Paint Shop Process Engineer-6

Job Description

Location: Factory ZERO – Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center

Work Location: Onsite, full-time

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

The Role

The Paint Process Engineer is a career-level engineering role responsible for defining, implementing, and continuously improving paint shop processes at Factory ZERO. The engineer works autonomously with occasional guidance from supervision and is skilled in equipment and tooling alternatives, sequence and flow of operations, and effective utilization of personnel, materials, machines, and facilities for Paint Shop operations.

The role requires frequent interaction with hourly employees, production and skilled trades, salaried employees, and 3rd party support organizations. Creativity, initiative, and independent judgment are critical. The Process Engineer will also train others and assign work to small groups of employees as needed.

An ideal candidate will have Dürr and/or Fanuc paint robot programming experience and a strong background in automotive paint shop operations.

Job Summary

The Paint Shop Process Engineer is responsible for ensuring that paint shop equipment, processes, and systems are capable, stable, and continuously improving to support safe, high-quality, and efficient vehicle production. This includes:

• Engaging in machine and plant maintenance coordination and process control activities within assigned areas (department, group of departments, shift, or plant operations).
• Collaborating with production and maintenance personnel, plant leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, suppliers, and other support groups to resolve issues, implement improvements, and communicate status and opportunities.
• Driving improvements in safety, quality, throughput, cost, and energy usage in alignment with plant and corporate objectives.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Design, construction, integration, installation, and continuous improvement of paint shop equipment and tooling required to manufacture high-quality products.
• Own and execute SORs and project management for tools, stations, or specific paint technologies.
• Define manufacturing processes, including sequence of operations, equipment parameters, and standard work.
• Incorporate human factors and ergonomic considerations into process and equipment designs (employee–machine interface).
• Ensure efficient material flow into, through, and out of paint process areas.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to plant personnel and 3rd party vendors/contractors.
• Lead and support development and testing of advanced paint process technologies, including new materials, application methods, and robotics.
• Provide detailed feedback to central process champions and engineering teams to drive global best practices.
• Ensure that paint processes are maintained and running effectively for vehicle production; monitor and adjust as necessary.
• Problem-solve issues impacting paint shop performance (analyze data, determine root cause, develop and implement corrective actions, and document results).
• Supervise assigned indirect process and production personnel as required by the operation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, union leadership, management, and suppliers.
• Proactively identify and implement cost, energy, and quality improvement opportunities.
• Support the design and engineering of maintenance, utility, and construction projects to meet existing and projected requirements.
• Provide technical support for specific plant operations, including troubleshooting equipment, processes, and controls.
• Stay current on product, process, and technology developments and trends in paint shop and automation.
• Understand and apply PFMEA, Process Control Plans, standardized work, and manufacturing management systems as they relate to production operations.
• Support implementation and sustainment of Global Manufacturing System (GMS) and Business Plan Deployment (BPD) activities in the Paint Shop.
• Work a rotating shift schedule and be available for overtime, including weekends, as business needs require.

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Education & Experience (either):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Manufacturing, or related field) with 1–3 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably paint or automation, OR
• 3–5 years of directly relevant experience in paint and/or automation in lieu of a degree.
• 1–3 years (with degree) or 3–5 years (without degree) of automotive manufacturing experience, with emphasis on paint shop operations (e.g., PT/ED, Sealer, Topcoat, Paint Mix Room).

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of automotive paint process areas (PT/ED, Sealer, Topcoat, Paint Mix Room).
• Proven technical and professional skills in manufacturing or assembly plant operations.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and engineering drawings and learn new systems quickly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Comfortable supervising hourly employees and coordinating work across multiple groups.
• Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and union partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an innovative team and independently.

Work Environment & Availability:

• Comfortable working in a high-volume manufacturing environment (paint shop conditions).
• Capable of working all shifts, rotating schedules, and overtime (including weekends).
• Willing and capable of learning new processes and skills as technologies evolve.

What Gives You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical field.
• Experience with Dürr and/or Fanuc paint robot programming, including troubleshooting and optimizing application paths and parameters.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of driving cross-functional improvements.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., advanced Excel, Power BI, or similar) to monitor process performance and drive decisions.
• Understanding and practical application of Global Manufacturing System (GMS), lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with PFMEA, control plan development, and layered process audits in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of tooling, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, 5-Why, 8D, Kaizen).

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