Paint Project Engineer

Position Overview

1489295

Paint Materials Engineer to support the development, testing, and implementation of new paint materials, colors, and technologies within automotive production environments. This role will focus on new material introductions, new model color launches, production implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives within Body Paint and Bumper Paint operations.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on automotive paint shop experience and a strong understanding of paint application processes, particularly topcoat systems. This position requires collaboration across multiple functions to successfully launch new materials from development through mass production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, testing, and implementation of new paint materials and color launches.
• Support new model paint trials and production readiness activities.
• Manage project schedules for material evaluations, process improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Conduct laboratory workability studies and production-line validation testing.
• Establish and maintain process controls and operating parameters for new materials and technologies.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving activities related to paint materials and application performance.
• Evaluate color and appearance characteristics to ensure quality standards are achieved.
• Assess production, environmental, and operational impacts of new materials and technologies.
• Support manufacturing plants during launch, scale-up, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate activities with suppliers, production teams, engineering groups, and external partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of project management experience involving multiple stakeholders or departments.
• Minimum 2 years of color and appearance evaluation experience.
• Minimum 1 year of paint design experience.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience in automotive paint operations, paint application, or paint manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting production implementation, launches, process changes, or material introductions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience with paint production engineering.
• Experience evaluating paint application processes.
• Experience performing paint lab workability studies.
• Exposure to supplier management, production launches, or manufacturing change management.