Applications Engineer

General Scope of Responsibility:

To assess current products vs. competitive offerings, and, to develop new products for automotive applications.

DUTIES & ELEMENTS

Develop new application for Automotive “Core Green Product” applications.

· Work in conjunction with sales and program managers on new applications for existing products.

· Develop designs and prototypes that will meet the customers needs.

· Ensure that products meet the customer’s material, performance testing and application assembly requirements.

· Retains Program records that are well organized, easy to retrieve & demonstrate compliance with AC-PD-04.1 and other applicable procedures

Develop new products for other automotive applications under the direction of the department manager.

· Write up Product Concepts that include a description of the product, pictorials, construction materials and envisioned manufacturing process.

· Complete a Product Concept interview form and submit to NBDM.

· Obtain product concept and manufacturing process approval from a brainstorming meeting or directly from the NBDM.

· Create a Product Development Project that will prove out concept and manufacturing viability of the product concept.

· Receive project approval from the NBDM.

· Conduct and complete an Engineering Project.

· Engage the customer during this process to create interest, better define the opportunity for this product concept to be successful and collect market information.

· Receive a new business purchase for a new product concept.

Develop new materials to be used in CPAC products.

· Recommend new materials for existing products that we deliver a customers more value, lower cost or improve processing.

· Work with vendors to select and validate materials.

· Build prototypes and samples.

· Conduct performance testing,

· Create a “Performa cost” for the product.

· Receive approval from the NBDM to work with sales to sell the product.

Assist the plant, program managers, and salesmen by providing engineering support on launch issues.

· Assure design inputs are understood, reviewed & incorporated into the design.

· Direct & monitor Designer’s work.

· Coordinates design reviews, with customer & internal personnel, to assure designs meet inputs.

· Hand off work to program manager after receipt of purchase order.

· Provide assistance to CPAC customers and personal to make launch and new business a success.

Benchmark competitive materials, products, and processes.

· Obtain samples and information on competitive materials, products and processes.

· Participate in engineering reviews of competitive products.

· Reverse engineer competitive products to ensure that CPAC understands benefits and cost.

· Provide market pricing information to CPAC organization for the propose to evaluating CPAC’s market strategy.

· Determine the comparative product offerings of competitors to CPAC products.

• Provide write ups of your findings.
• QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Work Experience, etc.):

Minimum [Must have to be considered for the position]:

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or 5 or more years of equivalent experience.

· 2-3 years experience in Acoustic engineering of automotive applications.

· Knowledge of plastic products and extrusion processes.

· Good planning, organizational and follow-up skills.

· Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical programs.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desired [Will provide job holder with added skills(s) to perform duties]:

· Understanding of statistical methods.

· Ability to perform designed experimentation.

· Experience interpreting or using CAD/CAM drawings and systems.

· A working knowledge of plant processes.

· A thorough knowledge of automotive policies and procedures, with emphasis on manufacturing planning, quality planning, statistical methods and problem solving.

· A demonstrated ability to plan and organize.

· The ability to reach closure on assigned tasks within suspense dates.

HUMAN RELATIONS:

The Application Development Engineer must have excellent negotiating skills and the ability to work with vendors, customers, and internal personnel to support projects successfully from product concept inception to launch.

Application Development Engineers interface with, lead, and/or influence a wide variety of individuals & positions (from shop floor operators to Senior Managers) at the customer, within CPAC, and at suppliers – especially tooling suppliers. As such, they need to make a good first impression - wear well over time – be professional – and engender an atmosphere of trust & team work.

Physical requirements:

Occasionally ascends/descends ladders or stairs on manufacturing equipment to assist with trial runs. Must be able to lift parts weighing up to 50 pounds across plant floor when assisting in tool launch process. Must be able to walk through the manufacturing plant and stand for long periods of time. Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000