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Automotive Paint Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New paint material introductions for automotive production. * Support for new model color launches ... Background in Chemical Engineering or Materials Engineering. * Pure laboratory or R&D roles without ...

$63K - $81K/yr

Paint Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing Location: Multiple U.S. Automotive Manufacturing Facilities Compensation: Competitive hourly rate Schedule: Overtime may be required based on project demand ...

Paint Engineer

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$63/hr

Experience in automotive manufacturing in paint production engineering. * Experience in paint application evaluation. * Experience in paint lab doing workability evaluations. Skills: * Strong verbal ...

$63K - $81K/yr

Paint Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing Location: Multiple U.S. Automotive Manufacturing Facilities Compensation: Competitive hourly rate Schedule: Overtime may be required based on project demand ...

Paint Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry ... Paint Engineer Starting Pay Rate: $80,000-$95,000 Schedule: 1st Shift: Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm ...

Paint Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry ... Paint Engineer Starting Pay Rate: $80,000-$95,000 Schedule: 1st Shift: Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm ...

$80 - $100/hr

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry ... Paint Engineer Starting Pay Rate: $80,000-$95,000 Schedule: 1st Shift: Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm ...

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Automotive Paint Engineer information

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How much do automotive paint engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive paint engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive paint engineer do?

An Automotive Paint Engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and implementing painting processes for vehicles in the automotive industry. They select appropriate paint materials, design application processes, and ensure that coatings meet quality, durability, and environmental standards. Their work involves collaborating with design teams, production staff, and suppliers to optimize paint application for efficiency and appearance. Additionally, they troubleshoot paint defects and may work to improve sustainability and reduce costs in the painting process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive paint engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Paint Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with paint application systems, quality control tools, and industry-specific software like CAD or simulation programs is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex processes. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality finishes, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and efficient production operations.

What are some common challenges automotive paint engineers face when ensuring high-quality finishes on vehicles?

Automotive Paint Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent paint application across different vehicle models, managing environmental variables like humidity and temperature in paint booths, and adhering to strict quality and safety standards. They must also troubleshoot issues like paint defects, color mismatches, or surface contaminants, requiring strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Collaboration with production, quality assurance, and design teams is essential to address these challenges efficiently and ensure a flawless finish that meets both customer expectations and industry regulations.

What is the difference between Automotive Paint Engineer vs Automotive Coatings Specialist?

AspectAutomotive Paint EngineerAutomotive Coatings Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; certifications in coatings or paint technologySimilar credentials; often requires certifications in coatings application and quality control
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs, field testing sites
Industry UsageDesigning and developing automotive paints, improving formulationsApplying, testing, and inspecting coatings in production and repair processes
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Automotive Paint Engineers focus on developing and improving automotive paint formulations, working mainly in R&D and labs. Automotive Coatings Specialists apply and inspect coatings during manufacturing and repairs. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ in development versus application.

Are automotive paint engineers in demand?

Automotive paint engineers are in steady demand due to the automotive industry's focus on advanced coatings, environmental regulations, and vehicle manufacturing. They often require knowledge of paint chemistry, application techniques, and quality control, making their skills valuable in manufacturing and R&D settings.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Paint Engineer jobs?

For Automotive Paint Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Paint Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Paint Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing

Blue Springs, MS • On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Paint Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing


Location: Multiple U.S. Automotive Manufacturing Facilities
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate
Schedule: Overtime may be required based on project demand
Travel: 10–25% domestic & international depending on project

About CrossSafety

CrossSafety provides engineering and technical professionals to support large-scale automotive manufacturing, battery production, and new model launch programs across North America. We partner with industry‑leading OEMs to deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality project execution.

Our clients seeking support are often looking to fill positions quickly and in multiple locations across the United States. As such we intend on developing a pool of interested and eligible candidates who can be utilized when our clients make their requests.

We are seeking Manufacturing Project Engineers to support various production engineering teams, including battery manufacturing, process engineering, equipment installation, new model development, and paint/vehicle manufacturing systems.

About the Role

Paint Project Engineers support process integrity, equipment readiness, material performance, and ongoing improvement initiatives within high‑volume automotive paint departments.

This position is ideal for engineers who excel in fast‑paced, hands‑on environments and who can manage technical assignments from root‑cause investigation through countermeasure implementation. Projects may include new material introductions, circulation system improvements, paint process optimization, equipment refurbishments, or new system installs.

Engineers will work closely with production leaders, maintenance teams, suppliers, robotics specialists, and cross‑functional groups to ensure safety, quality, and throughput targets are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Process Development

  • Provide daily process support to maintain vehicle and process integrity
  • Lead quality, material, cost, productivity, safety, and equipment improvement initiatives
  • Lead new material introduction activities to ensure no negative KPI impact
  • Investigate process or equipment concerns using structured problem‑solving methodologies
  • Interpret and review paint system drawings, paint circulation schematics, and equipment specifications

Project Management

  • Lead and support change management, including equipment installation or refurbishment projects
  • Develop project proposals, operating plans, strategies, and ringi documents
  • Coordinate cross‑department investigations and communicate root cause, countermeasures, and solutions to management
  • Support kaizen activities initiated by production while protecting key KPIs

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

  • Conduct root-cause analysis and implement countermeasures
  • Summarize KPIs and support handover to production teams
  • Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (PDCA, 5‑Why, DMAIC)

Manufacturing Support

  • Support production issue resolution, equipment efficiency improvements, and quality countermeasures
  • Participate in advanced cleanliness protocols when working in battery or clean‑room environments

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure all engineering work aligns with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
  • Follow all PPE requirements: steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear (and additional PPE as required) provided per site guidelines
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (mechanical, industrial, electrical, manufacturing, chemical, or similar)
  • Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment, specifically within paint operations
  • 2–8+ years of engineering or project management experience in manufacturing
  • Experience supporting capital projects, equipment installation, or production preparation
  • Ability to read and interpret 2D/3D drawings, facility layouts, and equipment documentation
  • Strong problem-solving mindset using structured methods (PDCA, 5-Why, DMAIC, etc.)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and shutdown periods based on project needs
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally, if required (vendor trials, supplier visits, training)
  • Must follow all PPE requirements of the site including steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear and any additional PPE as required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering
  • CAD experience (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar) including ability to read, interpret, and modify drawings
  • Experience with PLC programming (Ladder Logic) including troubleshooting and making minor programming changes
  • Exposure to equipment installation, commissioning, or paint process upgrades
  • Familiarity with North American manufacturing safety standards
  • Six Sigma, Lean, or related engineering certifications
Why Join CrossSafety
  • Grow your technical and leadership skills alongside an established and expanding professional consulting firm
  • Join a team of over 150 supportive and safety-focused professionals including Industrial Hygienists, Ergonomists, Safety Engineers, Construction Safety Specialists, and industry-leading engineering teams
  • Advance your career by working Fortune 500 companies and in dynamic environments where your leadership truly matters
  • Contribute to high-impact industrial and construction projects across the United States
Equal Opportunity Employer

CrossSafety fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.