SUB-CONTRACT ENGINEER (TOOLING & PRECISION COMPONENTS)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sub-Contract Engineer manages the end-to-end outsourcing lifecycle for high-precision fixture components used in gadget manufacturing. This role ensures that external partners deliver parts—machined from materials like Stainless Steel, Aluminium, and TPU—that meet exact technical standards, budget estimates, and First Article Inspection (FAI) timelines.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vendor Development & Technical Audit

• Capability Mapping: Identify and audit sub-contractors capable of high-precision CNC machining (3/4/5 axis), EDM, and specialized surface treatments.
• Technical On boarding: Evaluate vendor metrology and quality systems to ensure they can achieve tolerances of ±5 to ±100 microns.
• BOP Procurement: Coordinate with vendors for Bought-Out Parts (BOP) and equivalent makes, ensuring alignment with design specifications.

2. Cost Control & Estimation

• Quote Analysis: Review vendor quotes against internal Estimated Machining Hours and material costs to ensure project profitability.
• Negotiation: Manage pricing for raw materials and specialized machining processes to prevent cost overruns.
• Hour Control: Track actual vendor progress against the estimated time-frame to maintain project schedules.

3. Technical Liaison & Quality Oversight

• Drawing Review: Interpret complex 3D models and 2D drawings for vendors, specifically defining machining allowances for surface treatments (Anodizing, ENP, etc.).
• Process Control: Explain "Distortion-Free" machining requirements and stress-relieving sequences to sub-contractors.
• In-Process Inspection: Conduct periodic vendor site visits to verify setup, manufacturing methods, and adherence to dimensional specifications.

4. Timeline & Logistics Management

• Schedule Monitoring: Track the flow of parts through various stages (Machining → Heat Treatment → Plating → Final Delivery).
• FAI Coordination: Ensure all outsourced components arrive on time and fully documented for First Article Inspection.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Education & Experience

• Qualification: B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering.
• Experience: 3–5 years in sub-contracting or vendor development for high-precision toolrooms or the aerospace/electronics industry.

2. Specialized Knowledge

• Material Properties: Deep understanding of the machining costs and challenges for SS, Aluminium, non-metallic materials like ABS, PU, Acrylic, Nylon and TPU.
• Surface Treatments: Knowledge of how Hard Anodizing and plating impact final part geometry.
• Measurement Literacy: Ability to interpret CMM reports and use precision gauges to verify parts.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

1. Vendor Quality Rate: % of outsourced parts passing inward inspection without rework.
2. Cost Variance: Difference between initial project estimate and actual sub-contracting cost.
3. On-Time Delivery (OTD): Adherence of vendors to the final assembly schedule.