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Coatings Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and scientific methods for problem solving This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support ...

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility ...

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility ...

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility ...

We are looking for a talented Coatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering - Chemistry team in Troy, MI. CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) focuses on the underbody of ...

We are looking for a talented Coatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering - Chemistry team in Troy, MI. CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) focuses on the underbody of ...

We are looking for a talentedCoatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering ... Serve as the Coatings and Corrosion Subject Matter Expert: Operate as a recognized specialist in ...

We are looking for a talentedCoatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering ... Serve as the Coatings and Corrosion Subject Matter Expert: Operate as a recognized specialist in ...

We are looking for a talented Coatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering - Chemistry team in Troy, MI. CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) focuses on the underbody of ...

We are looking for a talentedCoatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering ... Serve as the Coatings and Corrosion Subject Matter Expert: Operate as a recognized specialist in ...

We are looking for a talentedCoatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering ... Demonstrate Strong Coatings and Corrosion Testing Expertise: Maintain and operate cyclic corrosion ...

MI · On-site

Description Dixon Engineering is looking for Field Technicians - Coating Inspectors to join our ... a career in the coatings and engineering industry. What You'll Do * Perform field coating ...

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Showing results 1-20

Coatings Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$65.8K

$87.4K

$106.8K

How much do coatings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for coatings engineer in Michigan is $87,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,100.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 MI?

For Coatings Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Coatings Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,438 per year, or $42 per hour.

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Howmet Aerospace

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Materials, Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Previous internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing environment or lab environment
  • Experience with investment casting, aerospace coatings (CVD, EB-PVD, Thermal Spray), grit blasting, electroplating and/or chemical surface cleaning
  • Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills
  • Knowledge of MS Office, PowerBI, Minitab
  • Able to work in a self-directed or team environment and have strong organizational skills
  • Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and scientific methods for problem solving

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility for integrity for assigned products.  This position will also establish and maintain external & internal customer associate documents; prepare part-specific work instructions; maintain knowledge of job cost; and develop/implement appropriate plans to improve profitability.

Job Responsibilities

This position is responsible for developing robust processes that consistently meet or exceed our customers' requirements for the metallurgical quality and performance of aerospace components.  Also, continuous improvement of processes by improving methods and developing new methods of manufacturing, leading to increased yields and reduced labor content. 

  • External customer escapes - Investigates and analyzes root cause; Develops and implements correction action plans.
  • Part qualification and re-qualification - Works with customers to qualify new parts to be coated at Thermatech. Determines and supports manufacturing requirements necessary to meet customer requirements; Performs metallurgical investigations; Assembles process documentation per customer requirements.
  • Process Development and Improvement - Monitors/analyzes yield, labor, and materials data to develop process improvement ideas for new and established processes.
  • Manufacturing Support - Monitors manufacturing output to ensure process control; Responds to manufacturing needs: training, work instructions and interpretation; Creates and updates work instructions needed to perform manufacturing processes.
  • General Technical Support - Conducts meetings and provides technical data to meet customer needs. 
  • NPI Concurrent Engineering - Conducts meetings with customers to review design concepts.
  • Quotation Prep - Develops material, scrap and labor costs for cost modeling.
  • Tooling Development and Build - Attends NPI meeting and provides input based on customer specifications for BOM, routings and milestone plans.

Job Roles 

  • Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
  • Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
  • Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
  • Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
  • Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
  • Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
  • Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the "why" behind actions
  • Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
  • Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a "win together" ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

What Howmet Aerospace employees say

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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888