Tooling Technician - ACA

AFL•Duncan, SC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Tooling Technician to manage and optimize the cutting tool inventory for a large-scale CNC machine shop. This role is a critical extension of the Manufacturing Engineering Team, supporting production through effective tooling management, process control, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will embody and advance the Engineering Team’s high standards of competence, diligence, respectfulness, and professionalism.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
2 years minimum of experience in CNC machining or tooling management.
Proficiency with tooling inventory systems and basic computer applications (Excel, ERP/MRP systems).
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

technical certification or associate degree preferred
Experience with tool vending systems and automated inventory solutions.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory of cutting tools, holders, inserts, and related components.
Monitor tool usage and life to ensure availability and minimize downtime.
Implement and maintain tool crib systems and vending solutions.
Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and process technicians to specify correct tooling for each application.
Source and procure tooling from approved vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
Maintain documentation for tooling specifications and usage history.
Lead tooling-related improvement initiatives to enhance machining performance and reduce waste.
Support root cause analysis for tooling-related issues and implement corrective actions.
Standardize tooling across similar operations to improve consistency and reduce variability.
Act as a liaison between the shop floor and engineering team for tooling-related matters.
Provide technical support during new job setups and process development.
Develop comprehensive tooling training programs that align tooling selection, setup, and application with various CNC machining processes.
Track tooling performance metrics and generate reports for engineering and management review.
Use data to identify trends, forecast needs, and support continuous improvement.