Application Engineer

Michigan Rubber Products Overview

For over 30 years, Michigan Rubber Products has provided components, systems, and solutions of the highest quality to the automotive, heavy truck, recreations, off-highway equipment, government, construction, appliance, and industrial markets utilizing cutting edge technologies and a thorough integration of industrial disciplines.

Position Description

Role: Application Engineer

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Position Summary

Application engineers provide technical support by understanding customer needs, collaborating with sales and engineering teams, and developing solutions. They travel with business development teams to meet customers and act as a bridge to ensure products are properly applied and meet performance goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

·        Provide technical support and respond to customer inquiries

·        Build and refine CAE models using CAD geometry and material data

·        Support ongoing design optimization and engineering decisions

·        Collaborate with engineering teams on active projects

·        Prepare and update technical content (3D models, FEA outputs, visuals for proposals)

·        Conduct and present technical reviews (internal and customer-facing)

·        Correlate simulation results with test data and adjust models as needed

·        Contribute to proposal development, including technical presentations

·        Support cross-functional meetings related to product development

·        Develop and deliver detailed technical presentations for customers

·        Support major design decisions and product development milestones

·        Conceptual design of rubber components and assemblies for new opportunities

·        Evaluate industry trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies

·        Identify opportunities for product improvement based on customer feedback and market insights

Physical Requirements

·        Travel to customer sites as needed

·        Move within office and industrial environments

·        Lift up to 25 lbs and use technical equipment

·        Work on computers for extended periods and follow safety protocols

·        Comply with safety requirements, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when required

Required Skills

·        Experience with CAE tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.) and CAD (Catia V5 or NX)

·        Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills

Preferred Skills

·        Experience with elastomers, plastics, or composites

·        Knowledge of nonlinear analysis and material modeling

·        Automotive or industrial product development experience

Education

·        Master’s or Doctor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Travel Requirements

Willingness to travel up to 15% for customer visits, trade shows, and meetings