Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)
Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)
We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.
Your Role (TPS Mindset)
Own and continuously improve the automated paint process by building stable, repeatable, and waste-free operations. This role is responsible for developing robust paint processes, eliminating variation, and leading a team to achieve world-class quality, flow, and cost performance.
We are looking for a proven paint process leader who not only understands the technology, but takes ownership, drives problem solving at the root cause, and builds sustainable systems that perform without firefighting.
Establish and maintain a fully controlled paint process (Air Make-Up Unit (AMU), airflow, booth conditions, film build, color position) with clear standards and visual management
Use Design of Experiments (DOE), confirmation runs, and data-driven decision making to eliminate variation and permanently reduce defects
Drive 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) to address root causes-not symptoms. Ensure countermeasures are sustained through standard work
Define, implement, and audit standard work, startup checks, and daily management routines across all shifts
Improve robot programs (paths, angles, Z-moves) to ensure uniform film build, repeatability, and cycle efficiency
Lead and develop a multi-shift technical team to think and act as process owners-not firefighters
Improve First Time Quality (FTQ), Net Equipment Effectiveness (NEE), and cost through systematic waste reduction and process control.
Your Skills
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field or equivalent experience
Deep automotive paint expertise
8+ years in automated paint systems (plastics preferred)
Proven track record of developing and stabilizing paint processes
Leadership with ownership mindset
Experience leading multi-shift teams
Self-motivated, accountable, and drives results without escalation
Strong problem solver (not trial-and-error)
Hands-on with DOE, root cause analysis, and process validation
Focus on sustainable countermeasures
Technical mastery
Robot paint application optimization (paths, angles, coverage)
Understanding of material behavior, film build, and environmental impact
Quality system knowledge
PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP
Experience with OEM paint standards
Lean / TPS mindset
Demonstrated ability to create standardized, visual, and stable processes
Focus on eliminating waste and variation
What we offer
Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.
Michelle Myers