Application (Manufacturing) Engineer (Madison Heights)

Basic Function

Serve as the technical liaison for the proper application of Fluid Routing Solutions (FRS) fuel systems and components on advanced and production OEM programs. Ensure successful integration of FRS products by interpreting customer requirements and driving technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize FRS analysis tools to evaluate feasibility and performance of products in proposed fuel systems.
• Coordinate design, assembly, and material activities within the Customer Team using APQP and simultaneous engineering principles.
• Lead and implement VA/VE initiatives to optimize customer platforms.
• Interpret and communicate customer requirements for fit, form, function, and timing of FRS products.
• Initiate new product development as needed to meet program objectives.
• Deliver technical presentations to customers showcasing FRS capabilities and innovations.
• Maintain and update system FMEA to reflect new findings on product performance.
• Proactively engage with customer engineering teams to identify technical advancements and new opportunities.
• Lead concept reviews to ensure system requirements align with current manufacturing and design technologies.
• Support or coordinate system testing design to ensure accurate and complete results.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for engineering issues.
• Maintain project management and product validation flow charts to ensure alignment with evolving technologies.

Nature and Scope

This role is critical in maintaining a positive customer perception of FRS and securing new business opportunities. The Applications Engineer acts as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring program goals are met while balancing resource utilization. The position requires flexibility, travel, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations driven by customer urgency.

Internal and External Contacts

- Extensive interaction with FRS design, development, manufacturing, and marketing teams.

- Direct communication with customers regarding product design and timing.

- Coordination with external suppliers for software and component availability.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in team-oriented problem-solving techniques, FMEA, APQP, GD&T, DFM, DOE, FEA, CAD.
• Strong understanding of FRS analysis tools, product validation systems, and corporate objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for customer and supplier engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in application and development of FRS products.

Decision-Making Authority

- Prioritize incoming requests with managerial support as needed.

- Initiate program design requests and changes.

- Conduct customer surveys when required.

Reporting Structure

- Reports to: Program Engineering Manager

- Next Level: Director of Engineering

- Position Title: Applications Engineer

Additional Duties for Applications Engineer II

• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practices for application design and validation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for advanced fuel system technologies and emerging trends.
• Lead complex, multi-platform projects from concept through production launch.
• Oversee cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer and corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement advanced simulation models and predictive analysis for fuel system performance.
• Drive innovation initiatives, including research into new materials, processes, and technologies.
• Act as the primary technical contact for strategic customers, managing escalated issues and high-impact programs.
• Negotiate technical requirements and influence customer specifications to align with FRS capabilities.
• Lead continuous improvement projects for design validation, project management systems, and APQP processes.
• Establish and maintain best practices for FMEA and risk management across multiple programs.
• Participate in long-term product roadmap planning and provide input on technology investments.
• Benchmark competitive technologies and recommend strategic actions to maintain market leadership.