Application Engineer

We, at Leggett & Platt Inc., are seeking an Application Engineer who can bridge the gap between the Product Engineering, Sales, Sourcing, and Production teams across Leggett & Platt Hydraulics (LPH) to help develop, improve, and grow our business. LPH has built a reputation as a world-class hydraulic cylinder manufacturer through our superior quality control and innovation. LPH is a leading supplier of hydraulic cylinders for material handling, construction, agriculture, transportation markets, and heavy construction. If you join our team, your work will ensure customers across the world have high-quality products they can use to keep their businesses running. 

This role reports to the Application Engineering Manager. As an Application Engineer, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with OEM customers to identify design and manufacturing improvement opportunities, in addition to supporting our product development program. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by expanding our customer base and fulfilling their unique needs. The team you will be working with is laid-back but hard-working and values creative innovation and continuous improvement. 

So, what will you be doing as an Application Engineer? 

• Customer Integration: Analyze specific customer requirements and site conditions, offering tailored technical solutions or suitable product configurations. 

• Technical Cost Analysis: Review specific customer inquiries and analyze the material, labor, burden costs, and potential capital investment needs. This analysis will require an in-depth technical understanding of product design structure, function, manufacturing processes, and the capabilities of each site. 

• Product Analysis: Perform a detailed cost analysis for new (or existing) product inquiries. This will be critical for the sales team to determine which business opportunities to pursue, and the level of investment required. 

• Feedback & Product Iteration: Translate user feedback and field issues into actionable insights for the core product engineering, helping to drive future product redesigns. 

• After-Market Technical Support: Interface with the customer to understand their technical needs versus the company's ability to meet such requirements. 

• Smart Cylinders: Maintain costing for structured configurable cylinders with sensor applications.  

• VAVE Projects: Evaluate and identify “Value Analysis / Value Engineering” opportunities globally while closely coordinating with the engineering team, customers, vendors, etc. 

• ERP Parts Maintenance: Support the engineering team with ERP parts generation, maintenance, and cost aggregation for new and revised product lines. 

• NPD/NPI: Support activities through design, test, validation, and production readiness stages. 

• Research and generate new product ideas and improved designs. 

• Participate in Design Reviews and Design FMEA for new development and improved products 

• Ensure compliance with the industry’s safety standards 

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support other groups, including Industrial Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Customer Support, and account managers  

• You may be required to cover other role-relevant activities if the need arises. 

To be successful in this role, you’ll need 

• BS in Mechanical/Design Engineering, or equivalent 

• 3-5 Years of Experience 

• A strong engineering, manufacturing, and project management background 

• Familiarity with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, Pro-E)  

• Preferably with experience in mechanical design or similar role(s) 

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Excel as communication and analysis tools. 

• Willing to travel to support engineering projects 

• Self-motivated 

• Creative thinkers with excellent problem-solving skills. 

• Be able to work well in a team environment 

• Ability to multi-task – effectively manage and prioritize simultaneous demands 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Occasional travel 

Things we consider a plus 

• Experience with Hydraulic Cylinders 

Reasons You’ll Love It Here 

Our benefits may vary slightly from one location to the next, but what you will find, is that we offer: as well as paid vacation, and paid personal time. We also strongly encourage and provide opportunities for learning and professional development.  Our Learning & Development team has put together in-house training on subjects like front-line supervisor essentials, how to manage conflict in the workplace, and many others.