Paint Process Engineer

Location: Anderson, SC (Onsite)
Employment Type: Long-Term At-Will

Position Summary

The Paint Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, validation, and optimization of paint processes for customer programs. This role serves as the technical expert for paint applications, ensuring compliance with customer specifications, product quality standards, and manufacturing requirements throughout the project lifecycle. The position also drives continuous improvement and productivity initiatives within the paint process.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Program Development & Industrialization

• Participate in cross-functional project ("Quad") meetings and promote the application of Design-for-Paint methodologies.
• Utilize and follow established development standards, including Opticolor and Paint-In processes.
• Support project launches by defining Paint Zoning commitments and providing technical paint process expertise early in the development phase.
• Manage technical relationships with paint suppliers, including paint validation activities, Paint-In trials, material testing, and initial production samples.
• Contribute to purchasing and supplier development activities related to paint processes and materials.
• Support the Manufacturing Process Manager (MPM) in paint validation and industrialization activities.
• Lead the development and validation of paint fixtures, jigs, and masking solutions from CAD design through prototype and final production approval.
• Validate paint systems, process parameters, and customer specifications, including appearance and mechanical performance requirements.
• Coordinate the design and implementation of specialized tooling and process equipment required for paint operations.
• Plan, organize, and support the production of prototype builds, initial samples, and customer validation parts.
• Ensure all paint processes comply with customer, quality, environmental, and safety requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Productivity

• Lead and support paint process improvement projects focused on quality, productivity, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Analyze process performance data and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Develop, validate, and implement process improvements while ensuring product compliance and process robustness.
• Standardize and document best practices, lessons learned, and validated improvements.
• Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting paint-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving methodologies.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical field required.
• Master's Degree is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in paint processes, coatings, chemical manufacturing, or automotive production environments.
• Experience with automotive paint systems, industrial finishing processes, and product launches.
• Proven involvement in cross-functional project development and program management activities.
• Experience working with paint suppliers, process validation, and industrialization activities.
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards and customer requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Strong understanding of automotive paint technologies, coatings, and finishing processes.
• Experience with fixture/jig design, prototype builds, and process validation.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and supplier teams.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced automotive environment.