Application Development Engineer (Polymers)
Join Zotefoams and help shape the future of high-performance materials—where innovation meets impact, and your ideas drive real-world solutions.
Application Engineer
Customer-Facing Technical Role | Advanced Materials | North America
Remote, USA | Travel Across North America
Join a Global Leader in Advanced Materials
Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular materials technology, supplying innovative foam solutions to some of the world's most recognised brands.
Our materials are used in aerospace, defence, automotive, EV battery, healthcare, industrial and consumer applications where performance, lightweighting and protection matter most.
Following continued growth and investment across North America, we're looking for a commercially minded Application Engineer to help customers turn technical challenges into successful products.
About the Role
This is not a traditional lab-based engineering position.
We're looking for someone who enjoys working directly with customers, understanding their challenges and developing practical material solutions that create real commercial value.
You'll act as the bridge between customers, sales, R&D and manufacturing teams, helping identify opportunities, support application development and bring new products to market.
You'll spend much of your time visiting customers, understanding their applications and manufacturing processes, conducting trials and helping customers select, qualify and implement the right solution.
This role is ideal for someone with experience in polymers, foams, adhesives, composites or speciality materials who enjoys combining technical expertise with customer interaction.
What You'll Be Doing
Visit customers across North America to understand applications, manufacturing processes and technical challenges.
Work alongside Business Development teams to identify and win new opportunities.
Guide customers through material selection, testing, prototyping, qualification and implementation.
Deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations and application support.
Support development of new products, applications and market opportunities.
Act as a trusted technical advisor throughout the customer journey.
Manage multiple customer projects from concept through to commercialisation.
Work closely with R&D, Product Development and Manufacturing teams to deliver customer solutions.
Industries You'll Support
You'll work with customers across:
Aerospace & Defence
Electric Vehicles & Battery Technologies
Medical Devices & Healthcare
Automotive
Industrial Manufacturing
Advanced Engineering
Consumer Products
Packaging & Protective Solutions
What You'll Need
Essential
Degree in Materials Science, Polymer Technology, Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
Experience working with polymers, cellular materials, foams, adhesives, composites or engineered materials.
Experience supporting customers with application development, technical projects or product implementation.
Strong technical problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and commercial stakeholders.
Willingness to travel across North America (approximately 30%+).
Ability to work remotely and manage multiple priorities.
Highly Desirable
Experience as an Application Engineer, Technical Sales Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Materials Engineer, Product Specialist or Customer Solutions Engineer.
Experience within polymers, foams, speciality materials, adhesives, composites or advanced manufacturing.
Knowledge of converting, fabrication, lamination or related manufacturing processes.
Experience supporting Aerospace, Defence, EV Battery, Medical Device or Industrial customers.
What Success Looks Like
You'll be curious, commercial and customer-focused.
You'll enjoy getting in front of customers, understanding their challenges and helping them find solutions. Most importantly, you'll be able to translate technical knowledge into customer value and business growth.
Why Join Us?
At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Our Values
Courage - The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.
Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.
Respect - Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.
Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees
- Department
- Innovation
- Location
- Walton, Kentucky
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Salary
- $75,000 - $100,000/year
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Zotefoams
Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular material technology. Using a unique manufacturing process with environmentally friendly nitrogen expansion, Zotefoams produces lightweight foams in Croydon, UK and Kentucky, USA for diverse markets worldwide. These markets include sports and leisure, storage and protection, automotive, aviation and space, railway, healthcare, building, marine and the military.