Application Engineer

DRiV Incorporated; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive solutions provider is seeking an Application Engineer to work in Skokie, IL. This role involves collaborating with customers to design and develop gaskets and sealing systems according to engine requirements. Candidates should have an Engineering Degree and 5-8 years of experience in engine sealing technology. Strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities are essential. The position offers a full-time contract with opportunities for career advancement and participation in innovative projects.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of direct experience in engine sealing technology.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to various audiences.
• Experience with major OEM or automotive parts supplier is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing gaskets/sealing systems based on engine application requirements.
• Serve as a technical contact for customers and provide troubleshooting support.
• Collaborate with customers and product engineering teams to ensure project success.
• Analyze product performance and suggest improvements based on customer feedback.

Skills

Engineering principles

Excellent communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Customer interfacing

Automotive industry knowledge

Education

Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Related Engineering field

Tools

PC based engineering analysis software

PLM applications

Project management tools

Job description

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General Statement Of Responsibilities

The Application Engineer is responsible working with customers in the development of Gaskets/Sealing systems per engine application requirements. Primary responsibility is the technical contact for customers, providing technical expertise, answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and offering guidance on product usage and application. The engineer will be a key technical resource providing guidance on product usage. Excellent communication skills and organization for projects and data are key in this role in managing customer requirements and relay technical information and details to DRiV Product Engineering. This role is pivotal in managing and implementation of sealing technologies, promoting innovation, and enhancing the company’s capabilities in sealing solutions.

Technical Job Summary

• The Application Engineer plays a key role in the design and development process of sealing products for our customers. This work may include customer requirements definition, material selection, failure analysis, customer interfacing and simultaneous engineering with the manufacturing plant.
• Communicating customer requirements and feedback to DRiV Product Engineering development and ensuring that sealing solutions are meeting engine/application requirements.
• Collaborating with customers and the DRiV Product engineering teams to integrate gaskets/sealing system in overall development, and execution of projects related to sealing technology meeting customer expectations.
• Manage existing and develop new gaskets opportunities with customers.
• Serving as a project leader for applications and managing timelines and resources with product engineering and sales
• Analyzing product performance with customers and suggesting improvements, and contributing to the development of new products based on engine application requirements.
• Participating in warranty discussion with customers, field investigations, and engine teardowns.
• Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, within DRiV and customers.
• Serve as a key technical resource to the organization, representing the sealing technology segment in decision‑making processes.

Other Requirements

Education: Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Related Engineering field.

Experience: 5-8 years with direct experience in engine sealing technology

• Key contact/lead with customers in the development of sealing solutions for OE commercial and industrial engines.
• Key stakeholder to the organization, setting technical goals and objectives that align with the company’s vision and customer provided requirements.
• Strong background interfacing with OE customers and defining product specifications for performance, durability, and cost.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities to identify and resolve complex technical issues working with Customers, Quality, and Product Engineering
• Apply advanced knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and procedures to complete complex projects, with expertise in sealing product development for automotive applications.
• Excellent communication skills. Candidate will be required to communicate in both written and oral formats with both technical and non‑technical individuals.
• Ability to create clear and concise technical documents and presentations.
• Knowledge of internal combustion engines, with previous exposure to automotive industry highly preferred (experience with major OEM or automotive parts supplier).
• Evaluate functional risk, develop and implement validation plans for sealing parts and related materials, and engage directly with OEM’s to develop APQP plans (DVP&R, DFMEA, PPAP experience required).
• Cross‑functional collaboration with internal sales team, product management, production engineering, quality and Skokie Manufacturing site to make sure sealing products meet DRiV business and customer, requirements and delivering high‑quality, innovative solutions.
• Represent the DRiV Engineering Team in leadership meetings, providing insights into capabilities, project statuses, and strategic directions for Gaskets/Sealing systems.
• Working knowledge of PC based engineering analysis and PLM applications, spreadsheets, project management tools, and word processing programs.
• Detail oriented, well organized, disciplined, and accurate.
• Travel as required (up to 50%).

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Location: Skokie, IL