Application Engineer

Job Overview:  

The Application Engineer is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to integrate and optimize trailer hitch systems and components in vehicle applications. This role involves working closely with customers (Asian OEMs), international product development teams, and suppliers to ensure that the product meets performance, safety, and regulatory standards. 

Key Responsibilities:  

1.    Technical Support and Application:  

• Collaborate with customers' engineering teams to understand their technical needs and application requirements. 
• Support the design and development of trailer hitch solutions to meet specific customer needs - coordinate with international ACPS engineering teams. 
• Assist in the development and validation of prototypes, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards. 
• Promote advanced ACPS trailer hitch systems to customers for future applications. 

2.    Testing and Validation:  

• Oversee testing of applications to validate performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards (DV/PV test schedules and execution) 
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and work with cross-functional teams to implement improvements. 
• Prepare and maintain documentation for testing procedures, results, and corrective actions. 

3.    Customer Interaction:  

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between the company and customers. 
• Address customer inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and propose solutions to ensure customer satisfaction. 

4.    Project Management:  

• Support project management to coordinate with internal teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure project success. 
• Prepare technical documentation - both internally and externally. 

5.    Continuous Improvement:  

• Participate/lead VA/VE activities per management directions for product and process improvements and drive initiatives to reduce costs, enhance performance. 
• Contribute to the development of best practices and engineering standards within the company. 

Requirements:  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
• 3+ years of experience in automotive engineering, application engineering, or a related role. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers and internal teams, internationally. 
• Understanding of automotive product creation processes (PCP, PPAP) 
• Experience discussing innovative engineering solutions with OEMs is a plus. 
• Knowledge with metal forming, welding, e-coating is highly preferred. 
• Experience working with Asian OEMs (Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Toyota) is highly preferred. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues. 
• May require hands-on work on vehicles occasionally (5%). 
• Travel occasionally and/or internationally up to 10%. 

What we can offer you:  

• Hybrid work schedule and flexible working hours whenever possible 
• A friendly, open working atmosphere and motivated teams are crucial success factors for us. That's why we offer you exciting projects outside of day-to-day business in which you can contribute your knowledge and experience and learn from others. 
• New tools, methods and processes? No problem. We like to be willing to help. Of course, you will not only receive the support you need at any time during your training. 
• We know how important further training is. Whether external training or internally in our ACPS Academy: We will find a way to support you individually.