Paint Subject Matter Expert / Lead

Building Composites LLC•Moraine, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Paint Subject Matter Expert / Lead to serve as the go-to authority on professional spray gun techniques and oversee both manual and robotic paint systems. This role is responsible for leading a team of painters, training them on best practices, and ensuring consistent, high-quality finishes on composite parts. The ideal candidate has expert-level knowledge of industrial spray painting processes, a strong eye for quality, and the ability to guide and support team performance. Automotive painting experience is a strong plus due to the finish quality and attention to detail required.

Requirements

Expertise in professional spray gun techniques using HVLP, airless, or air-assisted systems.
Ability to train others in proper application, material handling, and defect correction.
Strong knowledge of surface preparation, masking, and finishing standards.
Ability to troubleshoot paint issues and guide rework or process adjustments.
Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
3–5 years of hands-on spray painting experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Nice To Haves

Automotive painting or similar high-finish application experience is a strong plus.
Technical training or certification in industrial painting or coatings preferred.
1–2 years in a leadership, trainer, or supervisory role preferred.
Robotic painting experience helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate daily painting operations, including manual spray painting and robotic coating tasks.
Train and mentor team members on professional spray gun techniques, including surface prep, gun setup, spray patterns, and troubleshooting.
Set high standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
Foster a collaborative, safety-conscious team culture.
Perform and oversee manual application of primers, basecoats, and topcoats using professional spray gun systems (e.g., HVLP, air-assisted airless).
Ensure parts are prepped, masked, coated, and cured according to strict finish specifications.
Address complex or high-precision painting needs, including touch-up and blending.
Maintain consistency in coating thickness, coverage, adhesion, and visual appearance.
Supervise robotic painting operations and support adjustments or optimization when needed.
Ensure robotic output aligns with the finish quality standards established through manual processes.
Inspect painted parts for surface defects, uniformity, and adherence to specifications.
Maintain records of paint usage, quality checks, and maintenance activities.
Partner with quality and engineering teams to resolve coating issues and implement improvements.
Ensure spray booths and equipment are properly maintained and cleaned.
Promote and enforce proper use of PPE and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Support implementation of best practices for safe material handling and ventilation.
Identify opportunities for improved efficiency, quality, and consistency in paint processes.
Assist in developing and standardizing operating procedures.
Contribute to lean initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.