Application Development Engineer - Engineering Plastics

Resina Partners is supporting a leading international distributor of engineering plastics in the search for an Application Development Engineer (ADE) to strengthen their technical-commercial activities across the Italian market .

The company:

A well-established international player in the distribution of engineering plastics, working with some of the most recognised global producers in the industry.

Operating across multiple sectors including automotive, electrical, appliances, medical, and construction, the company combines strong technical expertise with a highly commercial, project-driven approach.

The role:

A hybrid position combining business development / project generation and technical support activities.

This is not a pure technical assistance role: the focus is on identifying, developing, and driving new technical-commercial opportunities with strategic customers (OEM, Convertors, Tier 1).

You will act as a key interface between customers, suppliers, and internal teams, supporting application development while proactively building new business.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain and develop relationships with strategic customers in Italy
• Proactively engage decision-makers and generate new business opportunities
• Provide technical support and advice to customers in design review, material proposals, product selection, approvals, risk management, thermoplastic processing and troubleshooting
• Promote a broad portfolio of engineering plastics and specialty materials
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on product development and projects
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and new application opportunities
• Maintain and develop a structured project pipeline

What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years of experience with engineering plastics and specialty materials
• Background in customer facing roles (not purely laboratory-based)
• Strong understanding of polymer materials and processing
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and engage customers
• Commercial attitude: able to build relationships and influence decision-makers
• Fluent Italian and good command of English
• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or similar is a plus

Preferred backgrounds:

• Distributors of technical polymers
• Engineering plastics compounders
• OEMs or processors (e.g. automotive) with strong material exposure

Why apply

• Join a technically strong and internationally connected organisation
• Strategic role with real impact on business development
• Future growth: potential to mentor a junior hire and evolve within the organisation
• Exposure to international projects within a broader group structure

Location & presence:

• Northern Italy preferred (core market concentration)
• High mobility required across Italy

Resina Partners is a boutique recruitment firm specialised in the plastics industry.

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