We are seeking an experienced Application Development Engineer in the Plastic/Automotive industry who will play a pivotal role in driving key developmental programs, developing customer relationships, and overseeing product evaluations for automotive projects. The ideal candidate will have a solid track record in project management, a deep understanding of polymer products, and experience in coordinating complex business strategies with engineering activities. The role requires someone capable of understanding and addressing customer needs, while also promoting the company's products as the preferred solutions.

Responsibilities

• Foster and execute key developmental programs consistent with the One PO Business strategy at selected key OEM and Tier I & II accounts.
• Develop and manage key customer relationships, while broadening the customer base.
• Identify and establish new business opportunities for new polymer products in alignment with the business plan.
• Communicate customer needs and market/industry trends effectively to the Account Manager and Polymers Business.
• Manage complex business strategies, introduce new product offerings, and coordinate engineering activities with select customers.
• Oversee customer product evaluations to ensure proper implementation and successful outcomes.
• Integrate new product developments with customers and position company materials as the preferred choice for key customers.
• Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape at key customer sites, coordinating countermeasures with the Account Manager and Product Development teams.
• Obtain material approval to automotive specifications by working closely with customer teams to meet all standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct industry experience in automotive and plastic industries.
• Proven history of project management, with a track record of successfully delivering results.
• Self-starter with a strong understanding of the "Value Proposition," and technically competent to provide engineering support for customer projects.
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive and plastics industry, with a demonstrated ability in key program management.
• Solid industry contacts and extensive knowledge of polypropylene, TPO, and competitive plastics.
• Engineering experience in part design and material recommendations.
• Proficiency in tool design and deep understanding of the injection molding process, as well as other plastic processes.
• Experience in conducting molding evaluations to ensure the optimal performance of products.
• Familiarity with Moldflow and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology, with the ability to apply these tools to design and development processes.