Senior Applications Engineer

Ideal Tridon Group; Smyrna (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ideal Tridon Group seeks a Senior Application Engineer for our Smyrna, TN corporate office. You will lead engineering initiatives, partner with sales, and drive clamping solutions for Automotive OEM, Heavy-Duty OEM, and Industrial OEM markets, including DV testing and APQP-based development.

Responsibilities include product validation, method creation, customer communication as the technical expert, and collaboration with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Eight or more years of experience in high volume manufacturing, automotive/industrial markets preferred.
• Ability to perform APQP, DOE, DVP&R, DFMEA and PFMEA activities.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Microsoft Project; strong MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Product development within APQP guidelines from feasibility to commercialization.
• Design and conduct product validation testing relative to customer requirements and industry standards.
• Develop test methods for concept and feasibility assessments.
• Serve as technical expert to customers and sales team.
• Support purchasing and suppliers to ensure components meet specifications.
• Manage multiple projects with timely deliverables.
• Contribute to process improvements in engineering and quality systems.

Skills

APQP

DOE

DVP&R

DFMEA

PFMEA

PPAP

Geometric Dimensioning and tolerancing

Six Sigma

Lean Design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Suite

Job description

The Ideal Tridon Group comprises a family of brands that support, secure, and connect the movement of air, fluid, and electricity in critical applications. With over 100 years of proven quality and a strong culture of service, we are the worldwide leader in clamps, strut, hose supports, conduit, fittings, and coupling solutions. Our products are engineered to meet the highest standards across a range of industries, and our commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer support ensures we’re ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. At the Ideal Tridon Group, connections aren’t just what we make—they’re the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a Senior Application Engineer for our corporate office in Smyrna, TN.

Summary And Scope

Support the technical communities within the Automotive OEM, Heavy-Duty OEM, and/or Industrial OEM markets, partnering closely with key sales personnel to identify customer application requirements, develop clamping solutions that meet or exceed expectations, and validate solutions through DV testing.

• Assure compliance to all product related, customer specific requirements.
• Design and propose clamping solutions to our customers from our wide array of products, and to conduct project meetings and lead discussions internally and with customers.
• Establish significant charateristics through the use of the DFMEA and communicate these requirements within multi functional APQP meetings.
• Maintain and protect all company, supplier, and customer proprietary and confidential information.

Primary Duties And Functions

• Product development within APQP guidelines from product feasibility thru commercialization.
• Design and conduct product validation testing relative to customer requirements and in accordance with industry standards for fuel, air and fluid applications.
• Design and develop test methods for concept and protype feasibility assessments.
• Communicate with customers as the technical expert on behalf of the sales team to ensure a concise understanding of the products and services Ideal-Tridon provides to our customers.
• Provide technical support to our purchasing team and suppliers to ensure components meet required specifications.
• Manage numerous projects ensuring consistent and timely execution of deliverables.
• Contribute to system and processes improvements in the engineering domain that drive internal and external customer satisfaction; including, but not limited to ECR/ECN, APQP, DV, DFMEA, PFMEA, and PPAP.
• Exhibit leadership qualities, sound organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.
• Successfully complete assigned training.
• Ensure continued compliance with Quality System and Environmental Management System.
• Understand the process for containing nonconforming prouduct and completing a RID.
• When necessary may perform other typical duties.

Qualification And Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology required.
• Eight or more years of experience in high volume manufacturing with a preferred emphasis in the automotive and/or industrial markets.
• T-Bolt/V-Band or No-Hub plumbing product knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to perform APQP, DOE, DVP&R, DFMEA and PFMEA activities.
• Candidate must have three to five years’ experience in SolidWorks (or equivalent) and be proficient in Microsoft Suite software package (including Microsoft Project).
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and tolerancing is a plus.
• Finite Element Analysis is preferred.
• Working knowledge of metallurgical properties, elevated-temperature performance, and applications of stainless steel products is a plus.
• Excellent technical writing skills to produce clean and detailed documentation, reports and presentations including design specifications, testing protocols, and project reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to apply logic, reasoning and scientific thinking to a wide range of technical problems.
• Candidate must be “Hands‑on” and willing to participate with lab testing and manufacturing DOE activities as required.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Design, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TS 16949, and ISO 14001 preferred.
• Travel as needed including international.

Work Environment & Culture

Foster and embody the Ideal Tridon Group values:

• Devoted to Customers – Builds trusted relationships through service and reliability.
• We Care – Acts with integrity, accountability, and respect for others.
• Passionate About Growth – Committed to personal and team development.
• Positive Energy – Creates a collaborative, energizing work environment.
• We Find a Way – Resourceful, determined, and solutions-focused.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job‑related factors.