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Coatings Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer-Coatings

Fort Wayne, IN

$66K - $85K/yr

We're glad you're exploring our Quality Engineer-Coatings position and want to share some of the details. At Fort Wayne Metals, we specialize in producing top-quality wires, cables, and assemblies ...

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CHERRY COATINGS is an innovator and pioneer in advanced techniques for a wide variety of commercial ... engineers, vendor representatives etc. * Experience in responding to RFP's and formal presentation ...

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Design Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic ... engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.

This role serves as a key liaison between production, engineering, quality, maintenance, and supply ... Familiarity with automotive lighting manufacturing, including coatings and paint systems, is highly ...

Process Engineer Indianapolis, IN, United States req28043 What you will enjoy doing* * In this role ... coatings-manufacturing environment or more than twelve (12+) years of related experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Coatings Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$71.8K

$95.5K

$116.6K

How much do coatings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for coatings engineer in Indiana is $95,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $104,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coatings engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coatings Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard coating application tools, surface preparation equipment, and analytical instruments such as spectrometers or microscopes is important, as well as knowledge of relevant certifications like NACE or SSPC. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure high-quality results and smooth collaboration with clients and team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing durable coatings, maintaining compliance, and delivering optimal performance in various industrial applications.

What is a coatings engineer?

A Coatings Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, tests, and applies protective or decorative coatings to various materials and surfaces, such as metals, plastics, or concrete. Their work helps enhance durability, prevent corrosion, and improve the appearance of products in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Coatings Engineers are involved in selecting suitable coating materials, developing application processes, and ensuring compliance with quality and environmental standards. They may also troubleshoot coating failures and recommend solutions for improved performance.

What are some common challenges faced by coatings engineers when working on new product development projects?

Coatings Engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting appropriate materials that meet both performance and regulatory requirements, ensuring compatibility with various substrates, and optimizing application processes for efficiency and quality. Additionally, troubleshooting issues like coating adhesion failures, environmental durability, and scaling formulations from the lab to full production are frequent hurdles. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, is essential to address these challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Coatings Engineer vs Paint Engineer?

AspectCoatings EngineerPaint Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; certifications like SSPC or NACEBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality controlManufacturing facilities, production lines, quality assurance
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial coatingsAutomotive, construction, industrial painting
Job FocusDeveloping, testing, and improving coating formulations and application processesApplying, testing, and ensuring quality of paint products

While both roles involve working with coatings and paints, Coatings Engineers focus on formulation development and technical innovation, whereas Paint Engineers primarily handle application, quality, and production processes. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Coatings Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Coatings Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coatings Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Coatings Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Coatings Engineer jobs in IN? For Coatings Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Coatings Engineer job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,460 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer Coatings & Bonding

CrossFire Group

Warsaw, IN • On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding

Overview
The Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding is a key technical leader responsible for ensuring best-in-class quality, safety, and durability across coating, sealing, e-coat, and structural bonding processes. This role plays a critical part in new product introduction and plant launch activities, while serving as the subject matter expert for adhesive and coating technologies within an automotive manufacturing environment.
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

What You’ll Do
Serve as the technical quality authority for coating, sealing, e-coat, and bonding processes across manufacturing operations.
Develop and maintain control plans, inspection strategies, and quality standards for coatings and bonded structures to ensure consistent performance.
Lead validation activities for adhesives, coatings, cure cycles, and long-term durability requirements.
Support plant and product launches, including defining testing methods, equipment, and process capability targets.
Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions for coating and bonding-related issues.
Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Development teams to ensure alignment and execution.
Manage supplier quality expectations for coatings, sealants, and adhesive materials, including performance and compliance.
Conduct process audits and ensure adherence to IATF 16949, AIAG standards, and internal quality systems.
Support APQP deliverables including PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and process robustness.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to coatings and bonding processes.

What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 8+ years, or PhD with 5+ years, or equivalent experience.
Expert-level knowledge of coating, e-coat, sealing, and adhesive bonding technologies.
Hands-on experience with glass bonding, structural adhesives, and panel bonding applications.
Strong background in product and process development, including plant and vehicle launch experience.
Advanced proficiency with automotive quality tools and standards such as IATF 16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.
Proven ability to lead complex problem-solving efforts and drive corrective actions across teams.
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth, or transformational manufacturing environments.
Background in OEM or Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, with exposure to electric or advanced vehicle platforms preferred.
Knowledge of materials science related to coatings and adhesives is strongly preferred.
Experience leading audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting customer quality discussions.

Compensation
Base salary range: $130,000 – $145,000 annually.
Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, education, and other relevant factors.

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