Application Engineer - GS Industrial

Job Description

Job Description

Application Engineer 1 – Gas Spring - Industrial

Stabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. Our products can be used in a wide variety of industries, such as the automotive and office chair manufacturing industries, furniture technology, solar industry, medical technology, and many other industrial applications.

Job Summary:

This Application Engineering position is in our Industrial Division which is housed at our U.S. Corporate Headquarters in Gastonia, NC. The Application Engineer 1 plays a pivotal role in ensuring the correct application and integration of Stabilus gas spring and damper products into customer designs. This role ensures that technical solutions align with customer needs, internal engineering standards, and production capabilities. The engineer will work closely with customers and internal teams; including sales, engineering, launch, and production, to provide technical guidance, documentation, and process improvements that enhance overall customer solutions as well as sales and launch-related operational efficiency.

Essential Job Functions:

• Technical Application & Simulation:
  1. Utilize simulation software to size and apply Stabilus standard gas spring products in customer applications.
  2. Design custom gas spring solutions using internal calculation software, ensuring alignment with Stabilus design standards and best engineering practices.
  3. Provide technical drawings and specifications for prototype development and ensure customer acceptance of designed solutions.
  4. Confirm the feasibility of manufacturing during the initial design phase, and upon customer design acceptance, initiate the introduction to full-scale production.
• Project & Operational Support:
  1. Manage tasks or assist with broader project segments under the guidance of senior engineers.
  2. Review customer prints and ensure compatibility with Stabilus products, noting and communicating any required deviations.
  3. Coordinate with the prototype shop to facilitate sample production and customer approval processes.
• Leadership & Contribution to the Team:
  1. Offer technical guidance to peers and support sales teams with technical insights.
  2. Identify opportunities for internal process improvements and contribute to centralized technical documentation.
  3. Participate in team knowledge-sharing initiatives and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
• Customer Engagement & Support:
  1. Serve as a technical contact for customer inquiries, providing product recommendations and troubleshooting support.
  2. Communicate directly with customers, distributors, and sales representatives via phone, email, and occasional site visits.
  3. Assist in preparing and delivering technical training sessions for internal teams and external partners as needed.

Secondary Duties:

• Monitor industry and competitor advancements, reporting any relevant developments to the company.
• Provide support for trade shows, pilot production start-ups, quality troubleshooting, and customer visits to enhance technical engagement.
• Participate in testing and validation efforts to ensure products meet application requirements.

Education, Training, Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineer or related technical field.
• Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles, with an eagerness to learn industry-specific applications.
• Proficiency in general simulation and design software.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of related experience preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in product design, customer supporting technical role or prototype development is a plus.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively within a technical team.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Job Knowledge and Skills:

• Software Skills: Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD, Microsoft 365 Office, and SAP; experience with CRM tools such as SAP C4C.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to communicate and problem-solve effectively with all facets of the company and external customers.
• Supervisory Skills: None required at this level.
• Contact with Others: Direct communication with customers, sales teams, engineering, and production teams to facilitate project execution and technical support.
• Resourcefulness and Initiative: Requires creativity and problem-solving ability to develop solutions and improve processes; relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Key Performance Metrics (KPIs):

• Technical Performance: Accuracy and completeness of application designs; resolution time for technical inquiries.
• Project Execution: On-time completion of assigned projects and deliverables.
• Internal Process Contribution: Participation in process improvements, documentation updates, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Training & Development: Completion of required internal training modules and certifications within the first 12 months.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Responsiveness and effectiveness in supporting sales, production, and customer service teams.

Travel:

• Domestic Travel: Occasional travel for customer visits, prototype evaluations, industry trade shows, and training opportunities.
• International Travel: Infrequent travel for training or collaboration with global teams.
• Expected Frequency: Approximately 1-4 days per quarter, depending on business needs.

Accountability/Impact of Errors:

• Accountability: Responsible for correct application and technical soundness and integrity of product applications.
• Impact of Errors: Incorrect application could lead to loss of business to competitors, field failures, potential safety risks, liability concerns, safety recalls.
• Confidential Data: Yes. Must adhere to internal data security policies. Access to customer specifications, pricing, and proprietary Stabilus designs and drawings, requiring discretion and confidentiality.

Career Progression:

The Application Engineer 1 position is an entry-level role in the Applications Engineering team. Employees in this position are expected to develop proficiency in Stabilus product applications, customer support, and project management over time. Promotion to Application Engineer 2 requires demonstrated competency in independent project management, advanced technical proficiency, and direct contributions to process improvements. Career progression beyond Application Engineer 2 includes opportunities for specialization in technical leadership roles (Senior Application Engineer, Principal Application Engineer) or transition into managerial tracks (Application Engineering Manager).

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.