Senior Application Development Engineer

Job description

About the Position Key Responsibilities A. Application Exploration & Opportunity Identification Proactively explore new surface coating applications across industries such as energy, aviation, automotive and general industrial sectors. Engage with customers, end users, research partners, and the broader industry ecosystem to discover pain points, unmet needs, and forward-looking opportunities. Analyze real operating conditions and failure modes (wear, corrosion, thermal shock, erosion, high‑temperature exposure, etc.). Build a structured Application Opportunity Pipeline with clear technical and business rationale. B. Materials & Process Recommendation (Thermal Spray Focus) Recommend appropriate powder materials for each application (e.g., WC‑Co/Cr, Cr₃C₂‑NiCr, Al₂O₃‑TiO₂, Ni‑based alloys, YSZ). Select suitable thermal spray processes such as HVOF, APS, cold spray, LPPS, etc. Evaluate and compare thermal spray vs. overlay welding in terms of performance, feasibility, and application boundaries. Provide clear technical justification for material selection, process window, and performance expectations. C. Validation & Sample Testing Design coating validation plans covering wear resistance, corrosion behavior, thermal properties, and microstructure analysis Coordinate with internal labs or external partners to execute tests. Analyze test results and prepare clear technical reports with recommended design improvements. D. Customer Trials & Technical Approval Support customer trial runs and field testing. Track real‑world performance, gather feedback, and drive iterative improvements. Lead technical discussions to achieve customer qualification and approval. Support introduction into customer/OEMs’ technical specifications. E. Solution Packaging & Internal Enablement Convert successful projects into standardized solution packages including: Application scenario Material & process selection Key parameters Testing & acceptance criteria Risks & mitigation Build internal knowhow to uplift team capabilities in thermal spray applications. Share insights and best practices across local and global coating teams. Qualifications & Experiences Bachelor’s / master’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or related fields. More than 5 years ’ experience in surface engineering, coating materials, or thermal spray. Hands-on expertise in at least one thermal spray process: HVOF, HVAF, APS, LPPS, etc. Familiarity with at least two powder material families: WC-Co, Cr₃C₂ NiCr, Al₂O₃, Ni based alloys, YSZ, etc. Experience taking coating solutions from concept → validation → customer approval. Strong capability to analyze operating conditions and failure mechanisms. Self-driven, proactive, and able to independently push projects forward. Good communication skills for both internal collaboration and customer-facing engagement. fluency in written and spoken English Preferred: Understanding of overlay welding vs. thermal spray boundaries. Preferred: Experience in application development, technical marketing, or new business exploration. Preferred: Experience with DOE or systematic validation methodologies. Physical demands and working environment Office environment Regular domestic travel in China, occasional global travel. Communication/Interface Frequent communication with local sales team, and other stakeholders in division. Interaction with customers, end users and partners. Working at Höganäs We aim to offer a great and meaningful place to work where you can fulfill your potential and ambitions. We welcome all applicants and strive for diversity. We have a clear management philosophy, and just like us you believe that through collaboration and openness we develop as individuals and as a company. We see all employees, regardless of position, as leaders when we approach the challenges that the world - and we - face. Höganäs ambition is to lead the transformation to better meet the needs of tomorrow and become the preferred supplier of sustainable metal powder on a global scale – join us in our journey of sustainable change and towards net-zero climate emissions. More about Höganäs Höganäs is the world leader in the market for metal powders, with a yearly capacity of 500,000 tons. Höganäs vision is to inspire the industry to make more with less, and its ambition is to be the preferred supplier of sustainable metal powders. In close cooperation with customers, Höganäs develops tomorrow's solutions for automotive components, electrical motors, brazing, surface coating, and additive manufacturing. Höganäs operates 17 production centres across the globe and has a workforce of 2,400 employees. The turnover for 2024 was €1.034 biljons . Höganäs, which was founded in 1797, is owned by Lindéngruppen and Wallenberg owned FAM. Interested? Apply today!