Manufacturing Engineer (Paint)

Summit Polymers•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 Manufacturing Engineer provides technical support and leadership to production teams, with a focus on operational excellence. The position is responsible for paint-related activities during new product launches and for supporting and improving paint operations throughout the production life of each program. It also troubleshoots process and equipment issues, leads cross-functional improvement efforts, audits standardized work, supports equipment reliability, and develops proposals for capital investments and automation opportunities. 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 an automotive manufacturing or paint coatings environment 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.

Nice To Haves

Automotive Class A painting experience.
Experience programming six-axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots.
Knowledge of 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 IR 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, 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 use.
Work with paint suppliers to ensure products meet customer requirements for dry film thickness, color, and gloss.
Work with packaging suppliers to develop internal WIP packaging for safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations.
Write standardized work instructions that establish best practices for operators.
Analyze paint usage and cycle times to confirm customer demand can be met while maintaining regulatory emissions compliance.
Monitor and improve paint-related processes throughout each program’s production life.
Support daily operation of paint spray booths, robot programs, and paint processes.
Troubleshoot process- or equipment-related problems and provide timely solutions.
Lead cross-functional teams in scrap reduction and continuous improvement using root-cause problem-solving, including the 5-Why methodology.
Document lessons learned and share improvement 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 and improve operational reliability.
Develop proposals to procure new equipment for capital investment or cost-saving opportunities.
Investigate opportunities to automate existing operations through PLC programming to improve consistency and reduce labor burden.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Complete all required post-hire training.