make sure a product is adequately engineered for the application.
This role is also a chance to drive and shape the Product Development of a technology business.
Your Experience & Skills
- University degree in Product designing/engineering discipline
- 5 years experience minimum in related industries
- Proficient with CAD/CAM and Solid Works package
- Experience in dealing with Asian factory developers and in designing with plastic is highly recommended
- Knowledge of various types of manufacturing equipment and the limitations
- Must be able to design for reliability CE standard
Travel – Some required
Languages – Fluent English required, additional languages are very welcomed
Salary – Negotiable dependent on experience
Application - By CV and cover letter to jobs@d3olab.com
Closing date - 4th January 2012
Posted 15th September 2011
Lecturer in Sports Technology, Loughborough University
Department: Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Closing Date: Tuesday 27 September 2011 Salary/Benefits: Grade 6, £32,750 to £35,789 per annum or Grade 7, £36,862 to £44,015 per annum
You will be required to pursue a personal research programme, supervise and manage research projects and engage in the supervision of postgraduate students. You will also teach students on all levels and contribute to the development of the School’s taught curriculum.
You should have a background in Engineering or a physical science and a PhD or equivalent experience and be active in research and able to develop a fundable research programme. You should also be able to teach and support students effectively, possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a completed University application form.
Informal Discussions
For informal discussions, please contact Dr Andy Harland (Head of Research in the Sports Technology Institute) by email or on 01509 564802
To apply
For a full information pack and to apply, visit the job vacancies section on www.lboro.ac.uk
Posted 23 August 2011
adidas Innovation Team: Senior Development Engineer Apparel (m/f)
adidas Group Headquarters in Herzogenaurach in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region – Germany.
The adidas Innovation Team is looking for a highly talented engineer to innovate in the Performance Apparel category. The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated people working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation.
In this Engineering role you will create advanced, market leading garments and product concepts, which improve brand competitiveness through product and technology leadership and enables adidas to deliver added value to our athletes as well as customers.
Main duties will include:
- Plan and co-ordinate short, mid and long term projects and development plans including timelines to ensure execution of delivery OTIF
- Transfer garment/athlete research and testing results into unique market leading concepts, which are based on athletes’ needs, and which offer considerable potential performance benefits
- Drive technology and consumer research and follow up testing
- Establish alliances with key manufacturers, research facilities, and development partners
- Prepare concept and product evaluations and presentations
- Manage innovation projects
Main qualifications:
- University degree in materials/garment engineering, textile/materials technology, garment (apparel) technology or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in product or materials engineering or development
- Excellent technical knowledge of product development
- Advanced knowledge about materials, textile manufacturing and machinery, garment manufacturing process and equipment
- Open to extended travel
- Excellent English language skills
If this reflects your background, please take a look at the detailed job description: http://bit.ly/adi_Development and apply directly.
Or send your detailed CV/Resume and covering letter describing your suitability for the position via email to: Georg Fuchs, adidas Group, Herzogenaurach/Germany, Email: georg.fuchs@adidas-group.com
Posted 21 July 2011
CHEMNITZ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The School of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Sports Equipment &Technology, offers a post as
Senior Researcher (Full time)
We are looking for an experienced and motivated researcher with PhD degree in mechanical engineering, especially with strong emphasis on fibre reinforced plastics technology and/or experimental structural analysis. For strengthening and widening the research activities of the department, an autonomous initiation and accomplishment of research projects is one main target of the job. Furthermore duties and responsibilities in teaching like giving lectures or supervising student projects are to be taken by the suitable candidate.
You have expertise in starting and managing research projects in an interdisciplinary environment and already contributed to build research teams and/or working groups. To further emphasize the orientation of the department you should have a special interest in sports, sports technology or medical technology. Self-reliant and creative approaches to complex tasks should define your style of working.
We are offering versatile opportunities in a communicative work environment with an interdisciplinary team. In a motivated and driven team various research tasks will be solved. Well equipped laboratories provide a good foundation to design diversified projects and to successfully conduct them. Modern media of communication can be used to effectively teach the students on an up to date level. Additional academic qualifications are being considered and will be honored.
The employment is of limited duration until the 08/31/2013 but it is being seek for an extension. The temporary employment is being regulated due to the current “ Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetzes (WissZeitVG)” and the current higher education of act of Saxony (SächsHSG).
Because of the University is being anxious to support woman in particular qualified woman are being especially invited to apply. The candidates have to fulfill the conditions of recruitment according to § 46 and § 71 of the higher education act of Saxony. Applications of severely handicapped people with the same qualifications are being preferably considered.
Applications have to be sent by 07/30/2011 to:
Technische Universitat Chemnitz
Fakultat Maschinenbau- Professur Sportgeratetechnik
Herrn Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Odenwald
Reichenhainer Str. 70
09126 Chemnitz
Germany