Our client, an Automotive Manufacturing company, is looking for a Paint Process Engineer for their Wentzville, MO location.
The Paint Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation systems within the Paint Department. This role ensures paint operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality, environmental, and production standards while maximizing throughput and minimizing cost. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, suppliers, and leadership teams to support Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, and Cost (SPQRC) objectives and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Manufacturing Process and Equipment Management
- Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes and equipment for assigned paint operations.
- Define manufacturing processes, sequence of operations, and material flow to optimize productivity and efficiency.
- Analyze process performance and implement improvements to enhance safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
- Evaluate tooling, equipment, and process performance to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Support the development, testing, and implementation of advanced process technologies.
- Review and justify capital expenditures related to process improvements and equipment upgrades.
- Paint Automation and Controls
- Serve as the technical owner for paint automation systems, including up to 100 FANUC paint and sealer robots.
- Troubleshoot and resolve robot, PLC, process control, and equipment-related issues.
- Support robot programming, maintenance strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Utilize process control data to optimize paint application processes and improve quality performance.
- Collaborate with internal and external automation resources to implement process enhancements.
- Production and Operations Support
- Ensure paint equipment and processes operate safely and efficiently to meet production schedules.
- Support achievement of plant goals related to safety, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
- Coordinate personnel, materials, and equipment to support daily operations and SPQRC initiatives.
- Provide technical assistance, coaching, and training to production and maintenance personnel.
- Lead problem-solving efforts and independently drive issues to resolution.
- Leadership and Team Collaboration
- Supervise and provide direction to UAW-represented hourly employees when assigned.
- Partner with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and suppliers to successfully execute projects.
- Provide technical oversight and direction to outside contractors and vendor resources.
- Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including plant leadership and external business partners.
- Support a team-oriented work environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Compliance and Continuous Improvement
- Support and implement Global Manufacturing System (GMS), QS9000, ISO14001, and other applicable manufacturing standards.
- Ensure compliance with plant safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
- Apply human factors and ergonomic principles when developing manufacturing processes and equipment solutions.
Requirements- Bachelor degree (preferred)
- 8-10 years PREFERRED NOT REQUIRED of manufacturing, process engineering, automation, or related experience.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience PREFERRED NOT REQUIRED
- Strong understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
- Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive problems to resolution.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based manufacturing environment.
- Must be willing and able to work an alternative work schedule, including weekends and holidays as required.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of automotive manufacturing and paint shop operations.
- Experience operating, programming, or maintaining FANUC paint and sealer robots.
- Experience with FANUC controller platforms, including RJ, RJ2, RJ3, RJ3iB, and R30iA.
- Experience with FANUC robotic platforms such as P-155, P-200, P-500, P-700, S-500, M-710, and M-2000.
- Experience using automation simulation software such as PaintPro
- PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
- Experience using process control data and analytical tools to optimize paint processes.
- Knowledge of paint application systems, paint chemistry, and finishing operations.
Why Should You Apply?
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