Sr. Paint Process Engineer

ECOPLASTIC AMERICA CORP•Register, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Paint Process Engineer will lead and manage all Paint Process Engineering activities, ensuring alignment with production targets, quality standards, cost objectives, and operational excellence initiatives. This role provides technical leadership for all paint shop operations, including coating application, robotic painting systems, surface treatment, curing processes, and paint material management. The engineer will develop, standardize, and optimize paint processes to improve efficiency, reduce cycle time, enhance coating quality, and maximize equipment performance. They will establish and maintain process controls for paint materials, including viscosity management, mixing ratios, material usage optimization, defect prevention, and inventory control. Continuous improvement is a key focus, utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve productivity and reduce scrap, rework, and downtime. The role involves analyzing production and process performance data, serving as the primary technical expert for paint-related issues, and collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Engineering teams. Responsibilities also include leading new equipment installation, process validation, line launches, engineering change activities, and overseeing robotic paint systems, paint circulation systems, ovens, conveyors, and related equipment. Developing and maintaining engineering documentation, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and driving a culture of operational discipline are critical. The engineer will also mentor and coach team members, support budget planning, and prepare KPI reports for senior leadership. Additionally, they will support overall manufacturing and assembly operations to ensure customer requirements, production schedules, and on-time delivery commitments are met.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
Minimum 8–10 years of manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or industrial manufacturing environments preferred.
Minimum 5 years of direct experience in paint process engineering, coating systems, or automated paint shop operations strongly preferred.
Extensive hands-on experience with robotic painting systems, automated coating equipment, and paint process optimization.
Strong technical knowledge of paint materials, coating technologies, surface preparation, curing systems, and paint defect analysis.
Proven experience leading complex process improvement projects in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Experience managing capital projects, equipment upgrades, new process launches, and manufacturing process validation activities.
Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all Paint Process Engineering activities, ensuring alignment with production targets, quality standards, cost objectives, and operational excellence initiatives.
Provide technical leadership for all paint shop operations, including coating application, robotic painting systems, surface treatment, curing processes, and paint material management.
Develop, standardize, and optimize paint processes to improve efficiency, reduce cycle time, enhance coating quality, and maximize equipment performance.
Establish and maintain process controls for paint materials, including viscosity management, mixing ratios, material usage optimization, defect prevention, and inventory control.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, and root cause analysis methodologies to improve productivity and reduce scrap, rework, and downtime.
Analyze production and process performance data to identify trends, implement corrective actions, and drive sustainable process improvements.
Serve as the primary technical expert for paint-related issues, leading troubleshooting efforts and implementing permanent corrective actions for coating defects and process failures.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure stable and efficient operations.
Lead new equipment installation, process validation, line launches, and engineering change activities related to paint operations and manufacturing processes.
Oversee robotic paint systems, paint circulation systems, ovens, conveyors, and related equipment to ensure optimal functionality, preventive maintenance compliance, and minimal production downtime.
Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, process specifications, control plans, work instructions, and operational standards.
Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations, hazardous chemical handling requirements, VOC control standards, and all company safety policies.
Drive a culture of operational discipline, accountability, continuous improvement, and safety throughout the department.
Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, technicians, and production personnel to strengthen technical capability and leadership development within the organization.
Support budget planning and cost management activities, including paint material consumption, equipment investments, labor efficiency, and operational cost reduction initiatives.
Prepare and present detailed KPI reports, process improvement updates, technical analyses, and operational performance reviews to senior leadership.
Support overall manufacturing and assembly operations to ensure customer requirements, production schedules, and on-time delivery commitments are consistently achieved.