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Paint Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Staff Material and Process Engineer with our ASI Division ... plastics, paints, adhesives/sealants, etc.), manufacturing processes (machining, heat treatment ...

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Provide Materials Engineering support for Mechanical Engineering Department for * Large Unmanned ... plastics, paints, adhesives/sealants, etc.), manufacturing processes (machining, heat treatment ...

Processing Performance Leader

Torrance, CA · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

... Paint) on 1st shift. You will have daily operational responsibility including safety, quality ... OR in lieu of supervisor experience, Engineering experience in a role supporting Manufacturing such ...

Processing Performance Leader

Torrance, CA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

... Paint) on 1st shift. You will have daily operational responsibility including safety, quality ... OR in lieu of supervisor experience, Engineering experience in a role supporting Manufacturing such ...

Assists process engineers in developing advanced painting techniques required for new space applications and in reviewing and revising process documents. * Records data and prepares reports, charts ...

Assists process engineers in developing advanced painting techniques required for new space applications and in reviewing and revising process documents. * Records data and prepares reports, charts ...

Assists process engineers in developing advanced painting techniques required for new space applications and in reviewing and revising process documents. * Records data and prepares reports, charts ...

Assists process engineers in developing advanced painting techniques required for new space applications and in reviewing and revising process documents. * Records data and prepares reports, charts ...

Assists process engineers in developing advanced painting techniques required for new space applications and in reviewing and revising process documents. * Records data and prepares reports, charts ...

Staff Manufacturing Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... Surface Process Engineering * Lead major improvements in sanding, priming, painting, coating ... curing, and cosmetic finishing operations * Reduce labor content while improving surface quality ...

... Surface Process Engineering * Lead major improvements in sanding, priming, painting, coating ... curing, and cosmetic finishing operations * Reduce labor content while improving surface quality ...

Staff Manufacturing Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... Surface Process Engineering * Lead major improvements in sanding, priming, painting, coating ... curing, and cosmetic finishing operations * Reduce labor content while improving surface quality ...

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Paint Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$30

$41

$54

How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint process engineer in California is $41.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $45.29 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 job categories do people searching Paint Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs in CA? For Paint Process Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Paint Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,699 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Senior Materials Engineer, Paint and Plating

Senior Materials Engineer, Paint and Plating

Raytheon

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-03-24

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Process Development and Efficiency section of the Materials and Process Engineering Department is seeking an individual with technical expertise in Corrosion, Paint, Plating, and Metal Finishing to support all phases of product design and production for military and defense applications. The applicant should have a solid understanding in design for corrosion prevention and manufacturability, process selection and optimization, assessing supplier capability, failure analysis and report writing, developing painting procedures for different base materials and surface treatments, establishing inspection processes/criteria, training operators and inspectors, and experience in supplier manufacturing processes. A qualified candidate should have technical knowledge and experience developing, working with, and approving paint, coatings, and surface finishing for in-house (make) capabilities as well as at Supplier (buy) partners.

This position will require travel for up to 50% of the time (domestic and international).

The Senior Materials Engineer, Paint and Plating job is in Tucson, AZ and the position is onsite.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years experience.

  • Experience in painting, coatings, plating, and surface finishing (i.e. procedure development and testing, operator/inspector training, fabrication problem solving and inspection)

  • Experience in metallurgy, and/or galvanic corrosion, and/or protective corrosion coatings

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Chemical Engineering

  • Experience as a technical liaison between engineering, manufacturing, and quality organizations

  • Experience in interpreting engineering drawings, defense specifications and other technical material and then translating into practical procedural instructions.

  • Hands-on painting experience of either commercial or military hardware.

  • Working knowledge of Military and Commercial Paint and Plating, or Surface Finishing Specifications

  • Working knowledge of European (ISO) Painting and Plating Specifications

  • Must be self-motivated and possess good communication skills.

  • Desire and ability to work as a team member is essential.

  • Must be adaptable and willing to work in all project phases from design concepts through manufacturing.

  • Practical knowledge of metal processing operations and surface treatments.

  • Demonstrated problem solving skills with the ability to identify root cause and implement appropriate corrective/preventative actions in a manufacturing environment.

  • Experienced in developing finishing processes for aluminum, structural carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys.

  • Knowledge of Design of Experiments, Six Sigma and statistical techniques.

  • Experienced in auditing coating processes and working with suppliers.

  • Proven mentoring and teamwork skills.

  • Conversation skills in foreign languages are a plus.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

#LI-SM4

#LI-AP2

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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