Application Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Application Engineer is a highly experienced technical and commercial leader responsible for driving strategic customer relationships, delivering advanced engineering solutions, and securing profitable growth. This role provides expert-level application engineering support for fastener design, application validation, and new product development, while serving as a trusted technical advisor and primary commercial liaison between the company and assigned customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Technical Application Engineering

• Serve as a subject matter expert for fastener applications, joint design, and advanced fastening technologies.
• Lead complex technical discussions to define customer requirements, resolve application challenges, and influence future fastening strategies.
• Develop and deliver high-impact technical presentations, design concepts, and value-engineering initiatives that drive cost, performance, and quality improvements.
• Provide expert guidance to customers on fastener selection, print reviews, and application-specific design.

Customer Relationship & Commercial Leadership

• Own and grow long-term strategic relationships across engineering, purchasing, quality, program management, and plant leadership.
• Lead all commercial activities including RFQs, pricing strategy, negotiations, contract alignment, order intake, cost recovery, and margin expansion initiatives.
• Develop and execute multi-year account strategies to secure new programs, expand product penetration, and strengthen Relyans’ technical and commercial position.
• Act as the primary escalation point for critical customer issues, leading cross-functional teams to ensure rapid and effective resolution.
• Influence customer sourcing and design decisions by positioning Relyans as a preferred technical partner.

Program & Launch Support

• Provide leadership across all phases of major customer programs, from early concept through PPAP and production launch.
• Partner with internal engineering, manufacturing, quality, and quality teams to ensure feasibility, cost competitiveness, PPAP readiness, and on-time delivery.
• Proactively manage customer program timing, engineering changes, commercial impacts, and launch risks.
• Support complex PPAP activities and customer approvals for new and modified products.

Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Provide strategic insight and regular updates on customer activity, including RFQs, order intake, program status, competitive activity, and fastening technology trends.
• Translate customer needs and market trends into actionable input for product development, capital planning, and technology investment decisions.
• Deliver accurate forecasting and customer updates.
• Represent the organization at key customer meetings, industry events, trade shows, and technical forums.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering/science discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in Application Engineering, Technical Sales, or customer-facing commercial engineering roles within automotive or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex RFQs, pricing negotiations, and long-term account strategies.
• Strong executive-level communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical decision-makers.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Technical knowledge of cold forming, mechanical joint design, automotive chassis systems, or EV platforms preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); CRM experience preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

*PLEASE NO RECRUITERS*