What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.?
Process Engineer – Paint / E-Coat Systems
Salina, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking an E-Coat Paint Process Engineer to join our Paint department at the new Construction Equipment facility in Salina, KS.
This position typically works Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
Salina, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking an E-Coat Paint Process Engineer to join our Paint department at the new Construction Equipment facility in Salina, KS.
This position typically works Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Develop, monitor, and optimize E-Coat process parameters (bath chemistry, voltage, temperature, pH, conductivity, film build).
- Ensure stable operation of pre-treatment, electrocoating, rinsing, and curing processes.
- Analyze process data and implement corrective actions to improve quality.
- Investigate and resolve coating defects (e.g., poor film build, craters, blistering, edge pullback, corrosion failures).
- Work closely with Quality teams to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal and external audits related to coating processes.
- Support commissioning, maintenance, and upgrades of E-coat systems, including rectifiers, tanks, ultrafiltration (UF), waste treatment center, reverse osmosis (RO) water generation system and ovens.
- Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
- Support Maintenance and Management in defining preventive maintenance requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Monitor and improve operations of Waste Water Treatment Center and RO water generation system.
- Ensure proper preventative maintenance is performed on regular basis for both systems.
- Work with chemical suppliers to manage bath chemistry, additives, and replenishment strategies.
- Ensure proper Waste Treatment Center and RO water generation systems chemical products are used and their inventory levels meet usage requirements.
- Support trials and validation of new coatings, chemicals, and process changes.
- Review technical data sheets and ensure proper material usage.
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations (e.g., chemical handling, wastewater, VOC control).
- Promote safe work practices and support environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Create and maintain process documentation, control plans, and work instructions.
- Train operators and technicians on E-coat process fundamentals and best practices.
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
- Follow all Great Plains policies and OSHA safety regulations and wears prescribed safety and protective equipment.
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar relevant degree from a 4-year college or university; four years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong understanding of Paint Technology, E-Coat Chemistry and Electrochemical Principles
- Hands-on experience with electrocoating lines, pretreatment systems, and curing ovens
- Familiarity with SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and quality systems
- Proficiency in data analysis and manufacturing KPIs
- Outstanding/strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Experience with automation, PLCs, or MES systems
- Excellent communication skills in order to respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community