Applications Engineer

We are Your Experts in Plastics. Since 1971, Asahi/America has been established as a legendary thermoplastic pipe, fittings, and valve brand that is unmistakable in the marketplace. The industry recognition of our brand today is a testament to the dedicated and passionate individuals working diligently behind the scenes, propelling Asahi/America to the forefront of high-quality brands in the industry.

Join Asahi/America’s dynamic atmosphere, where the excitement is building within the performance plastics industry. Be a part of the ongoing innovations shaping the future of plastics.

Position: Applications Engineer

Location: Lawrence, MA (corporate office) or Paulina, LA (Louisiana facility)

Reports to: Team Manager

Department / Function: Engineering

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Applications Engineer serves as a key technical liaison between the company and customers, providing product and application support for plastic valves, piping systems, and fabricated plastic components. This role is responsible for understanding customer requirements, recommending technical solutions, and supporting the sales team with product selection, customization, and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of plastics materials and fabrication processes, with strong communication skills to translate technical information into practical solutions.

• Customer & Sales Support – Collaborate with sales, distributors, and end users to evaluate application requirements and recommend appropriate plastic materials, products, and system solutions. Conduct product training, application presentations, and technical seminars for internal staff, distributors, engineers, and customers. Assist in developing technical proposals, quotations, and documentation packages for custom fabricated assemblies or engineered systems. Support pre- and post-sales activities, including troubleshooting product issues, addressing technical inquiries, and facilitating product returns or modifications.
• Product & Application Engineering – Provide guidance on the use of thermoplastics (PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, PTFE, etc.) in piping systems, tanks, structural applications, or chemical handling environments. Review customer drawings and specifications to ensure compatibility with offered products and systems. Assist with new product development initiatives by capturing customer needs, testing concepts, and providing application feedback. Create and maintain technical documentation, application notes, and installation guides.
• Project & Technical Coordination – Coordinate with manufacturing and fabrication teams to develop custom product solutions that meet customer specifications. Support project management activities for large or custom orders, including reviewing BOMs, routings, and fabrication processes. Participate in product testing, performance evaluations, and failure analysis when needed.

• Strong understanding of plastic materials (thermoplastics), including PVC, CPVC, PP, PVDF, PTFE, and related fabrication techniques such as welding, machining, and bending.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements such as ASTM, ASME, ANSI, and NSF for plastic piping and fluid handling systems.
• Proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for product design, layout, and application development.
• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to convey complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience supporting industrial applications in sectors such as chemical processing, water treatment, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Solid knowledge of valve automation, pressure/temperature ratings, and overall system design for plastic fluid-handling assemblies.
• Exposure to or experience in customer-facing technical roles, including application support, technical sales, or field service.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in continuous improvement efforts and drive tooling and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience with product or tooling testing, documentation, and performance reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in an applications, product, or project engineering role within the plastics, piping, or industrial manufacturing industry.
• Office and manufacturing floor environments with occasional travel to customer sites, trade shows, or training events (up to 25%).

• Vacation and sick time
• 401k matching program of $1 match for every $1 contributed up to 6%
• Health Insurance with HRA plan (covers 75% annual deductible amount)
• Dental and Vision plan
• Additional insurance coverage at no cost to the employee including short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life policy.
• PFML contributions covered by the company
• U-fund matching program
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Referral program
• “Gain Sharing” program whereby every employee is eligible to receive an annual bonus “sharing” in the success of the business based on how well the company performs relative to our annual budget

Asahi/America is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. Asahi America is a drug free workplace; all employment offers are contingent upon the successful passing of a pre-employment drug screen.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Asahi/America is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.