Application Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Application Engineer to serve as the primary technical liaison between OEM customers and internal engineering teams for advanced cooling system products. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys leading cross-functional teams, solving complex technical challenges, interacting directly with customers, and taking ownership of products throughout their lifecycle. The Application Engineer serves as the voice of the customer internally while representing the organization's technical capabilities to external customers.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical liaison between OEM customers and internal engineering teams for product development programs.
Represent customer requirements internally while communicating technical capabilities, recommendations, and product solutions to customers.
Lead system engineering activities from program pursuit through production launch and ongoing production support.
Coordinate global and cross-functional engineering resources to execute program deliverables, validation plans, prototype builds, and customer requirements.
Develop and maintain product technical requirements, bills of material, engineering documentation, and customer deliverables.
Lead the development of Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (DFMEA), Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R), validation plans, engineering reviews, and product release documentation.
Lead technical discussions with customers regarding product performance, durability, validation results, quality concerns, and engineering changes.
Participate in prototype builds, product validation activities, root cause investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
Support current production programs by resolving manufacturing, quality, and product-related issues.
Determine required validation testing and engineering analysis for product changes, deviations, and value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
Review and approve engineering documentation supporting Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions.
Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, validation, and product development teams to ensure successful program execution.
Forecast engineering resource requirements and maintain accurate documentation of engineering activities and program status.
Lead structured problem-solving initiatives utilizing methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, or similar continuous improvement processes.
Ensure compliance with internal quality, safety, environmental, and engineering standards.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in applications engineering, systems engineering, product development, technical project management, or a related engineering field. Candidates with a Master's degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated customer-facing engineering experience with the ability to lead technical discussions and build strong customer relationships.
Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing complex technical projects.
Strong understanding of mechanical product design, manufacturing processes, and product validation methodologies.
Working knowledge of CAD software and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience with engine cooling systems, thermal management products, rotating equipment, automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial, or off-highway applications is preferred.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
Strong verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while working independently.
Willingness to travel as needed for customer meetings, supplier visits, testing activities, and project support.

You should be proficient in:

Customer Service
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing)
Bachelor's Degree
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Business-to-Business (B2B)
Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
Engineering Degree

Machines & technologies you'll use:

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
CAD Software (AutoCAD)