Snr. Application Engineer

Tenneco•Plymouth, MI

52d

About The Position

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry. With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win. How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success. Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here. Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way. The Senior Application Engineer serves as the primary technical liaison between Tenneco and its customers, combining engineering expertise, customer engagement, and strategic leadership to drive product development and business growth. Building upon the responsibilities of the Application Engineer role, this position takes a leading role in supporting customer programs, identifying value engineering opportunities, and delivering technology-driven solutions that enhance product performance and profitability. Working closely with Account Managers, Design & Analysis teams, manufacturing plants, and other cross-functional stakeholders, the Senior Application Engineer leads the successful execution of customer projects from concept through production. As the technical product expert, this role interfaces directly with engineering counterparts within customer organizations to understand requirements, resolve technical challenges, and ensure customer expectations are met. The Senior Application Engineer is responsible for supporting and advancing Tenneco's product lines, including Sealing & Gaskets, Valves, Pistons, Rings & Liners, and Bearings, by driving innovation, cost optimization, and margin improvement initiatives. Through strong technical leadership and a customer-focused approach, this role contributes to increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, and the long-term success of Tenneco's business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent/ higher experience
5-10 years of relevant work experience

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in the automotive industry strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical contact for customers, providing leadership throughout the product development lifecycle.
Travel as needed to support customer programs, technical reviews, launches, and business development activities.
Act as the voice of the customer during technical discussions, design reviews, and cross-functional decision-making.
Manage customer requests, communications, and expectations to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
Develop and deliver technical presentations, reports, and proposals to internal and external stakeholders.
Partner with Account Managers to identify new business opportunities, support customer strategies, and influence future program direction.
Lead the development of application-specific design solutions that meet customer, performance, quality, manufacturing, and cost requirements.
Collaborate with Product Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution.
Support RFQ, quotation, and Sample Order (SO) activities, including technical feasibility reviews.
Lead APQP activities, customer program development efforts, and engineering change management processes.
Drive Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives to improve product performance, manufacturability, cost competitiveness, and profitability.
Support the development of new products, materials, and technologies based on customer requirements and market trends.
Provide technical leadership for advanced engineering initiatives and assigned customer programs.
Define, review, and negotiate Verification and Validation plans to balance customer expectations, technical requirements, timing, and cost objectives.
Evaluate test results, returned components, and field issues; prepare technical analyses and customer-facing reports.
Lead structured root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to product testing, validation, warranty, and field performance concerns.
Utilize systematic problem-solving methodologies to resolve complex technical issues and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Serve as the technical product expert for assigned product lines and customer applications.
Maintain advanced knowledge of powertrain systems, engine performance testing, manufacturing processes, CAE tools, and statistical analysis techniques.
Utilize internal and customer systems to enhance program execution, technical performance, and business profitability.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive products to support innovation and business growth.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to Application Engineers and less-experienced engineering personnel.
Lead and prioritize multiple customer programs, engineering projects, and technical initiatives while meeting quality, cost, and timing objectives.
Identify and communicate emerging customer and market needs to support future product, material, and technology development.
Participate in key customer and business reviews to support current programs and strategic growth initiatives.
Contribute to divisional and corporate objectives related to quality, customer satisfaction, profitability, productivity, and operational performance.
Demonstrate strong leadership, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Uphold and promote Tenneco Core Values in all business activities.
Exercise authority to stop work on nonconforming products and initiate actions necessary to prevent quality concerns.
Ensure compliance with all EHS policies, regulatory requirements, customer requirements, and IATF-aligned procedures.
Report, address, or stop any activity that presents a potential risk to personnel safety, product quality, or regulatory compliance.