Field Application Engineer

AFC Industries; Newton (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

AFC Industries is seeking a seasoned professional to deliver engineered cutting tool solutions on-site for manufacturers. You will troubleshoot machining issues, optimize tooling and parameters, and drive cost reductions through process improvements.

You will lead audits, collaborate with customer teams, and support new product launches with manufacturability reviews and tooling recommendations, all while aligning with ISO standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field or equivalent hands-on machining experience.
• Minimum 5 years of cutting tool application or machining experience.
• Experience supporting customers on the shop floor with CNC machining centers.
• Knowledge of ANSI/ISO/ASME standards and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

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, troubleshooting machining issues and optimizing tooling and parameters.
• Conduct detailed manufacturing line audits to identify productivity gains and cost savings.
• Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction and cost-per-part optimization.
• Support tooling trials, run-offs, and process validations for new and existing applications.
• Collaborate with customers’ teams to resolve tool performance, wear, and quality issues.
• Assist in APQP processes including manufacturability reviews and process capability optimization.
• Work with cutting tool manufacturers and vendors to resolve issues and drive improvements.
• Drive standardization and consolidation of tools and processes to reduce complexity and cost of ownership.
• Participate in customer reviews and provide technical insights tied to performance metrics.

Skills

Cutting tool application

Machining experience

CNC machining

Tool wear analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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
• LeadValue Analysis / Value Engineeringinitiatives 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 acutting 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

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

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