Paint Process Engineer

Job Description

We’re looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about “babysitting the line” and more about building robust processes that run right the first time, every time.

You’ll define standards, dial in parameters, reduce defects, and lead continuous improvement so production, quality, and maintenance have a repeatable, capable process to work with.

Process Engineering & Standardization

• Develop, document, and maintain paint process standards (parameters, recipes, and work instructions) for existing and new products.

• Define and optimize: gun settings, atomizing air, film build targets, flash/bake times, oven profiles, line speeds, and booth balance.

• Build and maintain control plans, standardized work, and process check sheets for paint operations.

• Use data (SPC, Pareto, capability studies) to identify variation and tighten up the process.

Defect Reduction & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead structured problem-solving for paint defects (runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, fisheyes, adhesion issues, color shifts, etc.).

• Perform root cause analysis using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and implement permanent corrective actions.

• Partner with Quality to monitor scrap, rework, and first-pass yield, and drive projects to reduce defects.

Launches, Trials & Process Changes

• Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products—from lab trials to full production.

• Plan and run process trials and DOE to evaluate new materials, equipment, and parameter changes.

• Support PPAPs and customer approvals by preparing data, documentation, and sample runs as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the paint process is understood, stable, and repeatable.

• Train supervisors, leads, and operators on proper application techniques, defect recognition, and process controls.

• Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven/booth improvements.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure paint processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Support safe storage, handling, and usage of paints, solvents, and chemicals used in the process.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
  OR equivalent hands-on experience in paint/coatings process engineering.

• Direct experience with industrial painting or coating operations (automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, metal finishing, composites, etc.).

• Strong process engineering mindset: comfortable with data, parameters, standardized work, and root cause analysis.

• Ability to operate on the production floor, communicate with operators, and present clearly to leadership.

• Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis for reporting and process monitoring.

Preferred

• Experience with powder coating, liquid paint, or gel coat systems, including pretreatment and curing ovens.

• Familiarity with DFT measurement, gloss/color measurement, adhesion testing, and cure verification.

• Experience with robotic application equipment and/or automated paint lines.

• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and CI projects in a manufacturing environment.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunity.

• Comprehensive benefits package ([health/dental/vision/401(k)/etc.]).

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

• A visible impact: you’ll see your process changes show up directly as better quality, less scrap, and smoother production.