Paint Process Engineer

General Motors•Fairfax, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paint Process Engineer supports safe, reliable, and efficient paint shop operations. This role develops, improves, and sustains paint manufacturing processes to achieve production, quality, cost, delivery, and environmental objectives. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, quality, suppliers, and manufacturing engineering teams to resolve issues and implement continuous improvement. This is an onsite manufacturing engineering role requiring regular presence in the paint department and on the plant floor. The role requires shift rotation, weekend, shutdown, or extended-hours support during launches, critical equipment work, troubleshooting, and planned maintenance activities. Travel to supplier or other GM locations may be required based on business needs.

Requirements

Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or related field, preferably in an automotive paint shop.
Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process documentation, and equipment specifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a production environment.
Commitment to safe work practices and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical, manufacturing, industrial, paint, or a related engineering discipline.
Knowledge of automotive paint processes, materials, equipment, and quality requirements.
Experience with automotive paint shop launches, process controls, or equipment commissioning.
Knowledge of electrocoat, pretreatment, sealer, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, or paint application systems.
Experience with process control plans, failure-mode analyses, structured problem solving, lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma.
Familiarity with paint quality measurement, robotics, automation, or manufacturing data systems.
Experience coordinating suppliers, contractors, or capital projects.
Manage production and skilled trades employees
Ability to manage UAW employees

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain paint shop processes, equipment, layouts, and standardized work.
Support new product launches, process changes, equipment installation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
Monitor paint process performance and lead improvements in first-time quality, throughput, equipment uptime, material usage, and scrap.
Troubleshoot paint defects, process variation, equipment issues, and production interruptions.
Analyze process data and use structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Develop and maintain process control plans, failure-mode analyses, reaction plans, engineering documentation, and change records.
Partner with production, maintenance, quality, environmental, safety, and supplier teams to resolve problems and sustain improvements.
Coordinate vendors and contractors during equipment design, installation, testing, and acceptance.
Train and support plant personnel on process requirements, standardized work, and process changes.
Promote safe work practices, ergonomic improvements, waste reduction, and compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
Communicate project status, risks, decisions, and results to plant and engineering leadership.