
Program Engineer – Metal Manufacturing
Required skills
- metal manufacturing
- supplier-facing
- international supplier network
- first samples
- full production
- prints
- factory audits
- methods
- materials
- finishing options
Nice to have
- automotive program grind
- Tier 1
- OEM
- chasing PPAPs
Role summary
A supplier-facing Program Engineer role managing metal manufacturing projects internationally. Responsibilities include reviewing prints, auditing factories, advising clients on manufacturing methods and materials, and overseeing vendor performance. Requires hands-on experience with metal components (castings, forgings, machining), a background in supplier quality or manufacturing engineering with vendor interaction, and fluency in supplier management language (PPAP, APQP, GD&T). Strong project management instincts and comfort with international partners are essential. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent) is required. Hindi language skills are a plus.
About the Role
This is a supplier-facing engineering role — not a plant position. You'll manage metal manufacturing projects across an international supplier network, from first samples through full production, working directly with clients, factories, and our leadership team. You need a genuine manufacturing background — you'll be reviewing prints, auditing factories, and advising clients on methods and materials — but your workplace is the supplier relationship, not the shop floor.
If you've spent years at a Tier 1 or OEM chasing PPAPs, reviewing supplier inspection reports, and managing overseas foundries and machine shops — but you're tired of the automotive program grind — this role offers the same technical work with far more variety and direct impact.
What You'll Do
- Manage metal manufacturing projects cross-functionally from sample development through full production
- Advise clients on manufacturing best practices — methods, materials, and finishing options
- Review new projects for technical feasibility and manufacturing readiness
- Ensure customer prints are complete and accurate: tolerances, specifications, revisions, and material callouts; flag prints requiring client revision or formal sign-off
- Review vendor RFQs and quotes for technical accuracy and field technical questions during quoting
- Oversee day-to-day vendor management and performance; partner with Sourcing on supplier selection to ensure capabilities align with project requirements
- Travel internationally for factory tours and vendor audits with the Sourcing team
- Partner with Quality and Supplier Quality Engineers on non-conforming parts, corrective actions, vendor inspection reports, and in-process/incoming inspections
- Communicate technical information, deviations, and factory requests to the sales team for client follow-up
- Lead project kickoff meetings with clients and vendors
- Provide regular project status updates to internal and external stakeholders; escalate at-risk projects to the COO/CEO
What We're Looking For
- Hands-on experience with castings, forgings, cold headed parts, and/or machined components — you know what good looks like and what goes wrong
- Background in supplier quality, sourcing engineering, program/launch engineering, or manufacturing engineering with significant vendor interaction
- Fluency in the language of supplier management: PPAP, APQP, 8D, corrective actions, GD&T, print review
- Strong project management instincts — organizing cross-functional work, hitting deadlines, and communicating status clearly in a dynamic environment
- Comfort working directly with customers and with international manufacturing partners
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for factory visits and vendor audits
- Hindi language skills are a strong plus
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
Why This Role
- Variety: Six manufacturing disciplines and a diverse customer base — no two projects look alike
- Visibility: Direct access to the CEO and COO; your recommendations reach decision-makers the same day
- Global exposure: Work directly with international manufacturing partners, including on-site factory visits
- Stability: An established company with long-standing customer and supplier relationships
- Location: Based at our Bingham Farms, MI office
What We Offer
- Health insurance
- 401(k) with a 4% company match
- Paid time off, starting at 7 days annually
- Paid sick time in accordance with applicable state requirements
- Paid holidays
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