Paint Production Engineer

Mercedes-Benz Vans•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Paint Production Engineer monitors factory performance, determines manpower needs, and strengthens and develops the organization’s production and planning structure. The role develops, implements, and improves manufacturing production processes and methods, with a focus on capacity, quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost reduction. It supports production and financial objectives, helps ensure product and process quality, and provides guidance to team members in accomplishing production goals. The engineer is heavily involved in medium-scale projects from beginning to end and participates in regularly scheduled team meetings. Other duties may be assigned. The position is with Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC in Ladson, South Carolina. The plant produces Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets and reassembles Mercedes-Benz Metris vans. Mercedes-Benz Vans describes its workplace as collaborative and offers training and career opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or another relevant field; six years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
Three to five years of relevant experience, with automotive experience strongly preferred, such as Body in White, Paint, or Assembly.
Experience and knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and process technology.
Strong written and verbal communication skills at all organizational levels, with good negotiation skills.
Ability to anticipate needs and deliver timely, relevant solutions and actions.

Nice To Haves

OEM automotive Paint Shop experience.
Ability to present technical information.
Knowledge of joining technologies such as MIG/MAG, spot and laser welding, and gluing.
Experience in dimensional accuracy.
Experience using value stream mapping to identify waste-reduction opportunities.

Responsibilities

Monitor factory performance, determine manpower needs, and strengthen and develop production and planning structures.
Develop best practices to improve production capacity, quality, and reliability.
Drive continuous improvement processes that increase efficiency and support a Lean Manufacturing environment.
Investigate problems, analyze root causes, and derive resolutions, using the 8D Problem Solving Process to support sustainable product quality.
Support operational strategies for achieving production and financial objectives.
Assure product and process quality by designing testing methods, testing finished products and process capabilities, establishing standards, and confirming manufacturing processes.
Provide input for budget preparation and monitor expenses and profitability.
Write specification books and request and evaluate supplier quotations.
Support the design, documentation, and implementation of medium-scale manufacturing processes.
Check the feasibility of product changes.
Evaluate current production activities and recommend improvements.
Periodically ensure that highly technical equipment meets required specifications and quality standards.
Propose cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining high quality standards.
Contribute to product and process quality design testing methods.
Develop planning standards, methods, and procedures.
Plan workplaces with ergonomics in mind.
Keep current with product specifications, engineering technology, and production processes.
Assist management with manpower distribution to achieve efficiency goals.
Guide team members in accomplishing production goals.
Participate in medium-scale projects from beginning to end and attend regularly scheduled team meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.