Application Design Engineer

The Application Design Engineer serves as the technical liaison between customers, sales, quality, and manufacturing. This role is responsible for gathering customer application requirements, translating them into detailed parts and tooling designs, and developing and testing prototypes to ensure designs are manufacturable, and satisfy the customer's application requirements. This includes iterating through design-for-manufacturability (DFM) validation and using CAD tools to refine geometry, tolerances, and material selection ahead of production.

The role requires knowledge of CNC machining, engineered plastics, dimensional tolerancing, testing methods, and quality requirements. The Applications Design Engineer works with customers and internal teams to develop practical design, material, and manufacturing solutions.

Review customer application requirements (specs, drawings, use-case data) and translate them into buildable prototype designs

Build, assemble, or configure prototypes based on customer and internal engineering specifications

Design and execute test plans to validate prototype performance against customer requirements and industry standards

Document test results, failure modes, and design iterations; recommend design or process changes based on findings

Partner with manufacturing/production teams to assess feasibility, tolerances, and scalability of prototype designs before handoff

Act as the technical liaison with customers during the prototype phase clarifying requirements, presenting results, and managing revisions

Maintain BOMs, technical drawings, and prototype documentation for handoff to production

Stay current on new product developments and application usages for rapid adaptation to company products

Support technical failure analysis and debugging on key customer issues

Support project management by keeping project plans and other related documents updated

Provide written recommendations and presentations for end-users

Other duties as assigned

Bachelor's degree in mechanical , industrial engineering or related discipline plus a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a similar role required. Master's degree preferred

Proficiency using Solid Works or similar 3D solid modeling software

Ability to read and understand technical drawings, manuals, and industry or customer specifications

Previous experience in product design, development, and implementation

Working knowledge of CNC machining processes

Experience with ANSYS or similar simulation software

Knowledge of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles

Comfortable working in ambiguity when customer requirements aren't always fully specified

Strong communicator who can explain technical trade-offs to both engineers and customers

Must be able to travel up to 20% as required

Detail-oriented, especially around documentation and test traceability

Able to manage multiple projects at varying stages simultaneously

Strong problem-solving abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment

Previous experience in plastics, product design, development and implementation are desired

Familiarity with compression molding and high-performance polymer and compounds is a plus Experience with Solid Works or similar 3D solid modeling

Advanced presentation skills

Familiarity with Six Sigma, & Lean Manufacturing is a plus.

Familiarity with physical, thermal and mechanical tests is desired (dimensional inspection, specific gravity, tensile strength, TGA and DSC, for example)
Familiarity with ASTM standards.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

Continuallyrequired to stand or walk; use hands, speak, hear and use basic office equipment .Regularlyrequired to reach with hands and arms.Often required to sit.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions and expectations.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

Typically working in an office environment. Occasionally in a manufacturing environment, traveling, or at a customer location subjected to fumes or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position.

Management reserves the right to assign, modify, or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time based on business needs.

Nothing in this job description alters the at-will employment relationship. Employment may be…