Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

Toray Performance Materials Corporation (TPMC) is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Applications Engineer to support the development of composite part applications from concept through production handover. This role works closely with customers and internal engineering teams to translate requirements into manufacturable designs. The Applications Engineer contributes to NPI activities, including tooling reviews, documentation, prototype builds, and performance validation, ensuring projects meet quality, timing, and production goals.

As a leader in the development and manufacturing of thermoplastic composites technology and products, TPMC, a part of the Toray Advanced Composites (TAC) Group, is at the forefront of innovation. With a strong presence in consumer recreation, medical, electronics, and other industrial sectors, we're committed to growth and expanding into new markets.

Applications Engineer supports the development of composite part applications from concept through production handover. This role collaborates closely with customers, account managers, tooling engineers, process engineers, and production teams to translate functional requirements into manufacturable engineering specifications. The Applications Engineer contributes to NPI execution, tooling design reviews, documentation, and prototype trials while ensuring projects meet quality, timing, and performance expectations.

Major Duties and Requirements

Customer & Requirements Translation

• Interface with customers to understand technical needs, performance requirements, and end-use conditions.
• Translate customer requirements into engineering specifications, drawings, and material/process recommendations.
• Support the direct line manager in technical discussions, design reviews, and coordinated customer communication.

Application Development & Engineering Execution

• Develop composite component concepts using CAD and finite element analysis (FEA) tools; support DFM (Design for Manufacturability) activities.
• Assist with material selection, layup design, tolerance analysis, and process feasibility studies.
• Participate in prototype builds, sample preparation, and validation testing.
• Document engineering findings, spec sheets, test reports, and technical presentations.

New Product Introduction (NPI) Support

• Contribute to Stage-Gate deliverables, progressing engineering tasks on schedule.
• Lead trials and prepare production-ready documentation.
• Support process engineer with pilot run and production ramp-up activities.
• Support to prepare work instructions and BOMs.
• Track engineering actions, risks, and open items to ensure smooth handover to production.

Tooling Design Collaboration

• Work with customers and tooling engineers/technicians to refine 3D CAD models for manufacturability.
• Review tooling concepts, layouts, and design features; identify improvement opportunities.
• Support tool qualification activities, including sample runs, dimensional verification, and engineering feedback loops.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Process Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure engineering intent is fully communicated.
• Support internal root-cause analyses, CAPAs, and process improvement activities.
• Assist in resolving customer issues by providing engineering insight and corrective actions.

Documentation, Compliance & Best Practices

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely engineering records in accordance with company standards.
• Follow NPI procedures, Stage-Gate requirements, and controlled document systems.
• Contribute to developing internal engineering guidelines and departmental knowledge libraries.

Technology Awareness & Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date on composite materials, manufacturing methods, tooling technologies, and relevant industry trends.
• Suggest improvements to product performance, manufacturability, or cost efficiency.
• Participate in training, workshops, trade shows, or customer (USA and overseas) visits as assigned.

Travel: Travel up to 25% (customer sites, trade shows, suppliers) globally.

Experience, Education Requirements, and Language Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
• 0–3 years of experience in composites, manufacturing, tooling, or product development.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Strong analytical skills, including understanding of GD&T, tolerances, and material behavior.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Hands-on approach with willingness to work on the production floor during trials.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred

• Experience with composite materials and processes (thermoforming, infusion, compression molding, layup, etc.).
• Exposure to NPI processes, Stage-Gate frameworks, or engineering project management.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, or statistical methods.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems (ISO9001).

Compensation: A competitive compensation package including base salary, potential for bonus based on performance, health insurance, and 401k will be available to the qualified applicant.

Salary Information $79,757 – max $106,343

The pay range above represents the expected offer range for the position. Factors that may be used to determine where newly hired employees will be placed in the pay range include the employee specific skills and qualifications, relevant years of experience and comparison to internal equity.

Toray Performance Materials Corporation employment practices offer equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.