Application Engineer - Security & Defense

Morgan Advanced Materials•Coudersport, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Morgan Advanced Materials is hiring an Applications Engineer to strengthen the connection between Security & Defense customers, manufacturing operations, and technical teams. Based onsite in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, the role focuses on the Security & Defense product portfolio, including personal protection applications and vehicle armor programs involving ceramic tile kits and related products. Morgan's Armor business supplies advanced ceramic armor solutions using materials such as alumina and silicon carbide for military, law enforcement, and security applications worldwide. The Applications Engineer serves as a technical liaison, translating customer requirements into manufacturable, high-quality solutions. The role supports customer programs from concept through implementation and works across commercial, technical, operational, and customer-facing activities. This assignment offers broad experience in customer engagement, advanced ceramics applications, manufacturing operations, project leadership, and business development. Successful performance may position the individual for future opportunities and, subject to business needs, may lead to a permanent position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Strong understanding of ceramic materials and manufacturing processes.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and technical specifications.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
Strong customer focus and commercial awareness.
Ability to work effectively across functions and organizational levels.
Willingness to travel periodically to support customers and industry events.
Ability to work onsite in Coudersport.
Proactive, self-starting approach and ability to identify opportunities.
Curiosity about customer applications and market developments.
Ability to work across a broad and diverse product portfolio and in customer meetings, manufacturing environments, and technical discussions.
Ability to build strong internal and external relationships; adaptability and motivation to help grow Morgan's Security & Defense market position.

Nice To Haves

Degree specialization in Ceramics Engineering.
Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, quality engineering, applications engineering, or technical sales.
Familiarity with customer qualification programs and prototype development.
Knowledge of manufacturing cost structures and business planning.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned Security & Defense customers.
Develop a deep understanding of ceramic materials, manufacturing capabilities, product portfolio, and competitive advantages.
Work with customers to understand application requirements, specifications, performance expectations, and technical challenges.
Interpret customer drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and data packages.
Communicate customer requirements to Manufacturing, Technology, Process Engineering, Quality, and Procurement teams.
Support prototype, qualification, testing, and production programs from concept through implementation.
Help customers identify how Morgan materials can support their requirements while ensuring solutions fit manufacturing capabilities.
Build customer relationships through technical expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism.
Collaborate with operational and technical teams to deliver customer programs successfully.
Understand production constraints, capacity limitations, yield drivers, and quality requirements.
Identify improvements to maximize yield, throughput, efficiency, and product quality.
Support resolution of technical and manufacturing issues affecting deliveries or product performance.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives across multiple product lines.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects for new and existing customer programs.
Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and action plans.
Analyze manufacturing, quality, and customer data to support decisions and problem-solving.
Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, monitor risks, and drive actions to meet customer commitments.
Partner with Commercial teams on technical sales activities and customer growth opportunities.
Develop an understanding of cost drivers, including raw materials, processing, prototyping, and manufacturing considerations.
Support technical quotations and customer proposals.
Identify opportunities to increase Morgan's share of wallet within existing customer accounts.
Participate in trade shows, industry events, customer visits, and market development activities.
Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, customer programs, and growth opportunities in armor and protection markets.