Application Engineer

We are seeking a customer-focused Application Engineer to serve as the technical bridge between customers, sales, and engineering teams while developing innovative seating solutions for the automotive and commercial vehicle markets. This role will transform customer requirements into manufacturable, high-quality products while supporting programs from concept through production launch.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver with experience in seating systems, vehicle packaging, and product development. This individual will work directly with OEM customers and cross-functional teams to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturing objectives., Customer Engagement & Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned customers, responding to inquiries and providing engineering support throughout the product lifecycle.
• Participate in customer meetings to gather requirements, clarify specifications, and define project scope.
• Support pre-award activities by reviewing customer specifications, evaluating technical feasibility, and assisting with proposal development.
• Build strong customer relationships through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.

Product Development & Engineering

• Translate customer requirements into engineering specifications, technical documentation, and product designs.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to develop cost-effective and manufacturable solutions.
• Support all phases of product development, including concept design, prototype builds, validation testing, engineering changes, and production launches.
• Ensure products comply with customer standards, industry requirements, and internal quality expectations.

Technical Problem Solving

• Evaluate design feasibility, packaging constraints, material selection, and system integration requirements.
• Troubleshoot product performance, assembly, installation, and durability concerns throughout development and production.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for customer issues.
• Recommend design improvements and alternative solutions to optimize quality, performance, and cost.

Documentation & Communication

• Prepare technical presentations, design reviews, engineering reports, and customer documentation.
• Maintain accurate project records, including engineering changes, customer communications, and issue tracking.
• Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide internal guidance to manufacturing, program management, and commercial teams regarding customer requirements and design expectations.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for design standardization, process improvements, and material optimization.
• Support initiatives that improve product quality, reduce cost, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Stay current on automotive industry standards, customer requirements, and emerging technologies.

Do you have experience in Mechanical product development projects?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering?, * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; equivalent technical experience will be considered.

• 3-5 years of experience in Application Engineering, Design Engineering, or Product Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting customer programs from development through production launch., * Experience with automotive seating systems, vehicle packaging, ergonomics, comfort solutions, or related products.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and customer launch processes.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and product cost drivers.
• Ability to interpret customer specifications, engineering drawings, CAD models, and industry standards.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically (10-20%) to customer, supplier, and manufacturing locations.

Key Attributes for Success

• Customer-focused and relationship-driven
• Strong communicator and collaborator
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Proactive problem solver
• Technically curious with a continuous improvement mindset
• Able to balance customer needs, engineering requirements, and business objectives

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance, * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance