Supplier Development Engineer – Metal Fabrication & Machining

The Federal Group USA; Franklin (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Group USA is seeking a supplier‑facing engineer to drive metal manufacturing programs from first samples to full‑rate production across a global network. You will review prints, audit factories, advise on methods, materials and finishes, and keep customers, vendors, and leadership aligned.

Based in Bingham Farms, MI, you’ll own projects end to end, collaborating with CEO/COO and Sourcing while enabling fast decision‑making and international travel for factory visits and audits.

Qualifications

• Hands-on exposure to castings, forgings, cold headed parts, and/or machined components.
• Experience in supplier quality, sourcing engineering, program/launch engineering, or manufacturing engineering with strong vendor interaction.
• Comfort with PPAP, APQP, 8D, corrective actions, GD&T, and deep print reviews.
• Project management prowess—organize cross-functional work, hit deadlines, communicate crisply.
• Ease engaging directly with customers and international manufacturers.
• Willing and able to travel internationally for factory visits and audits.
• Hindi language skills are a strong plus.
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

• Steer metal component programs from sample development through production release across global suppliers.
• Guide customers on manufacturability: process selection, material choices, and finishing options.
• Screen new opportunities for technical feasibility and readiness.
• Scrutinize drawings for completeness: tolerances, specifications, revisions, and materials; request client revisions or formal sign‑offs as needed.
• Evaluate supplier RFQs/quotes for technical accuracy; handle technical questions during quoting.
• Manage day‑to‑day supplier performance; partner with Sourcing to align capabilities with project needs.
• Travel internationally with Sourcing for factory tours and vendor audits.
• Collaborate with Quality/SQE on nonconformances, 8D and corrective actions, vendor inspection reports, and in‑process/incoming inspections.
• Translate technical deviations and factory requests for the sales team to address with clients.
• Lead client/vendor kickoff meetings and maintain clear, frequent communication.
• Report project status to stakeholders; escalate at‑risk timelines to the COO/CEO.

Skills

Castings

Forgings

Machined components

Supplier quality

Sourcing engineering

Project management

APQP/PPAP/8D

International travel

Hindi language skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

3D Modeling

CNC Machines

Job description

Location: Bingham Farms, MI | Employment: Full-Time | Travel: International factory visits and audits

A Day in the Role

It’s Monday in Bingham Farms. You start by opening a new customer print for a precision casting. Tolerances and material callouts look tight—good—but a finish spec is missing. You flag it for formal client sign-off and brief our sales lead. By mid‑morning you’re on a video call with a partner foundry overseas, walking through first‑article deviations and aligning on corrective actions. After lunch, you host a kickoff with a new CNC machining vendor, confirm APQP deliverables, and align timing. You close the day preparing a factory audit checklist for next week’s international trip with Sourcing, then update the COO on a schedule risk that needs executive air cover.

Role Snapshot

This is a supplier‑facing engineering position, not a plant‑floor assignment. You’ll drive metal manufacturing programs across an international network—from first samples to full‑rate production—reviewing prints, auditing factories, advising on methods/materials/finishes, and keeping customers, vendors, and leadership aligned.

About The Federal Group USA

We’re a sourced manufacturing partner delivering precision metal components—including castings, forgings, cold headed parts, CNC machined parts, sheet metal fabrications, and welded assemblies—to customers across North America. Our lean team means you work directly with the CEO and COO, own projects end to end, and see your decisions move the needle. Expect variety, real responsibility, and none of the big‑company bureaucracy.

What You’ll Own

• Steer metal component programs from sample development through production release across global suppliers
• Guide customers on manufacturability: process selection, material choices, and finishing options
• Screen new opportunities for technical feasibility and readiness
• Scrutinize drawings for completeness: tolerances, specifications, revisions, and materials; request client revisions or formal sign‑offs as needed
• Evaluate supplier RFQs/quotes for technical accuracy; handle technical questions during quoting
• Manage day‑to‑day supplier performance; partner with Sourcing to align capabilities with project needs
• Travel internationally with Sourcing for factory tours and vendor audits
• Collaborate with Quality/SQE on nonconformances, 8D and corrective actions, vendor inspection reports, and in‑process/incoming inspections
• Translate technical deviations and factory requests for the sales team to address with clients
• Lead client/vendor kickoff meetings and maintain clear, frequent communication
• Report project status to stakeholders; escalate at‑risk timelines to the COO/CEO

What You Bring

• Hands‑on exposure to castings, forgings, cold headed parts, and/or machined components—you know good from bad
• Experience in supplier quality, sourcing engineering, program/launch engineering, or manufacturing engineering with strong vendor interaction
• Comfort with PPAP, APQP, 8D, corrective actions, GD&T, and deep print reviews
• Project management prowess—organize cross‑functional work, hit deadlines, communicate crisply
• Ease engaging directly with customers and international manufacturers
• Willing and able to travel internationally for factory visits and audits
• Hindi language skills are a strong plus
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Why You’ll Like It Here

• Variety: Six core manufacturing disciplines and a wide customer mix
• Visibility: Direct access to CEO/COO; fast decisions
• Global Exposure: Work hand‑in‑hand with international suppliers, including on‑site visits
• Stability: Established relationships with long‑tenured customers and vendors
• Location: Office‑based in Bingham Farms, MI

Proficiencies

• GD&T
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Blueprint Reading

Tools & Technologies You’ll Touch

• CNC Automation Solutions
• 3D Modeling
• Hardness Tester
• Screw Machine
• Stamping Press
• Roll Forming Machine
• Extrusion Machine
• Die Cast Machine (Cold Chamber)
• CAD Software
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)
• Die Cast Machine (Hot Chamber)

Our Commitment

The Federal Group USA is an equal opportunity employer.