Coating & Fabrication Process Engineer

Steel Partners

13h

About The Position

The Coating & Fabrication Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes related to metal coating operations (e.g., galvanizing, liquid paint, plating, conversion coatings, etc.) and tube/metal fabrication processes (e.g., cutting, forming, coiling, insulating). This role drives improvements in quality, yield, throughput, cost, and safety while supporting production teams and meeting customer requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Chemical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering (or related)
2+ years of manufacturing/process engineering experience (coating or fabrication preferred)
Strong troubleshooting skills in production environments
Experience with data analysis and root cause problem solving
Ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and EHS

Responsibilities

Improve coating and fabrication processes to reduce defects, scrap, and rework
Establish and maintain process parameters, work instructions, and control plans
Lead process trials (DOE, pilot runs) to validate improvements and new materials
Troubleshoot coating/fabrication issues such as adhesion failures, surface defects, quality issues, dimensional variation, etc.
Manage coating system performance (chemistry control, line speed, cure cycles, surface prep)
Monitor coating thickness, uniformity, adhesion, cure performance, and appearance standards
Coordinate with suppliers on coating materials, pretreatment chemicals, and performance testing
Support compliance with customer specs and coating standards (ASTM, ISO, internal specs)
Improve fabrication processes including forming, cutting, and finishing operations
Develop tooling, fixtures, and error-proofing methods (poka-yoke)
Support machine capability studies and reduce downtime through process stability improvements
Improve cycle time and line balancing for throughput gains
Lead root cause investigations using 5-Why, fishbone, SPC, PFMEA, and corrective actions
Partner with Quality to resolve customer complaints and internal nonconformances
Drive lean manufacturing initiatives (waste reduction, standard work, visual controls)
Maintain key manufacturing KPIs (OEE, scrap rate, FPY, rework, downtime)
Develop/maintain SOPs, process maps, control plans, and PFMEAs
Support training of operators and technicians on best practices and process standards
Ensure proper gauge/test method usage (thickness, adhesion, salt spray, crosshatch, etc.)
Support equipment upgrades, automation, and preventive maintenance improvements
Specify new process equipment (coating booths, ovens, curing, cleaning systems, welders, presses, etc.)
Lead or support capital projects from concept through commissioning and startup
Promote safe work practices and support EHS initiatives
Ensure coating processes comply with air, chemical handling, and waste management standards
Participate in risk assessments and implement corrective actions for hazards