Axe · 1 day ago
Product Development Manager
Kent, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expAxe is a community of passionate diamond-sport innovators dedicated to elevating the game. The Product Development Manager for Baseball & Softball Bats is responsible for driving the development and lifecycle of Axe’s bats, focusing on technical aspects, product strategy, and ensuring high performance through rigorous testing and collaboration with manufacturers.
ManufacturingSporting Goods
Responsibilities
Own the technical roadmap and lifecycle of Axe alloy and composite bats across baseball and softball categories
Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, tolerances, construction notes, and performance targets
Evaluate product performance using lab testing, MOI/swing weight analysis, durability data, and competitive benchmarking
Ensure each product meets defined performance, quality, and engineering criteria from initial concept to final production
Conduct structured player testing, durability checks, competitor bat analysis, and hitter feedback sessions
Convert subjective “feel” into measurable requirements (swing weight, handle stiffness, barrel responsiveness, vibration tolerance, etc.)
Map athlete archetypes to specific design formulas: hitter type ? performance need ? construction approach
Author detailed Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) including: ECPs, Swing weight/MOI ranges, Handle stiffness, Layup direction and composite architecture, 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of Alloy spec and wall-thickness
Evaluate prototypes through lab testing, field testing, and comparative studies
Diagnose root causes when performance deviates—materials, tooling tolerances, adhesives, cure cycles, layup alignment, etc
Guide engineering and factory teams by explaining why a construction change is needed and what effect it should produce for different hitter profiles
Approve final build specs prior to production
Maintain close working relationships with composite and alloy manufacturers
Review tooling drawings, layup sheets, bill of materials, and quality-control reports to ensure adherence to intended spec
Provide clear, structured feedback on prototype deviations or durability failures
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues through data, test results, and methodical experimentation
Ensure that production consistently reflect intended performance
Work with design teams to ensure aesthetics (finishes, coatings, graphics) do not interfere with durability, weight targets, or functional performance
Bring category insights from baseball, fastpitch, slowpitch, and adjacent sports that may influence design considerations
Provide marketing, sales, and customer service teams with accurate technical documentation, performance differentiators, and testing summaries
Support the creation of educational materials that explain product functionality, not marketing claims
Ensure on time delivery of designs that meet marketing language
Maintain product documentation—including Design specs, ECP, BOMs, drawings, certifications, and test results
Build and manage technical development timelines spanning prototyping, testing, certification, and factory approvals
Use quantitative data (lab metrics, QC reports, warranty claims, MOI audits) to shape decisions and improve next-generation bats
Enforce disciplined testing standards and documentation across the product development cycle
Submit prototype design for certification, cosmetic certification and compliance testing
Qualification
Required
3–7 years of experience in technical product development, product engineering, or technical product management for hardgoods or performance equipment
Demonstrated ability to evaluate prototypes, review testing data, and collaborate with engineers on technical iteration
Ability to translate user feedback into measurable engineering changes
Strong mechanical intuition and comfort working with multiple materials, tolerances, and physical product testing
Experience collaborating with international factories (composite or alloy manufacturing preferred)
Exceptional organizational and documentation skills
Strong technical communication skills—ability to speak the language of engineering, manufacturing, and design
Preferred
Hands-on experience with composite engineering, materials science, or mechanical testing
Background in baseball or softball that provides useful context for bat performance and hitter behavior
Exposure to FEA, MOI measurement tools, durability testing processes, or bat performance labs (a plus, not required)
Ability to travel Internationally to tour production Factory
Company
Axe
At Axe, we are more than just a company; we are a community of diamond sport enthusiasts united by a singular belief: there is always room for improvement in the game we love.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase