Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Coating & Bonding

Slate Auto • Warsaw, IN

2d

About The Position

The Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding is a technical leadership role responsible for ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety, and durability across coating, sealing, e-coat, and structural bonding processes. This role supports new product introduction and plant launch activities, drives robust quality systems, and serves as the subject matter expert for adhesive and coating technologies within automotive manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Chemical) or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing quality at an OEM, Tier 1, or equivalent industry.
• Expert-level knowledge of coating, e-coat, sealing, and adhesive bonding technologies.
• Extensive experience with glass bonding, structural adhesives, and panel bonding applications.
• Deep understanding of product and process development, including plant and vehicle launch activities.
• Advanced proficiency with automotive quality tools and standards (IATF 16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Proven ability to lead complex problem solving and drive corrective actions across organizations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional and supplier teams.
• Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced, start-up or transformation environments.

Nice To Haves

• OEM or Tier 1 automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting electric vehicle or advanced vehicle platforms.
• Background in materials science related to coatings and adhesives.
• Experience leading audits, regulatory compliance, and customer quality interactions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical quality authority for coating, sealing, e-coat, and bonding processes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain control plans, inspection plans, and quality standards for coatings and bonded structures.
• Lead validation of adhesives, coatings, cure cycles, and long-term durability performance.
• Support new plant and product launches, including definition of testing equipment and process capability.
• Lead root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions for coating and bonding defects.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Development teams.
• Manage supplier quality expectations for coatings, sealants, and adhesive materials.
• Conduct process audits and ensure compliance with IATF 16949, AIAG, and internal quality standards.
• Support APQP activities including PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve robustness, efficiency, and quality performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to coatings and bonding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level