Applications Engineer

Job Summary: The Applications Engineer translates customer equipment challenges and application requirements into practical, manufacturable polymer component solutions. Serving as a technical partner to customers and the sales team, this role evaluates application conditions, recommends materials and manufacturing methods, develops or refines 3D designs, and supports feasibility, quoting, prototyping, and production launch. The position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales to deliver solutions that meet performance, lead-time, quality, and cost expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with customers and Sales to define application requirements, operating conditions, performance targets, drawings, specifications, and project constraints.
• Evaluate customer equipment and component applications, including wear, abrasion, chemical exposure, temperature, load, motion, sanitation, and service life as applicable.
• Recommend appropriate polymer materials, durometers, additives, tolerances, and manufacturing processes based on application needs and technical feasibility.
• Develop, modify, and review 3D CAD models, component designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings for custom molded or machined solutions.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with tooling, machining, molding, and production teams to improve feasibility, repeatability, quality, and cost.
• Provide technical input for customer quotations, including concept evaluation, material and process selection, tooling requirements, assumptions, risks, and cost estimates.
• Prepare and communicate technical recommendations, product concepts, design alternatives, and supporting documentation to internal teams and customers.
• Coordinate prototypes, samples, trials, testing, and validation; evaluate results against customer requirements and recommend design adjustments.
• Support new product introduction from inquiry and concept through design approval, tooling, production readiness, and initial customer feedback.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering field required.
• 3–10 years of relevant engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, applications engineering, or technical customer support.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or comparable platform) and interpretation of engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), component design, tooling, and production processes.
• Ability to evaluate technical customer requirements and communicate clear, practical recommendations to both engineering and nontechnical audiences.
• Knowledge of engineered polymers, urethanes, silicones, elastomers, material properties, or custom molding processes preferred.
• Experience supporting RFQs, technical quotations, feasibility reviews, prototypes, and product launches.