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Automotive Paint Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Paint Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$65K - $109K/yr

Paint Quality On-Site Engineer provides dedicated technical support and guidance for paint ... Automotive Paint Standards & ISO Compliance: Proficient in OEM paint process guidelines ...

Ford Motor Company

Paint Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $144K/yr

Paint Quality On-Site Engineer provides dedicated technical support and guidance for paint ... Automotive Paint Standards & ISO Compliance: Proficient in OEM paint process guidelines ...

Ford Motor Company

Paint Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$99K - $166K/yr

Paint Quality On-Site Engineer provides dedicated technical support and guidance for paint ... Automotive Paint Standards & ISO Compliance: Proficient in OEM paint process guidelines ...

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Automotive Paint Engineer information

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$12

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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 Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Ford Motor Companyexternal

$65K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 528 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers

Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this Position....
Paint Quality On-Site Engineer provides dedicated technical support and guidance for paint appearance, durability, process stability, defect elimination, and quality system compliance within the Assembly Plant environment. Operating at the intersection of Plant Engineering, Quality Operations, and VME Operations, this role collaborates with Plant Variation Reduction Team (VRT) initiatives, ensures strict adherence to the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) standard, maintains rigorous execution of the Process Control Plan (PCP), drives ISO Audit Preparation Work, and leads comprehensive Internal / External Warranty Analysis across Paint Shop operations.
The engineer partners with plant teams, to support First Time Through (FTT) improvements, reduce top paint defects (dirt in paint, chip & scratch), and assist with ISO and Ford QOS audit readiness.
Responsibilities
What you'll do....
  • Analyze warranty and quality data to identify recurring defects, failure trends, customer concerns, and opportunities to reduce warranty costs and repeat issues.
  • Support ISO and quality audits by ensuring processes, documentation, and records meet required quality standards and by driving corrective actions for audit findings.
  • Lead Variation Reduction Team (VRT) activities to identify process variation, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
  • Govern the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) by monitoring process performance, reducing paint defects and variation, and driving continuous process improvements.
  • Develop and maintain Process Control Plans (PCPs) that define critical process controls, inspection requirements, reaction plans, and quality standards.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to solve complex quality issues, improve process capability, and prevent recurring defects.

Qualifications
You'll have....
  • Education & Experience: bachelor's or associate degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent practical experience and demonstrated technical qualification.
  • 3 to 7+ years of hands-on experience in automotive assembly plant paint shop operations, OEM paint engineering, or Tier 1 paint/chemical supplier technical service.
  • Quality & Operational Excellence: Hands-on experience driving Quality Management System compliance, root-cause analysis (8D) and Lean manufacturing processes.
  • Paint Operations Knowledge: Strong experience with paint shop materials, chemicals, and automated spray booth equipment.
  • Automotive Paint Standards & ISO Compliance: Proficient in OEM paint process guidelines, standardized coating quality controls, and ISO regulatory compliance.

Even better, you may have....
  • Leadership: Strong cross-functional leadership skills to drive consensus among plant operations, UAW floor operators, maintenance, and Tier 1 chemical/paint suppliers.
  • Data-Driven Analysis: Ability to manipulate complex data sets to identify root causes and drive actionable engineering changes.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills for reporting to Plant Managers, VME Manufacturing Directors, and Global Paint Engineering leadership.
    You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
    As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
    • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
    • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
    • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
    • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
    • Tuition assistance
    • Established and active employee resource groups
    • Paid time off for individual and team community service
    • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
    • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.,
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.,
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.,
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
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