Manufacturing Engineer - Paint Process

American Rheinmetall•Lansing, MI

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Paint Process Engineer applies engineering methodologies to support Production planning and readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives within the paint and pretreatment manufacturing operations. This role provides experience with pretreatment chemistry, surface preparation, coating application, and curing processes to ensure strong and continuous production output in support of overall manufacturing operations. Ensures optimal levels of safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery by collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing hands-on technical support. This position ensures compliance with internal standards and customer requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across paint and pretreatment systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering role
Ability to learn paint and coating processes to meet MIL-SPEC requirements.
Familiarity with manufacturing process documentation such as work instructions, process flows, and control plans
Understanding of safety, quality, and environmental requirements in a manufacturing environment
Ability to analyze process data and support root cause problem solving
Capable of working in cross-functional teams to support production and continuous improvement activities
Proficiency in standard engineering tools and software such as Microsoft Office, basic CAD (Spinfire 3D Viewer) and process analysis tools
Strong organizational and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
3–7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on paint and pretreatment processes
Strong technical knowledge of surface preparation and pretreatment systems (phosphate, zirconium, or equivalent technologies)
Experience with industrial paint processes including e-coat, powder coating, and/or liquid paint application
Working knowledge of paint booth operation, curing ovens, material handling systems, and environmental controls
Understanding of process control methods, SPC, PFMEA, and control plan development
Experience supporting new program launches, line and production readiness activities
Familiarity with regulatory and environmental requirements related to paint operations (VOC, waste treatment, safety compliance)
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex process and quality issues using data-driven methodologies
Experience with continuous improvement tools such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen
Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

Develop, review, maintain, and control of engineering documentation. Including Technical Data Package (TDP), Bill of Material (BOM), Process Routings, Floor Layouts, PFMEA, and Work Instructions.
Work with Quality Engineers to ensure validation checks are built into the process.
Provide support to estimating on quoting.
Develop and validate processes and cycle times / standards.
Support lessons learned activities and implementation into quotes and standards.
Identify tooling needs / requirements, and relay tool conceptualization to Tooling Engineers.
Identify and address opportunities to eliminate waste within the manufacturing process.
Participate in cost reduction efforts and support/implement continuous improvement activities.
Root cause, and support corrective actions as required.
Support Program Management in APQP activities, as well as project cost adherence.
Consult with customers, and provide expertise, to maximize the integrity, efficiency, and manufacturability of designs on new and existing projects.
Provide floor support during trouble shooting activities.
Assist with customer activities/support as requested