Automotive Market Development Engineer

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.

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.