Field Application Engineer

AFC Industries•Machesney Park, IL

6d•$100,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

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