We've used the sporting goods and equipment sector to illustrate the possibilities open to engineers in the consumer goods industry. In the same way, we've chosen representative sports and activities to demonstrate the types of challenges and opportunities available to engineers in developing products across the whole spectrum of athletic pursuits. There are countless other sports that require equipment to be designed, produced, and improved to keep up with consumer demand and help participants get the most out of their game of choice.

Engineers bring the knowledge of materials, aerodynamics, chemistry, and mechanical and electrical systems together to enhance athletic performance, prevent sports-related injuries, and ultimately increase the enjoyment for participants at all levels of sport. They study the way athletes move when engaged in various activities - and the result is a bike, a swimsuit, or a shoe that that works with the athlete, and training equipment that targets specific strokes, gaits, and stress points. They study the effects of wind, water, snow, and other elements on the balls that fly over courses and across nets. They develop different layering schemes that will make one set of skis appropriate for a novice who is just finding their feet on the slopes and another set perfect for the accomplished, long-time skier.

The sector is a vibrant and growing part of the consumer goods industry, and engineers looking for a chance to combine a personal passion with work on creative, cutting-edge projects will find few areas more likely to offer that enviable opportunity.

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