HGC Industries is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing gaskets, sealing surfaces, and stamping. For over 50 years, our customers have trusted us to fulfill their advanced sealing & stamping requirements. We provide technical sealing and stamping solutions to customers around the globe through our excellence in engineering, technology, manufacturing, and customer service. Our mission is to create gaskets and components that satisfy the most complex manufacturing challenges and provide high-quality products and services to the world at a reasonable cost.

With locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia, HGC Industries is a leading international supplier of components for the engine, transmission, processing, and material handling markets. As we grow, we will continue to develop our world-class design, development, and manufacturing capabilities. We pair our industry knowledge, application engineering, and technical expertise to create manufacturing solutions that satisfy even the most advanced requirements. We're proud to partner with our customers in every capacity as a true sealing industry expert.

At HGC, our employees are the foundation of our success. We encourage our employees to use their strengths, expertise, and determination to deliver on our commitments and achieve individual growth. When you join HGC Industries, you become part of a diverse and collaborative team that leads innovation and provides cutting-edge solutions.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Application Engineer works closely with customers and internal teams to develop product design proposals that meet customer performance, quality, cost, and timing requirements. They support the engineering department through product development and validation activities such as DFMEA, design reviews, and testing while ensuring manufacturability and efficient project management. The Application Engineer will be responsible for collaborating across functions to resolve technical issues, track project progress, and deliver solutions that meet customer expectations. The Application Engineer contributes to HGC's goals and success by fostering strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams that result in timely delivery of innovative, cost-effective designs that enhance customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Lead product development and validation activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and customer requirements Manage APQP processes to ensure product quality and compliance throughout the development cycle Conduct and facilitate DFMEA to identify potential design risks and implement corrective measures Oversee DVP&R documentation, ensuring product validation meets required specifications. Coordinate design reviews, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product feasibility and innovation Develop and review CAD drawings and models to support design and manufacturing processes Perform FEA to validate and optimize design performance and integrity Supervise prototype builds, ensuring timelines, specifications, and quality standards are met. Lead testing activities (DV/PV), validating product design and manufacturability in collaboration with suppliers Drive 8D problem-solving efforts, analyzing root causes and implementing effective solutions Manage project timelines and schedules, coordinating tasks and resolving issues to meet deadlines Liaise with internal teams (Program Management, Sales, Manufacturing, Quality) and external stakeholders (customers, suppliers) to address development issues Provide technical support to customers across all stages of product development, from pre-sourcing to production Prepare and present project status reports and technical presentations, summarizing progress and trends for management and stakeholders Ensure the completion of design reviews and validation activities according to gated program management processes Perform other duties as assigned REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES: Understanding of Manufacturing Methods and Procedures, Process Improvement Expert math skills, including concepts such as probability and statistical inference, as well as fundamentals of plane, algebra, solid geometry, and trigonometry Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously Ability to effectively manage both emotional and social intelligence Strong interpersonal and customer service skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent time management skills and ability to efficiently manage priorities and tasks based on importance Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Adaptability skills to effectively manage demands, frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events Ability to work self-sufficiently to ensure accuracy and quality of tasks Ability to navigate and resolve internal or external situations effectively and resourcefully Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment Ability to effectively manage both emotional and social intelligence Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, co-workers, and HGC Industries stakeholders QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in BSME, BSMET, or equivalent degree in an engineering discipline preferred 6-10 years of equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree Proficient in CAD Software required SolidWorks Software experience preferred Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint 3+ years of automotive application and design experience preferred 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred Experience with IATF 16949 and ISO 140010 management systems preferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

20%- Occasional travel to customers and suppliers

HGC Industries provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics protected by federal, state, and local laws.