Field Application Engineer

Job Description

AFC Industries is a dynamic organization dedicated to providing supply chain management solutions for fasteners and assembly components to original equipment manufacturers, assembly plants, and other users of these products.

We support a diverse industry base of manufacturers across a broad range of industries. Our experienced team has a proven track record of helping manufacturers and assemblers reduce cost, improve quality, and increase efficiency.

We are A Company Culture Devoted to Innovation & Improvement

AFC provides localized expertise to customers in particular industries and geographies. We don’t have a traditional hierarchical management structure where everyone simply “reports up.” Instead, our company is made up of on-the-ground experts operating in an entrepreneurial fashion with the backing and support of an enterprise-grade organization.

Sharing cultural values breeds consistency and quality throughout our organization. Collectively, we are committed to a simple management approach, which influences our company culture and our management style.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and close business opportunities by delivering engineered cutting tool solutions that improve machining performance, productivity, and cost efficiency

• Provide on-site technical support at customer facilities, including troubleshooting machining issues, optimizing tooling and cutting parameters, and improving process stability

• Conduct detailed manufacturing line audits (with emphasis on CNC machining, metal cutting, and tool performance) to identify productivity gains, cost savings, and new business opportunities

• Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction, tool life improvement, scrap reduction, and overall cost-per-part optimization

• Support and execute tooling trials, run-offs, and process validations for new and existing applications

• Collaborate with customers’ manufacturing, process engineering, and production teams to resolve technical challenges related to cutting tools, tool wear, surface finish, and dimensional control

• Assist in new product launches by supporting APQP processes, including manufacturability reviews, tooling selection, and process capability optimization

• Work closely with cutting tool manufacturers and vendors to resolve tool performance or quality issues and recommend improvements

• Drive standardization and consolidation of cutting tools and machining processes to reduce complexity and total cost of ownership

• Participate in customer business reviews and provide technical insights tied to performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives

• Deliver technical training for customers and internal teams on topics such as cutting tool selection, machining fundamentals, tool wear analysis, and advanced metal cutting strategies

• Collaborate cross-functionally (Sales, Quality, Sourcing, Operations) to ensure timely resolution of technical and commercial issues

• Support customer R&D and process development initiatives through application engineering and tooling recommendations (without assuming product design ownership)

• Ensure all activities align with ISO standards, safety practices, and risk mitigation to protect both the customer and organization

Professional Experience Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial) or related technical field, or equivalent hands-on machining/application experience.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a cutting tool application, machining environment, or metalworking industry

• Strong background supporting customers on the shop floor, including CNC machining centers (milling, turning, drilling, tapping, etc.)

• Demonstrated experience optimizing cutting parameters, tool selection, and machining processes

• Experience working directly with customers to troubleshoot and resolve technical production issues

• Experience with cutting tool materials and technologies (carbide, coatings, geometries, high-speed machining, etc.)

• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (ANSI, ISO, ASME) and machining best practices

Professional Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose machining issues and implement effective, data-driven solutions

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex machining concepts to operators, engineers, and executives

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, customer priorities, and field activities independently

• Hands-on, solution-oriented mindset with a high level of mechanical aptitude

• Ability to build credibility and trust with customers through technical expertise and responsiveness

Salary Target is 100k plus depending on experience

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.