Coating Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Role SummaryA Paint Engineer with a metal fabrication emphasis is responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining coating processes for metal parts produced through welding, stamping, machining, and assembly. This role ensures that coatings meet performance, durability, and aesthetic requirements while supporting efficient, high-quality production.Core Responsibilities1. Coating Process EngineeringDevelop and optimize powder coating, liquid paint, e-coat, or specialty coating processes for fabricated metal components.Establish process parameters for film thickness, cure cycles, oven profiles, and application methods.Select coating systems based on corrosion resistance, adhesion, environmental exposure, and customer specifications.2. Metal Fabrication IntegrationCollaborate with fabrication teams to ensure parts are designed and built for paintability (weld quality, edge conditions, material selection).Evaluate how fabrication processes (welding, grinding, forming) affect coating adhesion and surface finish.Define improved masking options and coordinate with manufacturing engineers.3. Surface Preparation & PretreatmentDevelop standards for cleaning, blasting, phosphating, conversion coatings, or other pretreatment processes.Monitor surface prep equipment and ensure proper adhesion and corrosion protection.Troubleshoot issues related to weld spatter, mill scale, sharp edges, and surface contamination.4. Quality Control & Defect ReductionCreate and maintain coating quality standards (color, gloss, adhesion, thickness, cure).Lead root-cause analysis for defects such as runs, sags, pinholes, orange peel, blistering, or weld-related failures.Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.5. Production SupportProvide technical support to paint line operators and fabrication teams.Optimize line throughput, reduce rework, and improve first-pass yield.Create process for production teams to maintainDevelop training process to educate and qualify paint teamsDevelop training material for operators on proper application techniques and process controls.6. Equipment & Technology ManagementCreate PM routines for paint booths, oven, conveyor......Specify and evaluate paint booths, ovens, conveyors, spray guns, robots, and filtration systems.Lead installation or upgrades of paint lines, pretreatment systems, or automation.Work with vendors on coating materials, equipment, and process improvements.7. Documentation & ComplianceHelp develop and maintain SOPs, control plans, PFMEAs, work instructions, and process documentation.Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and customer standards, including VOC regulations and ISO requirements.Support PPAP, APQP, and customer audits.Required Skills & QualificationsTechnical SkillsStrong understanding of metal fabrication processes (welding, stamping, machining, assembly).Expertise in industrial coatings, including powder, liquid, and e-coat.Knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface prep, and curing technologies.Ability to interpret engineering drawings.Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and root-cause analysis.Soft SkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Clear communication with operators, engineers, and leadership.Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.2-7+ years of experience in paint engineering, coatings, or metal fabrication.Certifications such as NACE, SSPC, or Six Sigma are a plus.Performance MetricsFirst-pass yield on coated metal partsDefect rate and rework percentageCoating material usage efficiencyLine throughput and downtimeCompliance with customer and regulatory standards
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