Manufacturing Engineer (Paint)

Summit Polymers, Inc.•Sturgis, MI

About The Position

This hands-on technical role supports the robotic painting and manufacture of injection-molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim. The engineer provides technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams, focusing on operational excellence. The position is responsible for paint-related activities from new product launches through ongoing production, including developing robot programs and paint processes, coordinating with suppliers, supporting daily operations, troubleshooting, and driving continuous improvement. The role typically requires less than 5% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline, or five years of experience in automotive manufacturing or paint coatings may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Independent thinking and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
Minimum Wonderlic Select Assessment score of 50, equivalent to a traditional cognitive score of 26.
Agreement to complete all required post-hire training.

Nice To Haves

Previous automotive Class A painting experience.
Experience programming six-axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots.
Knowledge of various 1K and 2K paint systems; basecoat/clearcoat experience is a plus.
Experience with paint spray processing.
Knowledge of 2K mixing equipment; ABB integrated fluid delivery and IPS systems are a plus.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
Experience designing and laying out paint spray booths and systems.
PLC programming knowledge; Allen Bradley is preferred.
Knowledge of thermal curing methods, including infrared and convection; UV curing is a plus.
Knowledge of surface preparation techniques, including flame treatment and CO2 cleaning.
Knowledge of paint chemistry and ability to work with paint suppliers on usage optimization, formulation compatibility, paint performance, and quality problems.

Responsibilities

Develop efficient and robust programs for six-axis paint robots to meet customer specifications, maximize paint transfer efficiency, and increase production throughput.
Develop processes for 1K and 2K waterborne and solvent-borne paint systems using automatic spray gun applicators.
Work with external suppliers to develop paint racks that optimize paint coverage and minimize cycle time and paint waste.
Evaluate paint rack designs for efficient loading and unloading and safe, ergonomic operator work.
Work with paint suppliers to ensure products meet customer requirements for dry film thickness, color, and gloss.
Work with packaging suppliers to develop internal work-in-process packaging that protects parts during transportation to subsequent operations.
Write standardized work instructions to promote consistent use of best practices.
Analyze paint usage and cycle times to meet customer demand while maintaining regulatory emissions compliance.
Monitor and improve paint-related processes throughout each program’s production life.
Support production teams with daily operation of paint spray booths, robot programs, and paint processes.
Troubleshoot process- or equipment-related problems and provide timely solutions.
Lead cross-functional scrap-reduction and continuous-improvement activities using root-cause problem solving and the 5-Why methodology.
Document lessons learned and share results with peers company-wide.
Conduct daily process audits to ensure compliance with standardized work.
Work with maintenance personnel to develop preventive maintenance schedules for paint spray equipment.
Prepare proposals to procure new equipment for capital investment or cost-saving opportunities.
Investigate opportunities to automate operations through PLC programming to improve consistency and reduce labor requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.