Application Engineer

Böllhoff is a competence leader in 360° Joining Technology. As a family-run company, we have stood for long-term success through innovative capacity and local presence since 1877. We seek to understand the needs of our customers and deliver solutions to fit their requirements. We focus on innovative, sustainable and economical solutions along our customers’ entire value chain. Around 3,300 employees are shaping the future of joining technology – both at our headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany, and at our subsidiaries around the world.

Our broad range extends from standard screws to special fasteners and assembly systems. A wide range of services related to joining technology complete our portfolio, from testing of fasteners in our accredited laboratory to application-related advice and cost-effective delivery solutions.

Böllhoff is a fourth-generation family-run business. It is currently run by Wilhelm A. Böllhoff and Michael W. Böllhoff (managing partners), as well as Dr Cathrin Wesch-Potente, Dr Jens Bunte and Thomas Pixa.

General Summary

The Application Engineer is responsible for technical support and is expected to identify customer technical issues in Böllhoff’s areas of competence. They should provide solutions utilizing Böllhoff products and capabilities, assist in securing new production business for Böllhoff based on these solutions, and launch the new business in collaboration with the customer and internal Böllhoff teams. This position also manages the overall technical interface with the customer on current production business.

Core Functions

Development of customer applications accomplished through engineered solutions utilizing Böllhoff’s core products

Details of Function

• Develop/maintain relationships with customer engineering team, using regular contact to identify customer issues that could benefit from Bollhoff solutions and to establish/maintain Böllhoff’s reputation as a key solution-provider for engineered fasteners
• Provide technical support to Account Managers for sales activities required to maintain and grow business on assigned accounts, including development/validation of proposed solutions, assistance at customer presentations, participation in technical reviews and other activities required by the Account Manager
• Lead interface with customer technical groups for program launches and engineering changes, including participation in meetings, coordination and support of prototype build events and other key customer events
• Drive new programs and engineering changes through each launch milestone to meet objectives for profitability, timing and technical performance
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of all company products and their applications, manufacturing processes, in addition to maintaining a working knowledge of competitive product information
• Always present a professional appearance and demeanor. Confidentiality and privileged information must be maintained.
• Travel as necessary to customer locations, manufacturing plants, out-of-office meetings, and trade shows/seminars
• All other duties as assigned
• Must be able to work extended hours when required
• Must adhere to all company policies and safety rules
• Understand and follow the Böllhoff culture which is described in various Böllhoff internal brochures and presentations. Identify and set an example of the Böllhoff Way, including Our Values, Our Culture & Our Goals

Reporting

Reports directly to the Engineering Manager in Troy, MI

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s in engineering with a minimum of 3 years of automotive experience
• Knowledge of automotive industry APQP and PPAP requirements, descriptive geometry/GD&T, knowledge/experience in engineered fastening is preferred
• Familiarity with customer relationship management and project tracking programs
• Ability to travel as required to visit customers, suppliers and Böllhoff manufacturing facility; expectation is approximately 30% of the time
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Well organized with demonstrated computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite is required
• A valid driver’s license, a formal background check and drug screen will be required