Automotive Market Development Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Automotive Market Development Engineer based in the United States. This role combines materials engineering expertise with customer engagement and business development across the automotive market. You’ll identify product requirements and lead technology development initiatives supporting the growth of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds. As a materials subject matter expert, you’ll work closely with customers, converters, Tier suppliers, OEMs, and internal product development teams. The position involves translating customer needs into material solutions, supporting trials, and driving products through approval processes. You’ll also identify strategic markets and new business opportunities while building long-term customer relationships. The role is remote, with acceptable locations in Michigan, ideally eastern Michigan, or northern Ohio. Frequent travel, generally exceeding 50% and potentially including international travel, is required.

You’ll manage technical development activities while supporting customer growth, market development, product approvals, and the successful application of TPE materials across automotive programs. Manage development activities associated with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials. Identify strategic automotive markets, target customers, application opportunities, and material requirements. Pursue new business opportunities through customer engagement, market development, and technical consultation. Collaborate with product development engineers to create material solutions that address customer requirements. Interpret sample and testing results and provide customers with data sheets and relevant physical property information. Coordinate and participate in customer molding trials, providing technical feedback to guide future material development. Prepare and present formalized data packages for customer material approvals. Work with converters, Tier suppliers, and OEMs to achieve and document product approvals. Support non-automotive applications within the assigned geography when technical expertise and customer relationships create relevant opportunities. Promote products and technical capabilities through customer-facing activities and business development efforts. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints while supporting customer satisfaction. Maintain call reports and monthly activity summaries related to customer engagements as requested. Perform all responsibilities in accordance with applicable safety, health, environmental, and quality management requirements. Requirements The ideal candidate combines strong elastomer or plastics materials expertise with customer-facing business development capabilities and the ability to manage technical projects independently. Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, science, or an equivalent field, and/or 5–7 years of experience working with elastomeric materials, preferably, or plastics in the automotive industry. At least 5 years of experience in the automotive sector is expected. Strong technical knowledge of plastics and/or rubber materials and technologies. Demonstrated ability to use technical expertise to identify and develop new business opportunities. Proven ability to build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships. Experience collaborating effectively with commercial and product development teams to develop strategies addressing customer and market needs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in customer-facing environments. Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and a personable, professional approach. Well organized and capable of managing multiple technical and commercial activities. Proficiency with basic computer applications, including word-processing and spreadsheet software. Strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently with limited support. Willingness and ability to travel frequently, generally more than 50%, including potential international travel. Ability to perform responsibilities safely and in compliance with defined safety, health, environmental, and quality management systems. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits Remote work opportunity based in Michigan, ideally eastern Michigan, or northern Ohio. Opportunity to combine materials engineering, technical development, customer engagement, and business development. Direct involvement with automotive converters, Tier suppliers, and OEMs. Exposure to TPE materials, product development, customer molding trials, and material approval processes. Opportunity to influence new product and technology development based on customer and market needs. Significant customer-facing responsibility and ownership of market development activities. Frequent interaction with commercial and product development teams. Opportunity to support both automotive and relevant non-automotive applications. Frequent travel and potential international exposure. Salary requirements can be discussed as part of the hiring process.

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