Application Engineer and Customer Project Manager

We are looking for an experienced Application Engineer and Customer Project Manager to provide technical support for international customer inquiries and projects. You will coordinate the integration of technical products and manufacturing solutions at customer sites, working closely with sales, engineering, production, purchasing and global locations from initial inquiry through industrialization.

Key responsibilities

·Translate customer requirements and specifications into actionable engineering solutions in collaboration with a global engineering team.

·Manage the technical processing of customer inquiries together with Key Account Management and relevant production locations through handover to manufacturing.

·Lead customer-related technical projects and coordinate multiple stakeholders across international locations.

·Coordinate initial sample approval processes, including PPAP, and customer-specific product validation.

·Support the introduction of new products into serial production.

·Develop production concepts, process layouts and technical calculations for customer inquiries across different product segments.

·Analyze manufacturing performance indicators, including OEE, cycle times, setup times and standard times, to support technical and commercial evaluations.

·Advise customers on product and process optimization and support Key Account Management in technical customer communication.

·Prepare technical documentation, application manuals, drawings, specifications and user requirement specifications for machinery and equipment.

·Conduct feasibility studies, product tests, technical assessments and capacity analyses for new customer projects.

·Monitor equipment utilization and support timely, efficient project execution while considering economic feasibility.

·Evaluate existing equipment and processes to improve utilization, reduce investment needs and compare current setups with alternative manufacturing concepts.

·Contribute to internal improvement initiatives covering product, process, quality, efficiency and productivity.

·Support production locations and global purchasing in evaluating mechanical engineering concepts and selecting suppliers.

·Deliver technical training and presentations for customers and internal teams.

·Provide clear project reporting and communication to local and global management.

·Follow applicable occupational health and safety procedures, use required protective equipment and report identified risks or deficiencies promptly.

Your background

·Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or a comparable technical field.

·At least five years of experience in project or multi-project management for technical products in an international environment, ideally within manufacturing, industrialization or product development.

·Strong knowledge of project management principles and practical experience leading cross-functional technical projects.

·Good understanding of innovation management, lean thinking and common lean production methods.

·Knowledge of production process automation and industrial manufacturing concepts.

·Practical knowledge of FMEA, MTM, value stream design and process flow mapping.

·Confidence using CAD tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.

·Very good written and spoken English.

·Very good command of Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

·Experience with ERP systems is an advantage.

·Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Personal qualities

·Fast learner with a structured approach to solving complex technical problems.

·Independent, accountable and comfortable managing priorities across several projects.

·Strong communicator and collaborative team member who actively shares knowledge.

·Confident working with customers, senior stakeholders and colleagues across cultures and locations.

·Clear and precise in technical documentation and reporting.

·Proven ability to lead projects and influence without relying solely on formal authority.

What success looks like

You ensure that customer requirements are translated into technically sound, economically viable and production-ready solutions. Projects are delivered with clear ownership, effective stakeholder communication and a strong focus on quality, manufacturability, capacity and continuous improvement.