Applications Engineer - (Automotive)

Job description

Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. We innovate and partner with customers in diverse global end markets. Solvay Composite Materials combines 50 years of technology heritage to bring a comprehensive product portfolio, expertise in material design, and extensive process engineering solutions to our customers. As the partner of choice for advanced materials development, we deliver optimal material solutions to address our customers’ most challenging demands for new high-performance materials to improve durability and production, while offering weight savings for the end application.

Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. We innovate and partner with customers in diverse global end markets. Solvay Composite Materials combines 50 years of technology heritage to bring a comprehensive product portfolio, expertise in material design, and extensive process engineering solutions to our customers. As the partner of choice for advanced materials development, we deliver optimal material solutions to address our customers’ most challenging demands for new high-performance materials to improve durability and production, while offering weight savings for the end application.

Job Overview and Responsibilities:

Growing interest in light-weighting solutions from the Serial Automotive industry has created an opportunity within Solvay’s Composite Materials business unit as part of our Research & Innovation organisation to effectively support this emerging customer base.

There is strong interest from numerous OEMs and their supply-chain in initiating development programmes to leverage our market leading technology and Application Engineering capability.

Due to this opportunity, Solvay is now actively recruiting for an Applications Engineer (automotive)  who will be focused on our developments in this area - with a drive for effecting Thermosetting and Thermoplastic Composite solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of the day to day management of a Technical Project throughout its complete life cycle. They will be educated to Bachelor Degree level (preferably in Engineering) or equivalent combined with experience in the Controls and Automation sector.

You will have a background that reflects previous experience of having worked successfully in the role of an Applications Engineer with overall responsibility for projects.

As Applications Engineer you will  lead the material & process selection with key customer accounts and projects and develop strong working relationships.  You will also provide strong technical leadership in bringing back the voice of the customer to the business and take a lead role in cross-functional activities needed to deliver solutions back to the customers.   You will do this whilst maintaining a high level of expertise and knowledge in relevant materials and processing technologies - including seeking ways to protect and exploit Solvay's IP.

Education and Experience:

·Bachelor's degree or higher diploma, in Materials Engineering or related field.
Demonstrable experience and a proven track record in this sector is a must.
Serial Auto experience or awareness, as well as direct composite part manufacturing  experience - ideally with a good spread of thermosetting and thermoplastic technologies.
Appreciation of relevant design and simulation technologies that our customers are likely to employ.
Examples of how you have worked proactively with customers in finding and sourcing solutions through relevant materials and processing technologies. 
Track-record of working in cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects both internal and external.
Willingness and ability to travel for considerable portions of their time (>60%)

The role will focus on EU customers and will operate out of our Applications Centre in Heanor, Derbyshire.

Skills:

·  Technical 
·  Ability to work under pressure.
·  Problem-solving 
·  Creativity
·  Interpersonal and customer engagement 
·  Verbal and writtencommunication 
·  Commercial awareness.
·  Team working 

Additional Information