Automotive Application Development Engineer

Overview

The Automotive Application Development Engineer leads technical engagement with assigned European OEMs to develop and commercialize applications using PMMA, PC/ABS and ABS resins. This role drives project execution from concept through SOP, focusing on high‑impact growth areas such as EV battery casings and sustainable components. Serving as the technical interface between customers and internal teams, the ADE manages the opportunity pipeline, provides hands‑on molding support, and contributes to business development strategy. By aligning application needs with material capabilities, this role ensures successful design‑ins and supports long‑term account growth through technical excellence and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new applications for assigned European OEM accounts, with a focus on growth areas such as EV battery casings, lighting, and sustainable interior components
• Drive technical validation and specification of PMMA and PC/ABS solutions from concept phase through SOP
• Build, manage, and convert a robust pipeline of technical application opportunities
• Track technical progress, ensure internal alignment, and maintain accurate opportunity reporting in SFDC
• Take ownership of opportunity progression and support commercial conversion in close coordination with Sales
• Act as a technical business partner to OEMs by identifying unmet needs and influencing material selection early in the development cycle
• Support regional business development strategies with insights from platform‑level and account‑level engagements
• Translate OEM requirements into clear technical inputs for R&D and Product Management
• Collaborate with internal teams on material development, performance improvements, and go‑to‑market support for next‑generation applications
• Lead technical discussions on sustainable, low‑carbon, recycled‑content, and circular material solutions
• Position sustainable offerings as enablers of OEM ESG objectives and regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the automotive and/or plastics industry in a comparable role; experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers is a strong advantage
• Strong technical expertise in thermoplastics (PMMA, PC/ABS, composites) and their processing in automotive applications, including injection molding, compression molding, part design, and tool validation
• Fluency in both English and German
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse, international team environment
• Proven customer‑facing application development experience, including support of molding trials, delivery of technical seminars, and translation of customer requirements into tailored material solutions
• Solid business development and negotiation skills, with demonstrated commercial acumen and opportunity management capabilities, including building and managing a technical pipeline and contributing to account growth strategies
• Ability to interface effectively across functions (R&D, Product Management, Sales, Regulatory) to align internal priorities with external application and customer requirements
• Strong knowledge of European—and some global—OEM vehicle platforms and technology roadmaps, with the ability to anticipate future application needs and sustainability drivers

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross‑cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences, and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.