Product Designer for Pickleball Net | Sporting Goods & Factory Sourcing

Job Description:

We’re looking for an experienced product designer to help bring a new pickleball net concept to life — from design to sourcing and prototype creation.

You’ll work closely with us to refine an existing idea and mockup (including full dimensions and functional goals). The ideal candidate will not only be strong in design but also have hands-on experience working with manufacturers and suppliers — ideally based in China or with strong, established relationships there.

This project involves:

Finalizing the design of a pickleball net system (we will provide the initial concept, sketches, and measurements).

Recommending materials, structural design improvements, and manufacturable components.

Handling or coordinating the sourcing and creation of custom parts, molds, and prototypes with trusted factories.

Preparing manufacturing-ready design files, drawings, and documentation.

We’re looking for someone who understands the intersection of design and production, particularly for sporting goods, outdoor equipment, or net-based systems (e.g. tennis, volleyball, or soccer equipment).

Requirements:

Proven experience designing physical consumer products (preferably sports equipment).

Familiarity with materials, structural design, and product testing.

Strong network or working relationship with manufacturers/suppliers, ideally in China.

Proficiency in CAD or 3D design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or similar).

Ability to manage the process from concept → prototype → production.

Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Nice to Have:

Experience designing nets, frames, or tubular metal/plastic structures.

Understanding of sporting goods standards and durability testing.

Fluent in Mandarin (or strong experience communicating with Chinese factories).