Application Development Engineer (Polymers)

Zotefoams; Walton (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zotefoams plc is seeking an Applications Engineer based in North America to support growth by providing practical technical expertise, application insight and responsive customer support for polymer foam solutions. This role involves hands-on work with materials, collaborating with global customers and cross-functional teams, and requires travel across North America.

It is a home-based position with regular airport access.

Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in Polymer Technology, Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working with polymer or cellular foam materials and their behaviour/processing.
• Experience managing multiple projects and working directly with customers.
• Willingness to travel at least 30% across North America and to work from a home-based location.

Responsibilities

• Technical and application support: assist customers with development and qualification of foam-based applications and lab trials.
• Market and product insight: maintain knowledge of products and regulatory requirements to aid strategy.
• Project management and standards: manage a portfolio of projects from initiation to completion.

Skills

Polymer technology

Materials science

Engineering

Project management

Customer engagement

Analytical thinking

Autonomy

Education

Polymer Technology degree

Materials Science degree

Engineering degree

Job description

Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, with facilities in Croydon, UK; Kentucky and Oklahoma, USA; Brzeg, Poland; and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT). We produce lightweight foams for a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and supplies advanced insulation systems. The Company is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant revenue and profitability increases in recent years and ambitious plans for the future.

About the Role~

We are looking for an Application Engineer based in North America to support growth of new and existing business by providing practical technical expertise, application insight and responsive customer support. This role works closely with global customers, commercial teams and technical colleagues to help engineer and qualify polymer foam solutions into demanding applications. It suits someone who enjoys problem‑solving, collaborating with customers, and working hands‑on with materials and applications. Due to the travel requirement, candidates should live in a location with strong transport links and easy access to an airport.

Role Responsibilities~

Technical and application support

• Support the commercial organisation to develop new applications using the Company’s products.
• Build understanding of customer needs, market requirements, application performance criteria, and regulatory obligations; translate these into practical technical guidance.
• Assist customers across North America with development and qualification of foam‑based applications, undertaking laboratory trials and tests as necessary and assisting customers with fabrication methods.
• Interpret test data accurately and communicate outcomes clearly at an appropriate level.

Market and product insight

• Maintain current knowledge of Company products, properties, processing methods, and performance in different applications and use this to assist developing commercial strategies and opportunities.
• Understand competitive advantages of the Company’s products and identify opportunities for new products.
• Maintain awareness of regional regulatory, environmental, and compliance requirements affecting foam materials.

Project management and standards

• Manage a portfolio of projects from initiation to completion, prioritising work to meet targets.

What you'll need~

Essential

• Degree (or higher) in Polymer Technology, Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline and experience working with polymer or cellular foam materials, including their behaviour and processing.
• Experience managing and prioritising multiple projects and working directly with customers on application development or technical projects
• Willingness to travel at least 30% across North America and work from a home‑based location.

Industry background – highly desirable

• Experience within the polymer industry, ideally working with customers in one or more of the following sectors~
  • Aerospace
  • Defence / military
  • Electric vehicles (EV) or battery technologies
  • Medical or healthcare applications

Experience supporting regulated, high‑performance or technically demanding applications is particularly valuable.

Skills And Approach

• Clear communicator who builds effective working relationships and can convey technical details to non-technical people.
• Analytical and solutions‑focused, with a hands‑on mindset.
• Able to translate technical insight into commercial opportunity.
• Organised, pragmatic and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.

Why Join Us?

At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our Values

Courage -

The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.

Impact

Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.

Respect -

Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular material technology. Using a unique manufacturing process with environmentally friendly nitrogen expansion, Zotefoams produces lightweight foams in Croydon, UK and Kentucky, USA for diverse markets worldwide. These markets include sports and leisure, storage and protection, automotive, aviation and space, railway, healthcare, building, marine and the military.