Applications Development Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing

The ADE's are involved in all aspects of the project from idea generation to acquiring technical approvals from customers.

ADE's are hands-on in this role with responsibility for part design, tool design, machine set-up and final part testing. Our Application Development Center provides state of the art processing equipment and testing capabilities to support the application development activities. You will be hands-on with injection molding machines and extruders along with design and testing tools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Application Development Engineer assists their R&D colleagues in their idea generation and product development activities to grow the business to the sales targets within the budget and time constraints as described in the business plan. They also provide input in the assessment and initiation of new product development requests. The Application Development Engineer also assists in technical support for customers and applications in the way of process improvements, supporting data generation, and investigation of quality issues.

• Supports the technical assessment of new programs. Translates customer requirements into product specifications and acquires technical approvals at customers.

• Works as a team member with R&D and Application Development colleagues in planning, designing, and implementing application development and customer support programs.

• Works with Sales and AD colleagues in identifying and evaluating new business opportunities including new applications, product improvements and/or process improvements.

• Supports Marketing programs by providing technical data or information on processing.

• Provides requested technical training for customers, sales, and business development groups.

• Leverages technical information in the businesses globally through reporting documentation. Completes visit reports, project plans, monthly highlights, progress reports, brochures, and training documentation in a timely and thorough manner to retain critical technical expertise.

• Active use of project tools such as ERP system, lab request system, etc.

• Skilled in general office software: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Windows.

• Exercises good safety conduct in all working environments both on and off site in compliance with safety policies and procedures. Identify potential unsafe situations and take immediate actions when applicable. Report unsafe situations and suggest improvements.

• Coordinates lab testing and quality control testing activities as requested. Assists with the development of new testing methods in the testing labs.

• Supports customer complaint investigations and recommends necessary corrective actions within the various business functions to resolve complaints.

• Builds and maintains a network of expertise, both internally and externally.

• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skillset:

• Knowledge of tool design, part design and design simulation tools such as computer-aided design or finite element analysis.

• Knowledge of injection molding or extrusion technologies. Can troubleshoot problems in extrusion or injection molding processing. Basic knowledge of market demands in plastic industry.

• Familiarity with various polymer systems, compounds, and physical testing methods.

• Basic understanding of quality systems and regulatory requirements.

• Proven social skills and a commitment to the Teknor Apex core values of Respect, Integrity, Safety, Partnership, Innovation, Sustainability, and Accountability.

• Good learning attitude. Willing and able to develop additional competences in a hands-on setting by running extrusion and molding processes in person. Self-motivated and able to set priorities to produce results on time.

• Ability to work independently and stay focused meeting required deadlines.

• Possess creative and innovative skills that can be applied to solve complex and varied technical problems. Able to interpret and translate newly acquired knowledge into marketable concepts.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree educational level or higher in mechanical engineering, polymer science, chemical engineering, polymer engineering.

• Relevant work experience of 0 to 15 years.

• Be willing to travel frequently when needed.

• Good verbal and written communication skills. Good presentation and negotiation skills.