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 & ImprovementAFC 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 solutionsSupport the introduction of highly technical or unique product lines to other AFC regions and sitesConduct line-audits at customer facilities to identify new business opportunitiesProvide 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 driversInteract with customers to assess and resolve technical issuesAssist with the initial review of products subject to the Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP) processAssist Purchasing/Sourcing and the AFC Supplier Quality Engineer with supplier capability evaluationWork with vendors as needed to resolve product quality/functionality issuesDrive part consolidation/standardization for the benefit of the customer and AFCParticipate in Strategic Business ReviewSupport customer and internal training initiatives for fastener 101, plating, HE, and other topics of interestCollaborate with all departments within AFC to resolve customer and vendor issuesAssist customers with R&D initiatives through design assistance without becoming design responsibleProtect 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 customersMinimum of 5 years working in an engineering or manufacturing environmentExperience within the fastener industry highly preferredExperience reviewing and resolving technical issues from a sales, quality, and engineering perspectiveExperience working within ISO 9001 QMS, APQP, PPAP/FAIPreference for familiarity and a working knowledge of fastener-related specifications such as but not limited to ASTM, ASME, IFI, ISO, MIL, and DINProfessional Skills:Efficient in time management, with the ability to effectively see numerous tasks through to completionExcellent communication skills across all levels of internal and external organizationsAbility to clearly relate and explain complex technical issues and concepts to others Benefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offVision insurance We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.