Senior Application Engineer

Lead / Senior Application Engineer – Seating Solutions

Location: Knoxville, TN

We’re looking for a Lead / Senior Application Engineer to serve as the technical lead between customers, engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams for advanced seating solutions supporting automotive and commercial vehicle applications.

This is a highly visible role where you’ll influence design decisions, support product launches, troubleshoot technical challenges, and help drive manufacturable, cost-effective solutions from early concept through production.

What You’ll Be Working On:

• Customer-facing application engineering for seating systems and related components

• Translating OEM requirements into engineering documentation, drawings, and specifications

• Supporting product development, prototype builds, validation, engineering changes, and launch readiness

• Troubleshooting design, integration, manufacturability, durability, and installation issues

• Supporting APQP, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, and customer launch activities

• Cross-functional collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality, and program management teams

• Reviewing customer specifications, CAD models, 3D assemblies, and installation environments

• Identifying opportunities for design improvements, standardization, and cost reduction

Technical Skills & Experience We’re Looking For:

• 8–10 years of application engineering, product engineering, or design engineering experience

• Background in automotive seating systems, commercial vehicles, off-highway, or heavy equipment

• Strong understanding of seat design, packaging, ergonomics, suspensions, comfort solutions, and seat options

• Experience interpreting customer specifications, engineering drawings, CAD models, and OEM standards

• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, engineering change management, and launch support

• Understanding of seat manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and material cost drivers

• Ability to troubleshoot system integration, durability, and manufacturability concerns

• Familiarity with SAE, ISO, and OEM-specific engineering standards

• Proficiency with CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar CAD/engineering tools

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Experience managing multiple engineering projects in fast-paced manufacturing environments

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline preferred

• Customer-facing engineering experience strongly valued

• Domestic travel approximately 10–20%

This opportunity offers strong visibility, direct customer interaction, involvement in new product development, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on advanced seating solutions within the automotive and commercial vehicle industry.