Application Engineer

Leggettlogistics; Wilmington, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Leggett & Platt Hydraulics is seeking an Application Engineer to bridge Product Engineering, Sales, Sourcing and Production. You will collaborate with OEM customers to identify design and manufacturing improvement opportunities and support the product development program.

The role emphasizes cost analysis, CAD design, and cross-functional teamwork to grow our business globally. Requirements include a BS in Mechanical/Design Engineering, 3–5 years of experience, proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree required or equivalent.
• Strong engineering, manufacturing and project management background.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Pro-E).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willing to travel to support engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with OEM customers to identify design and manufacturing improvement opportunities.
• Support product development program and translate feedback into actionable insights.
• Perform technical cost analysis, evaluate materials and labor costs.
• Contribute to Design Reviews and Design FMEA for new development.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Design Engineering

CAD Software

SolidWorks

NX

Pro-E

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Communication

Willing to Travel

Education

BS in Mechanical/Design Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Pro-E

Job description

Leggett & Platt’s overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives – by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership span more than 130 years. Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products for all areas of life. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the automotive, furniture, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile and geo components industries.

Precision Hydraulic Cylinders is committed to providing comprehensive design, service, and support to OEM’s during all phases of development, testing, and production to ensure smooth integration and superior product performance.

As leading providers of a wide variety of hydraulic cylinders, we operate within a global marketplace. Offering all our OEM clients a customized solution, we pride ourselves on being able to tailor what we do to meet the changing needs of our clients. Whether you need a change in volume or a tighter deadline, we will always do our utmost to get the job done to the highest possible standard.

We, at Leggett & Platt Inc., are seeking an Application Engineer who can bridge the gap between the Product Engineering, Sales, Sourcing, and Production teams across Leggett & Platt Hydraulics (LPH) to help develop, improve, and grow our business. LPH has built a reputation as a world-class hydraulic cylinder manufacturer through our superior quality control and innovation. LPH is a leading supplier of hydraulic cylinders for material handling, construction, agriculture, transportation markets, and heavy construction. If you join our team, your work will ensure customers across the world have high-quality products they can use to keep their businesses running.

This role reports to the Application Engineering Manager. As an Application Engineer, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with OEM customers to identify design and manufacturing improvement opportunities, in addition to supporting our product development program.Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by expanding our customer base and fulfilling their unique needs.The team you will be working with is laid-back but hard-working and values creative innovation and continuous improvement.

So, what will you be doing as an Application Engineer?

Customer Integration: Analyze specific customer requirements and site conditions, offering tailored technical solutions or suitable product configurations.

Technical Cost Analysis: Review specific customer inquiries and analyze the material, labor, burden costs, and potential capital investment needs. This analysis will require an in-depth technical understanding of product design structure, function, manufacturing processes, and the capabilities of each site.

Product Analysis: Perform a detailed cost analysis for new (or existing) product inquiries. This will be critical for the sales team to determine which business opportunities to pursue, and the level of investment required.

Feedback & Product Iteration: Translate user feedback and field issues into actionable insights for the core product engineering, helping to drive future product redesigns.

After-Market Technical Support: Interface with the customer to understand their technical needs versus the company's ability to meet such requirements.

Smart Cylinders: Maintain costing for structured configurable cylinders with sensor applications.

VAVE Projects: Evaluate and identify “Value Analysis / Value Engineering” opportunities globally while closely coordinating with the engineering team, customers, vendors, etc.

ERP Parts Maintenance: Support the engineering team with ERP parts generation, maintenance, and cost aggregation for new and revised product lines.

NPD/NPI: Support activities through design, test, validation, and production readiness stages.

Research and generate new product ideas and improved designs.

Participate in Design Reviews and Design FMEA for new development and improved products

Ensure compliance with the industry’s safety standards

Collaborate cross-functionally to support other groups, including Industrial Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Customer Support, and account managers

You may be required to cover other role-relevant activities if the need arises.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need

BS in Mechanical/Design Engineering, or equivalent

3-5 Years of Experience

A strong engineering, manufacturing, and project management background

Familiarity with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, Pro-E)

Preferably with experience in mechanical design or similar role(s)

Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Excel as communication and analysis tools.

Willing to travel to support engineering projects

Self-motivated

Creative thinkers with excellent problem-solving skills.

Be able to work well in a team environment

Ability to multi-task – effectively manage and prioritize simultaneous demands

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Occasional travel

Things we consider a plus

Experience with Hydraulic Cylinders

Reasons You’ll Love It Here

Our benefits may vary slightly from one location to the next, but what you will find, is that we offer: as well as paid vacation, and paid personal time. We also strongly encourage and provide opportunities for learning and professional development. Our Learning & Development team has put together in-house training on subjects like front-line supervisor essentials, how to manage conflict in the workplace, and many others.

Our Values

Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.

• Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
• Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.
• Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
• Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture, processes and practices promote equal opportunity for all. Join us!

We welcome and encourage all applicants to apply. We’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

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