Manufacturing Engineer – Paint Line Specialist

Position Summary

Accurate Fabrication is seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer with extensive experience in industrial paint systems and finishing operations. This position is responsible for optimizing paint line performance, improving product quality, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the coating and finishing process. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with production, maintenance, quality, and customer teams to ensure efficient operations while meeting customer specifications and industry standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Paint Line Process Engineering

• Develop, optimize, and maintain manufacturing processes related to powder coating and liquid paint operations.
• Analyze paint line performance and implement improvements to increase throughput, quality, and efficiency.
• Establish and maintain process parameters for cleaning, pretreatment, coating application, curing, and inspection.
• Troubleshoot paint defects including:
• Orange peel
• Runs and sags
• Poor adhesion
• Contamination
• Color variation
• Cure failures
• Surface imperfections
• Support new product launches by developing finishing process requirements and work instructions.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement projects focused on paint line productivity and waste reduction.
• Utilize root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to address recurring quality issues.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
• First-pass yield
• Rework rates
• Paint utilization
• Line efficiency
• Downtime
• Scrap reduction
• Identify opportunities for automation and process enhancements.

Equipment and Facility Support

• Partner with maintenance personnel to ensure optimal operation of:
• Paint booths
• Conveyor systems
• Wash systems
• Ovens and curing equipment
• Chemical pretreatment systems
• Air handling and filtration systems
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and validation of new paint line equipment.
• Develop preventive maintenance recommendations for critical finishing equipment.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Monitor coating thickness, adhesion, gloss, cure verification, and appearance standards.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions related to coating quality concerns.

Project Management

• Lead capital improvement projects involving paint line equipment and facility upgrades.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors regarding coatings, chemicals, equipment, and process improvements.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and recommend investments that improve operational performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field OR 6 Years Experience
• 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a metal fabrication, industrial coating, or finishing environment.
• Strong knowledge of powder coating and/or liquid paint systems.
• Experience with industrial ovens, curing systems, and chemical pretreatment processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred

• Experience in sheet metal fabrication environments.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Knowledge of ASTM, ISO, and coating performance standards.
• Experience with robotic paint systems and automated finishing equipment.
• Project management experience.
• Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations related to industrial coatings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of paint chemistry, coating application methods, and curing processes.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization and statistical analysis.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to train operators and support technical skill development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk production floors regularly.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments including exposure to heat, noise, paint systems, chemicals, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth opportunities
• Stable and growing manufacturing environment