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
