Senior Application Development Engineer

About the role

The role involves exploring new surface coating applications, engaging stakeholders, analyzing conditions, building pipeline, recommending materials/processes, validation, customer trials, solution packaging, internal enablement. The position is based in an office environment with regular domestic travel in China and occasional global travel. Communication includes frequent interaction with local sales team, stakeholders, customers, end users and partners. 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: Founded in 1797, Höganäs is the world leader in the market for powders, with an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes. Höganäs’ vision is to drive positive change through material innovation, with the ambition of becoming the globally preferred partner for sustainable powder materials. The company’s strength lies in its diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and Höganäs is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. Höganäs collaborates with customers across multiple industries to develop innovative solutions, including applications in automotive components, electric motors, brazing, surface coating, welding consumables and additive manufacturing. Operating 15 production centers worldwide and employing 2,200 people, Höganäs’ turnover for 2025 was 11,045 MSEK. Höganäs is owned by Lindéngruppen and FAM. www.hoganas.com

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor’s / master’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
• More