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Paint Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

We're looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about "babysitting the line" and more about building robust processes that ...

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

We're looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about "babysitting the line" and more about building robust processes that ...

We are seeking a Paint Process Engineer for our Huntington, Indiana Plant. Summary: Responsible for specifying, designing, and implementing robot path programming and paint application. Main Duties ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • Chattanooga, TN • This person will transfer permanently to Toledo, OH in January 2027 ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • Chattanooga, TN • This person will transfer permanently to Toledo, OH in January 2027 ...

Job Title: Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: Chattanooga, TN This person will transfer permanently to Toledo, OH in January 2027 ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • Chattanooga, TN • This person will transfer permanently to Toledo, OH in January 2027 ...

Technical support to all Production and Engineering operations for improvement programs. Working knowledge of paint department processes and principles, including latest technologies. General ...

Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of painting engineers and technicians to achieve departmental and organizational goals. * Design and optimize painting processes, methodologies, and techniques to ...

Operate paint process and application equipment in accordance with established control plans in ... Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering required. Seven years work ...

Operate paint process and application equipment in accordance with established control plans in ... Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering required. Seven years work ...

... process engineer - Communicate with robot technician group on process / mechanical related issues. • Coordinate with the appropriate paint line personnel in the completion of process related ...

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How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint process engineer in the United States is $42.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $45.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Paint Process Engineer Do?

The responsibilities of a paint process engineer include analyzing and maintaining automated paint equipment to ensure each order meets or exceeds client expectations. This position is common in the automotive industry and for companies that produce components and other painted parts. In this role, you inspect and evaluate the paint job process, as well as a variety of pretreatment methods as needed, and conduct feasibility studies before offering price quotes. Your duties include developing, testing, and implementing processes using robotic spray paint systems and other applicator products, and you are expected to maintain and service these systems. It’s your job to communicate with customers, continuously analyze the equipment, and provide feedback to the engineering group as well as technical expertise in sales meetings.

What is the difference between Paint Process Engineer vs Paint Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPaint Process EngineerPaint Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications in manufacturing or process improvementHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesigning and optimizing paint application processes in manufacturing plantsOperating and maintaining paint production equipment on the factory floor
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping process improvements, troubleshooting, and quality controlRunning production lines, monitoring equipment, and ensuring product quality

The Paint Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving paint application processes, requiring technical engineering skills and process knowledge. In contrast, the Paint Manufacturing Technician handles daily production operations, equipment maintenance, and quality checks. Both roles are essential in the paint manufacturing industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paint Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paint Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, with expertise in paint application processes and quality control. Familiarity with automation systems, paint robots, PLC programming, and coating quality standards is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting process issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient, high-quality paint operations that meet safety and production standards in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Paint Process Engineers face when optimizing production lines?

Paint Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating quality, minimizing waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. They must troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, adjust parameters for new materials or products, and work closely with production and maintenance teams to implement process improvements. Balancing efficiency with quality control is key, and engineers regularly analyze data to identify trends and root causes of defects.

What does a Paint Process Engineer do?

A Paint Process Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing painting processes in manufacturing environments, particularly those involving automotive, industrial, or consumer products. They ensure high-quality paint application, improve process efficiency, and maintain compliance with safety and environmental standards. Their duties often include selecting appropriate materials, troubleshooting equipment, and working closely with other engineering teams to improve production lines. Paint Process Engineers also monitor production data to identify areas for improvement and reduce waste. This role requires a strong understanding of chemistry, engineering principles, and manufacturing technology.
What cities are hiring for Paint Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Paint Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Paint Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Paint Process Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs? For Paint Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Paint Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,849 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Paint Process Engineer

Paint Process Engineer

Mastermold LLC

Johnson Creek, WI • On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description


We’re looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about “babysitting the line” and more about building robust processes that run right the first time, every time.

You’ll define standards, dial in parameters, reduce defects, and lead continuous improvement so production, quality, and maintenance have a repeatable, capable process to work with.


What You’ll Do

Process Engineering & Standardization

  • Develop, document, and maintain paint process standards (parameters, recipes, and work instructions) for existing and new products.

  • Define and optimize: gun settings, atomizing air, film build targets, flash/bake times, oven profiles, line speeds, and booth balance.

  • Build and maintain control plans, standardized work, and process check sheets for paint operations.

  • Use data (SPC, Pareto, capability studies) to identify variation and tighten up the process.

Defect Reduction & Root Cause Analysis

  • Lead structured problem-solving for paint defects (runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, fisheyes, adhesion issues, color shifts, etc.).

  • Perform root cause analysis using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and implement permanent corrective actions.

  • Partner with Quality to monitor scrap, rework, and first-pass yield, and drive projects to reduce defects.

Launches, Trials & Process Changes

  • Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products—from lab trials to full production.

  • Plan and run process trials and DOE to evaluate new materials, equipment, and parameter changes.

  • Support PPAPs and customer approvals by preparing data, documentation, and sample runs as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the paint process is understood, stable, and repeatable.

  • Train supervisors, leads, and operators on proper application techniques, defect recognition, and process controls.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven/booth improvements.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure paint processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

  • Support safe storage, handling, and usage of paints, solvents, and chemicals used in the process.


What You Bring

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
    OR equivalent hands-on experience in paint/coatings process engineering.

  • Direct experience with industrial painting or coating operations (automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, metal finishing, composites, etc.).

  • Strong process engineering mindset: comfortable with data, parameters, standardized work, and root cause analysis.

  • Ability to operate on the production floor, communicate with operators, and present clearly to leadership.

  • Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis for reporting and process monitoring.

Preferred

  • Experience with powder coating, liquid paint, or gel coat systems, including pretreatment and curing ovens.

  • Familiarity with DFT measurement, gloss/color measurement, adhesion testing, and cure verification.

  • Experience with robotic application equipment and/or automated paint lines.

  • Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and CI projects in a manufacturing environment.


What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunity.

  • Comprehensive benefits package ([health/dental/vision/401(k)/etc.]).

  • Paid time off and holidays.

  • Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

  • A visible impact: you’ll see your process changes show up directly as better quality, less scrap, and smoother production.