Field Engineer Rotational Program

Axalta•Fort Madison, IA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

Axalta is seeking Field Engineers to join its Process Technology team as part of a structured, multi-location rotational program spanning six years. These individuals will play a key role in supporting the scale-up and alignment of coating technologies that drive Axalta’s growth and lean manufacturing initiatives. The primary responsibility of this position is to advance fundamental understanding and execution of the scale-up and alignment processes in support of Axalta’s growth and lean manufacturing initiatives. This position also has the responsibility to develop or improve coating process technologies and formulations. The focus will be on resins, dispersions, paint, coatings, finished product scale-up, manufacturing support, and overall process improvement. This includes the use of various measurement techniques to quantify paint properties and understanding the relationship between key product attributes and critical process factors from the laboratory to the commercial scale. The Field Engineer Program is a dynamic, career-building opportunity designed to provide broad exposure across our operations. Participants will complete three distinct 24-month rotations, each at a different Axalta site, for a total of six years of immersive, hands-on experience. Throughout the program, Field Engineers will rotate through three unique locations from the following list: Mount Clemens, MI; Front Royal, VA; High Point, NC; Fort Madison, IA; Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Brighton, MI. They will relocate for each rotation, gaining diverse perspectives and building a strong foundation in technical and leadership skills. Participants will complete two developmental rotations followed by a final placement at a third site, which becomes their long-term, full-time location.

Requirements

Pursuing or recently earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely-related major, graduation by Spring / Summer 2027.
Authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer without need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Willing and able to relocate for three consecutive two-year rotations at different Axalta sites.
Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.
Strong multitasking and time management abilities.
Effective written and verbal communication.
Established problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Familiarity with design of experimentation and statistical data analysis.
Alignment with Axalta’s values of integrity, critical thinking, effort, and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python) preferred.
Proven ability to drive change and build strategic relationships with stakeholders.
Action-oriented with a strong focus on results.
Solid business acumen and decision-making skills.
Able to distill complex information into clear executive summaries.
Strong organizational and relationship management skills.
Self-directed with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
Skilled at balancing competing needs in a matrixed environment.
Excellent communicator across teams, functions, and geographies.
Influences others positively and delivers on multiple projects.
Working knowledge of project management principles.

Responsibilities

Become a technical resource and interface between teams to support projects in Operations and Technology.
Collaborate with R&D formulators to scale up and align products for manufacturing.
Support and troubleshoot plant process and quality issues through participation in manufacturing forums.
Engage regularly with business and operations personnel across Axalta.
Act as a key contact for teams focused on quality, change management, and other initiatives.
Drive process optimization by generating ideas, conducting lab and pilot experiments, and implementing improvements at plant scale.
Lead technicians, manage workflow and deadlines, and promote safe work practices aligned with Axalta’s core values.