Application Engineer - Permanent Magnets (PM)

JOB SUMMARY: The Application Engineer-Permanent Magnets (PM) provides rapid, high-quality, technical support to North American customers and the North American Sales & Marketing team for permanent magnets and magnet assemblies. This US-based role will report directly to the Director of Product Management, PM in Germany, with a dotted line to the General Manager, VAC Magnetics LLC.   This position serves as a crucial link between the technical expertise at global headquarters in Hanau, Germany and the Americas team, enabling quicker response times for North American customers and enhancing VAC’s growth in the Americas. The Application Engineer is responsible for initiating the design of customized products and supports customers during all phases of evaluation and integration of VAC’s permanent magnet solutions. For new designs, the Application Engineer acts as a liaison between the customer and the R&D and costing teams in Germany. Key activities include providing magnetic design assistance and training to North American customers, serving as a primary quality assurance contact, and coordinating with VAC locations to address and resolve quality issues.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote the success of VAC products, specializing in the areas of permanent magnets and magnet assemblies.
• Analyze customer applications and provide tailored technical solutions.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers and the Sales organization.
• Provide assistance to sales and Product Managers.
• Process customer RFQs from the US sales team.
• Own the process of technical clarification with the corresponding functions in Hanau, Germany.
• Coordinate costing activities in collaboration with Hanau teams.
• Support global supply chain topics as needed.
• Prioritize active Americas Permanent Magnet customer development in alignment with the General Manager, VAC Magnetics LLC.
• Perform technical assessments of customer applications/designs and make recommendations to improve performance, manage costs, and reduce Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) content

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Technical Assistance

• Work with Sales organization to accurately describe products for quotation purposes.
• Communicate technical clarifications with Hanau production, including complete production routing in conjunction with Hanau engineering.
• Manage the costing process and ensure accurate product cost assessments.
• Assist with product pricing.
• Resolve quotation exceptions between the customer and VAC.
• Work with VAC technical groups when new materials / grades become available and provide relevant information to customers and VAC Sales team.
• Other duties may be assigned to contribute to the overall progress of VAC Magnetics.

2. Magnetic Design / Training

• Work with customers on new designs to guide them to use the correct magnet materials / grades / coatings, etc.
• Provide magnetic design assistance, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), as needed.
• Deliver magnet training sessions (“Magnet 101”) to customers as requested

3. Quality Assurance

• Work with customers regarding any quality issues which might occur – including working with and supplying corrective actions (e.g. 8D reports)
• Support customers in achieving initial PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) status and maintain yearly recertification

OTHER DUTIES

• Represent VAC Magnetics at industry trade shows, including booth duty and presentations.
• Develop literature, presentations, and spreadsheets to enhance customer understanding of VAC’s products.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Engineering or a related scientific field
• Experience working with Permanent Magnets preferred.
• Experience working with Automotive Quality Systems (TS-16949) preferred.

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to inquiries from managers, clients, and colleagues.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis, quality systems, or drawing software is a plus.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% for on-site visits, trade shows, and professional events.

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

This job description is intended as an outline of the duties of the position at VAC Magnetics LLC and is subject to change by VAC from time to time. It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to termination by you or VAC AT WILL, with or without cause at any time either party believes such action to be appropriate.