Applications Engineer in Highland Heights, Ohio at Gooch & Housego Cleveland

ABOUT US
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

THE OPPORTUNITY
G&H is seeking a customer-focused Applications Engineer to serve as the technical bridge between customers, sales, and engineering. In this role, you will help define customer requirements, recommend optical solutions, and support new product introductions from concept through production. Based in Cleveland, OH, you will collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver technically sound, manufacturable solutions while providing an exceptional customer experience. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, building customer relationships, and working across cross-functional teams.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Key Responsibilities

Customer & Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout the sales, development, and product lifecycle.
• Understand customer application requirements and recommend appropriate optical products, systems, or customized solutions.
• Provide technical presentations, product demonstrations, and application support alongside the Sales team.

Engineering & Product Development

• Review customer specifications, drawings, and technical requirements to assess product feasibility and manufacturability.
• Support new product introductions through design reviews, prototype evaluations, qualification activities, and production readiness.
• Identify technical risks and collaborate with engineering teams to develop practical, cost-effective solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure successful execution of customer programs.
• Support product development, testing, validation, and transition into production.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, application notes, specifications, and customer records.

Continuous Improvement & Business Growth

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive products to support innovation and business growth.
• Travel to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and industry events as needed.

WHAT YOU BRING
Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Technical Sales Support, or a related engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle management and ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering software; experience with ERP, CRM, or PLM systems is preferred.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to travel as required to support customers and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related technologies, and experience working within ISO-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting customer-facing engineering or technical sales activities and familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities, and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Please note that this position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. To comply with U.S. Export Control Laws, G&H must assess whether candidates are U.S. persons as defined under the EAR and ITAR. Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for compliance purposes only.