Field Application Sales Specialist

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.

The Applications Engineer, reporting to the Applications Engineering Manager is a corporate engineering representative for customer-facing activities.

Activities and responsibilities of the Applications Engineer include:

• Assist Sales in developing and closing sales opportunities through engineering solutions
• Support the introduction of highly technical or unique product lines to other AFC regions and sites
• Conduct line-audits at customer facilities to identify new business opportunities
• Provide Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) services to customers and prospects. Lead cost savings initiatives with customers to meet contractual obligations through VA/VE, cost-out events, KAIZEN events, and other cost drivers
• Interact with customers to assess and resolve technical issues
• Assist with the initial review of products subject to the Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP) process
• Assist Purchasing/Sourcing and the AFC Supplier Quality Engineer with supplier capability evaluation
• Work with vendors as needed to resolve product quality/functionality issues
• Drive part consolidation/standardization for the benefit of the customer and AFC
• Participate in Strategic Business Review
• Support customer and internal training initiatives for fastener 101, plating, HE, and other topics of interest
• Collaborate with all departments within AFC to resolve customer and vendor issues
• Assist customers with R&D initiatives through design assistance without becoming design responsible
• Protect AFC by helping to avoid conflict with ISO standards/requirements and potential litigation

Professional Experience Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or related technical field or equivalent work experience

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience interfacing with customers
• Minimum of 5 years working in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Experience within the fastener industry highly preferred
• Experience reviewing and resolving technical issues from a sales, quality, and engineering perspective
• Experience working within ISO 9001 QMS, APQP, PPAP/FAI
• Preference for familiarity and a working knowledge of fastener-related specifications such as but not limited to ASTM, ASME, IFI, ISO, MIL, and DIN

Professional Skills:

• Efficient in time management, with the ability to effectively see numerous tasks through to completion
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of internal and external organizations
• Ability to clearly relate and explain complex technical issues and concepts to others

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.