Product Development Engineer - FXI Inc

Building our Future Together. FXI is a leading producer of foam innovation in the Bedding, Furniture, Industrial, Home & Office, Healthcare, and Transportation markets. We have made it our mission to provide tailored solutions that delight our customers and consumers. With our corporate headquarters, high-tech research and development facility, and multiple manufacturing locations in North America, FXI has built a culture of innovation and achievement that is recognized by customers, suppliers and peers. Our products include finished goods, sub-assemblies, services, and raw materials for OEMs, fabricators, and retailers. You will find FXI’s foam innovations inside, around, and under yourself in countless applications. Everywhere foam goes, FXI’s innovations lead the way! Won’t you join us?

Job Summary:

The Application Engineer will be responsible for developing innovative foam-based products tailored to the needs of Engineered Solutions, including automotive and technology. This role will play a crucial part in bridging the technical knowledge gap for sales teams, ensuring that raw foam is effectively utilized and positioned to meet customer demands.

• Product Development: Lead the creation of new products using raw foam, tailored specifically for the industries served by our Engineering Solutions team. Focus on innovating product applications that align with market needs.
• Technical Development: Ensure that product concepts are technically feasible and optimized for manufacturing, working closely with product designers to develop specifications and prototypes. Act as the technical expert for sales teams, educating them on the potential applications of raw foam in their respective industries. Help them understand how foam can be engineered to meet customer needs.Responsible for analyzing and comprehending industry standards alongside customer technical specifications to develop and document internal guidelines that meet or exceed both customer expectations and industry benchmarks, including ASTM, ISO, and OEM system design specifications.
• Testing and Validation: Design and execute tests to evaluate the performance, durability, and safety of mattress products. Analyze test results and provide recommendations for product improvements and specification development.
• Customer Requirements: Engage directly with customers to understand their specific needs and challenges, translating these into innovative foam-based product solutions.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with salespeople to develop tailored product solutions that meet customer requirements, enhancing their ability to effectively sell foam products and benchmark competitive products or equivalent products in the market place. Serve as a key liaison between the technical and commercial teams, ensuring alignment between product development and market needs. 
• Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during the production and application of mattress products. Develop solutions to improve product performance and manufacturing processes.
• Compliance: Ensure that all products developed meet industry-specific regulations and quality standards, particularly in automotive and tech sectors
• Innovation: Continuously explore new applications for foam in the industries served, staying ahead of market trends and customer demands.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering field. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Experience: 5-7 years of experience in product development or applications engineering, within the foam, automotive, technology, or a related manufacturing industry.
• Experience working with automotive or technology clients and a deep understanding of the product lifecycle in those industries.
• Strong knowledge of foam materials and their applications, including experience with material science, product design, or manufacturing processes involving foam.
• Proven experience in product design and specification development, with ability to translate customer needs into viable product solutions.
• Ability to provide technical support to non-technical teams to enhance their understanding and selling capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Up to 20% travel 

Traits:

• Communication Skills: Effective communicator who can convey product strategies and priorities.
• Collaborative: Adept at building relationships and fostering collaboration across functions.
• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust strategies based on changing market conditions and channel dynamics.